If you're looking for a natural way to enhance your features, fat transfer may be the perfect solution. This cosmetic procedure uses fat from your body to improve the face, breasts, buttocks, or hands. Fat transfer provides a dual benefit: it removes fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs and adds youthful volume to the areas that need it most.
At Dr. David Bogue's practice, we provide high-quality fat transfer procedures to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. As a board-certified plastic surgeon with a reputation for artistry, he can create beautiful results.
What Is Fat Transfer?
Fat transfer, also called fat grafting, is a surgery that harvests fat from one area of the body and reinjects it into another to enhance volume, smooth contours, or rejuvenate aging features.
Common uses for fat transfer include:
- Facial Volume Restoration: Filling in hollow cheeks, under-eye areas, or deep lines and wrinkles.
- Breast Augmentation or Reconstruction: Adding volume or improving symmetry.
- Buttocks Enhancement (Brazilian Butt Lift):Â Achieving a fuller, shapelier backside.
- Hand Rejuvenation:Â Minimizing the appearance of veins or tendons and restoring volume.
Am I a Candidate for Fat Transfer?
You may be an ideal candidate for fat transfer if you:
- Have areas with excess fat, such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks.
- Want to add to your shape without using synthetic fillers or implants.
- Are in good overall health and do not smoke.
- Have realistic expectations about the results.
What to Expect During the Fat Grafting Procedure
The procedure is generally performed with local or general anesthesia and involves three main steps:
- Harvesting Fat: Fat is gently removed from donor areas using liposuction.
- Processing Fat: The harvested fat is purified to ensure it's ready for injection.
- Reinjecting Fat:Â The purified fat is carefully injected into the target areas to create contour.
Benefits of Fat Transfer
Fat transfer offers several unique benefits:
- Natural Results:Â Enhances your appearance using your fat cells.
- Dual Benefits:Â Contours areas with unwanted fat while adding volume where needed.
- Long-Lasting Effects:Â Results can last for years with proper care.
- Minimized Risk:Â Reduces the risk of allergic reactions or rejection.
Recovery After Fat Transfer
After a fat transfer procedure, you can expect some temporary swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the donor and treated areas. These effects are part of the normal healing process and typically improve within the first few weeks. Most patients return to light activities within a few days, but it is important to avoid strenuous exercise or pressure on the treated areas until cleared by Dr. Bogue.
Final results develop gradually as swelling subsides and the transferred fat settles into place. It often takes a few months to appreciate the full outcome, but you’ll see some changes early on.Â
Following Dr. Bogue’s postoperative instructions helps support smooth healing. You’ll have regular follow-up visits where he can monitor your progress.
Why Choose Dr. David Bogue for Your Fat Transfer?
Dr. David Bogue, a board-certified plastic surgeon, is known for his meticulous attention to detail and patient-focused care. A six-time Castle Connolly Top Doctor in Boca Raton, he uses advanced surgical techniques to give you customized results. His expertise, honed over years of experience, makes him a trusted leader in plastic surgery.
Dr. Bogue's practice prioritizes high-quality results, patient safety, and personalized care. He takes the time to thoroughly understand your goals during an open-ended consultation. From your first visit to every postoperative follow-up, Dr. Bogue and his team provide exceptional support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Percentage of the Transferred Fat Typically Survives Long Term?
On average, about 50–70% of the transferred fat will survive. Some of the injected fat is naturally absorbed by the body within the first few months, while the remaining fat establishes a blood supply and becomes permanent. Because of this, we may initially inject a slightly higher volume to account for expected absorption.
How Does Fat Transfer Compare to Dermal Fillers in the Face?
Fat transfer uses your own tissue for natural volume restoration, while dermal fillers rely on synthetic substances like hyaluronic acid. Fat transfer offers longer-lasting results, often years, compared to fillers that typically last 6–18 months. However, fillers can be a quicker, non-surgical option for patients who are not ready for a procedure or who want temporary changes.
Will I Need More Than One Fat Transfer Session?
In some cases, yes. Because not all of the transferred fat survives, we may recommend a second session to reach optimal fullness. Many patients are satisfied with a single procedure, but others may benefit from staged treatments.
Does Fat Transfer Change With Weight Gain or Weight Loss Over Time?
Yes. Transferred fat cells behave like other fat cells in the body, meaning they can shrink with weight loss or enlarge with weight gain. For this reason, maintaining a stable weight helps preserve your outcome.
Can I Get Fat Transfer if I Previously Had Implants or Fillers?
Fat transfer is generally safe, whether you currently have implants or have had them removed in the past. It can be used to refine areas around existing implants or create volume after implant removal.
Similarly, if you previously used dermal fillers, fat transfer is a longer-lasting alternative that can replace or build upon your earlier results. During your consultation, Dr. Bogue will review your treatment goals to determine the best approach for you.
Enhance Your Natural Beauty With Fat Transfer in Boca Raton, FL
Ready to enhance your shape through fat transfer? Dr. Bogue is eager to meet you! Contact our office today at 561-886-1000 to schedule your consultation and learn how fat transfer can help you reach your aesthetic goals.