Fat grafting, fat transfer, autologous fat transplantation are terms that refer to using your fat to refresh and restore areas of the body that have “deflated” as part of the aging process. Dr. Churukian performs this procedure in his Los Gatos surgery center and his San Jose office under local, sedation, or general anesthesia.
Modern Facial Rejuvenation
Why fat grafting is a better way to help the aging face
As you age, your face loses volume and literally “deflates”. Dr. Churukian uses fat grafting to restore the natural fullness and restore a refreshed and more youthful appearance to the face. Dr. Churukian performs the procedure in his Los Gatos surgery center both alone and as part of a facelift or mini-facelift.
The “LOLIPOP” procedure
Fat transfer to small areas of the face in our San Jose office under local anesthesia may be a better option for some patients. The “LOLIPOP” (Local-anesthesia Office-based LIPOsuction/fat transfer Procedure) was developed by Dr. Churukian to offer small volume fat grafting for isolated areas such as the lips, cheeks, temporal hollows, or nose.
Natural Breast Augmentation
Another option to enhance the breast is a natural breast augmentation using your fat cells. Dr. Churukian extracts the fat using a specialized liposuction technique that minimizes injury to the fat. The fat is then processed and reinjected into the breast to provide a smaller, but still significant enhancement for those who do not desire standard breast augmentation.
Brazilian Butt Lift
The South American-inspired buttock enhancement is a popular option when removing large volumes of fat from the flanks and legs. Large amounts of fat are carefully extracted and processed to ensure the best outcome. Dr. Churukian fills and contours the buttock to balance your shape and improve your appearance. Dr. Churukian performs this procedure in his Los Gatos surgery center.
Fat Grafting Procedure and Transplantation
How we do it
Dr. Churukian performs fat grafting to the face and body using a pressure-controlled liposuction harvesting system to preserve the health of the individual fat cells. The fat is then washed and spun in a commercial grade centrifuge to concentrate the healthy fat cells and remove impurities. In some cases, we combine the fat with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) obtained during the procedure. PRP is felt to improve the success of fat grafting in select patient populations.
Fat grafting and liposuction – the perfect marriage
In most instances, Dr. Churukian removes a substantial amount of excess fat as part of a body contouring procedure. Instead of discarding the fat, it is often used to enhance the face, breast, or buttock. We love to recycle!
Often, excess fat is stored in a fat cryopreservation facility that preserves the fat and the rich supply of stem cells that are within the fat for use months or years later. Dr. Churukian can then re-inject the fat as a separate procedure under local anesthesia either in his Los Gatos Surgery Center or his San Jose office.
What to expect after fat grafting surgery
Mild pain in the fat grafted areas for a day or less is expected following your surgery. Mild swelling and some bruising can occur in the fat grafted areas. Most bruising will resolve in 7-10 days. Results with fat grafting are best at 6-9 months following the integration of the fat into the local tissue.
As a bonus, there is the “stem cell effect” from fat grafting. The quality and texture of the skin may show improvement as a byproduct of the fat grafts. Remember, individual results may vary!
The Benefits Of Fat Grafting For Natural Enhancement
Fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, is an increasingly popular procedure for those seeking natural enhancement or restoration of facial and body contours. This technique involves harvesting fat from one part of the body, typically areas with excess fat like the abdomen or thighs, and transferring it to another area where more volume is desired. Finding a skilled Los Gatos fat grafting doctor can help ensure that the procedure is performed safely and effectively, providing long-lasting and natural-looking results.
Fat grafting offers several advantages over synthetic fillers and implants. Since the procedure uses your own fat cells, the risk of allergic reactions or rejection is significantly reduced. Additionally, the results of fat grafting can be more natural in appearance and feel, as the transferred fat integrates with the surrounding tissues. This makes it an excellent option for those looking to enhance facial features, such as the cheeks or lips, or to restore volume lost due to aging.
How Fat Grafting Works
The fat grafting process begins with the careful extraction of fat from areas where it is unwanted. This is done through a gentle liposuction technique that preserves the integrity of the fat cells. Once the fat is harvested, it is purified to remove any impurities, ensuring that only healthy, viable fat cells are used in the transfer. The purified fat is then meticulously injected into the target areas, where it helps to add volume, smooth out wrinkles, or enhance specific facial features.
A key benefit of fat grafting is its dual advantage of body contouring and facial enhancement. By removing fat from areas where it is abundant, such as the thighs or abdomen, patients can achieve a slimmer profile while also rejuvenating their facial appearance. This makes fat grafting a particularly appealing option for those who want to address multiple aesthetic concerns in one procedure.
In the city of Los Gatos, a fat grafting doctor with experience in this technique, like Dr. Kirk A. Churukian, can provide the precision and care needed to achieve optimal results. The success of the procedure depends not only on the careful handling of the fat cells but also on the doctor’s ability to strategically place the fat in a way that enhances the natural contours of the face or body.
What To Expect During Recovery
Recovery from fat grafting is typically straightforward, though it does require some patience as the body heals. Patients can expect some swelling and bruising in both the donor and recipient areas, which usually subsides within a few weeks. The final results of the procedure become more apparent as the swelling decreases and the transferred fat settles into its new location.
It’s important to note that while some of the transferred fat may be absorbed by the body during the healing process, a significant portion of the fat will remain, providing lasting enhancement. For best results, it’s crucial to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your doctor, which may include avoiding strenuous activities and following a healthy lifestyle to maintain the new contours.
Moving Forward With Fat Grafting
If you’re considering fat grafting as a way to enhance your appearance, it’s essential to choose a qualified and experienced doctor. Finding the right Los Gatos fat grafting doctor can make all the difference in achieving the natural and long-lasting results you desire.
Dr. Kirk A. Churukian is a well-respected practitioner in Los Gatos who has helped many patients achieve their aesthetic goals through fat grafting. If you’re interested in learning more about how this procedure can benefit you, consider scheduling a consultation to discuss your options. A personalized approach to fat grafting can help you achieve the enhancement you’re looking for, with results that feel and look natural.