All you need to know about fat transfer procedures for body contouring
The fat transfer procedures had been used since the first decades of the twentieth century for body contouring and reconstruction. The history of fat grafting is rather fascinating, yet quite controversial, researches regarding indications, harvesting and transplantation technique has been and still is a concern for plastic surgeons.
Body contouring is one of the most requested plastic surgery procedures today, and fat transfer is becoming the most popular method for achieving those new curves.
Dr Rozina Ali has long held that “Fat is the future" and has been using concentrated, purified fat to practice rejuvenation procedures to both face and body for over a decade. As one of the best plastic surgeons in UK and an accredited expert in the field, Dr Ali shared with us some useful insights about the surgical methods of body contouring, areas where it is usually performed, alongside the recovery process and post-surgery results of fat transfer to the body.
What is body contouring?
Body contouring, or body sculpting, can eliminate fat, shape areas of the body and tighten skin. After major weight loss, the elasticity in the skin may be depleted, leading to skin sagging away and failing to conform to your new body shape.
Body contouring can include procedures such as breasts correction, tummy tuck, and buttock enhancement. A full-body lift could be also achieved by combining all of the above for maximum results. In her aesthetic clinic in London, Miss Ali is helping her patients not only extract fat tissue in a healthy and correct manner but also use it where there is an opportunity to enhance their natural beauty.
Why is contouring through fat transfer an ideal solution?
Dr Rozina Ali has given us five good reasons why fat transfer is becoming the go-to procedure for body contouring with many patients today.
It is a minimally invasive procedure - Liposuction typically uses relatively small incisions to insert a narrow tube that gently suctions fat away.
You achieve double benefits at once - Fat transfer offers the double benefit of slimming one area of the body while enhancing another. The double treatment can provide even more dramatic effects to the overall body contour, without the need for additional surgery later on.
Skin enhancement - The most common source of stem cells is the bone marrow, which is a relatively complicated location to perform a non-invasive harvesting procedure. Adipose tissue is a natural source of stem cells, which are at the edge of modern research for tissue regeneration, thanks to easy, non-invasive harvesting. The lipo-injection procedure is the ultimate in tissue enhancement, it is the very definition of tissue upcycling. It involves transferring individual live cells (adipocytes and stem cells) to enhance the quality of your own tissues elsewhere.
Minimal scarring - Due to this procedure being minimally invasive, the risk of scarring is nearly impossible. Moreover, the stem cells found in the adipose tissue enhance local regeneration and improve vascularity, which can become particularly relevant in unstable scars already existing on your body.
Long-lasting results - Fat transfer is considered a long-lasting method of augmentation, unlike other types of injectable treatments that must be repeated periodically to maintain results. Considering that liposuction eliminates fat cells from the unwanted body areas, results are long-lasting as long as a healthy weight is maintained.
What to expect from the recovery period?
The recovery for body contouring can differ depending on the level and intensity of your procedures. The main side effects are local bruising and swelling at both the donor area and injection sites along with minor to moderate pain for a few days. However, no matter what procedure you undergo you will be back on the ward within an hour. Once the anaesthesia has fully worn off you will be able to move, eat and drink as normal.
The final result typically occurs in 9-12 months. The key to optimal recovery is the optimal surgeon. The procedure requires an educated, experienced and expert surgeon and regular follow-up. Dr Rozina Ali ensures each client receives a highly informed 360 wraparound service and guidance, to make the best-informed choices and achieve highly respected results.