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Fat Injection

Board Certified Plastic Surgeons Experienced Accredited Surgery Center

Understanding Fat Injection

Fat injection (sometimes called fat transfer or fat grafting) is a procedure in which fat removed from your body is used to enhance another part of the body, such as wrinkles, thin lips, or scars with skin depressions.  Fat injections can sometimes replace dermal fillers, providing youthful volume in the face, neck, or hands.

Fat can also be grafted to the breasts to mask implant rippling or to give fullness to the upper breast that is often lost after pregnancy.

Surgeons can also perform a procedure called a “SIEF” (Simultaneous Implant Exchange and Fat transfer). This is where implants are removed, and the breast is grafted with the patient’s own fat.

The surgeons at Renaissance Plastic Surgery have performed numerous fat injections for their patients with excellent results. This highly personalized procedure is based on how you wish your appearance to look after your injections. Our surgeons will be honest with you about what is possible and safe. Fat injections require experience, skill, and a sculptor’s eye to create the optimal aesthetic outcome.

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons

All of our surgeons are Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Experience Matters

We have over 60+ years of practical cosmetic and plastic surgery experience serving patients just like you!

Qualified Staff

Our expert team of medical professionals is here to help you every step of the way through your journey.

Fat Injection Gallery

Liposuction Before and After 1 - Upper Back
Liposuction Before and After 1 - Upper Back Side
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What can fat injections accomplish?

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  • Create fuller lips
  • Level out depressed scars
  • Restore lost volume in the face, neck, and hands
  • Improve sunken, sagging cheeks
  • Minimize lines, wrinkles, furrows, and creases
  • Fill areas where too much fat has been removed during a previous liposuction procedure
  • Correct depressions from trauma or previous surgery
  • Help restore a natural shape during breast reconstruction
Fat Injection Experts in Macon, GA

The Science Behind Fat Injections: How Does It Work?

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Harvesting the Fat

Before the actual procedure begins, the surgeon determines the best areas from which to harvest the fat. These are usually areas with excess adipose tissue, such as the thighs, abdomen, or flanks. After administering local anesthesia or sedation to ensure patient comfort, the surgeon uses a cannula – a thin, hollow tube – to gently extract the fat through a process resembling liposuction. This technique ensures minimal damage to the adipose cells, increasing the likelihood of successful fat grafting.

Processing and Purification

Once the fat is extracted, it’s crucial to ensure that what’s being re-injected into the body is pure and free from any contaminants. The harvested fat is processed to remove impurities like blood, oil, and any damaged fat cells. This is typically done using a centrifuge, which spins the fat at high speeds, separating the different components based on their densities. After centrifugation, the healthy, intact fat cells settle at the bottom, ready for reinjection. This purification step is crucial, as it increases the viability of the fat cells, ensuring a higher rate of cell survival when transferred to the new site.

Injection into the Target Area

Injecting the fat requires precision, skill, and an artistic eye. The surgeon uses micro-cannulas to ensure accurate placement and to minimize tissue trauma. The fat is injected in tiny amounts in a layered manner, allowing for even distribution and increased blood flow to each fat parcel. This technique not only ensures that the newly transferred fat cells receive enough nourishment but also facilitates a smooth, natural-looking result. The injection process might be repeated in multiple sessions, depending on the volume required and the desired outcome. Regular follow-ups might be necessary to assess the results and determine if additional sessions are needed.

Individual Variability

It’s important to note that the success of fat injections can vary from one individual to another. Factors such as the patient’s age, health, skin elasticity, and lifestyle choices (like smoking) can impact the fat survival rate and overall results. During the initial consultation, the surgeon evaluates all these factors to provide a realistic expectation to the patient.

What happens during the fat transfer injection procedure?

Fat transfer and fat injections take 1-3 hours, depending on the number of areas to be treated. It is usually an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia or sometimes under a local anesthetic and sedation. Even if you are not under a general anesthetic, you will feel drowsy after your treatment. So, you will need someone to drive you home and perhaps help you the next day.

During the procedure, a small cannula (needle) is used to suction fat from one area of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. The extracted fat is then injected with a specialized cannula into the areas that you wish to be treated. Our surgeons will thoroughly examine you and discuss the optimal fat removal and injection areas.

Fat Injections Hips

What can you expect after fat injections?

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Most patients experience some bruising, soreness, and swelling for a period of 2-4 weeks. You may need to wear bandages for a short time, but you can apply makeup the next day and return to work. You should avoid strenuous exercise for a few days, however.

How long do the results of fat injections last?

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors. The results are not forever, but they are generally long-lasting. The body will resorb some of the fat, so there is often a need for a few treatments in order to obtain the most desirable outcome.

Is fat injection right for you?

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There are a number of treatments available for lost volume, lines, and wrinkles. We will advise the best procedure(s) to achieve the look you want. Fat injections are advantageous because there is no chance of an allergic reaction. Other possible procedures include Botox, dermal fillers, facelift, or skin resurfacing.
Most importantly, we want to answer all of your questions so that you feel completely comfortable with us and with the procedure(s) you have chosen.

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons

All Our Providers are Board-Certified and State-Licensed Medical Professionals.

Experience Matters

All of Our Medical Providers Have Years of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Experience.

Comprehensive Care

Surgical and Non-Surgical Options. Plus an Accredited Surgery Center On-Site.

Qualified & Caring Staff

Our Staff Has Years of Experience Providing Plastic Surgery Care and is Ready to Serve You!

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At Renaissance Plastic Surgery and Renaissance Surgical Centre, we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Our team of Board Certified Plastic Surgeons, including Dr. Christopher L. McLendon, Dr. Taylor W. McLendon, Dr. Roy Powell Jr., and Dr. Paul John Syribeys, brings unparalleled expertise and compassionate care to each patient. Serving the South from our offices in Macon, Warner Robins, and Peachtree City, we specialize in a range of advanced procedures, ensuring personalized treatment that meets both the physical and emotional needs of our patients. Trust in our commitment to excellence and patient-focused care for your transformative journey with us.

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Macon

Warner Robins

Peachtree City

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