Fat Grafting

Harness the transformative potential of autologous fat grafting, a revolutionary procedure offering natural enhancement and rejuvenation.

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Invest in Your Beauty with Effortless, Organic Enhancement

As we age, our bodies are constantly evolving and changing. Sometimes, our biggest insecurities are subtle. If you feel self-conscious about areas of volume loss, asymmetry, or aging signs but desire a more natural solution than standard cosmetic fillers, our team is here to support you. At Higdon Plastic Surgery in Franklin, TN, we offer autologous fat grafting as an innovative solution to restore youthful contours and revitalize your overall aesthetic. With our expertise in advanced cosmetic procedures, including fat grafting, we provide personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique goals, ensuring a transformative experience that leaves you feeling empowered and confident in your appearance.

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What Is Fat Grafting?

Fat grafting, also known as autologous fat grafting or fat transfer, is a cosmetic procedure designed to enhance and rejuvenate various body areas by utilizing a patient's fat tissue. The process involves harvesting excess fat from one body area through liposuction, purifying it, and then strategically injecting it into areas that lack volume or require contouring. This technique offers a natural and long-lasting solution for augmenting areas such as the face, breasts, chest, shoulders, arms, hands, or other regions where volume loss or asymmetry is present. Fat grafting provides aesthetic benefits by restoring youthful contours and proportions and offers the advantage of using the patient's own tissue, minimizing the risk of rejection or adverse reactions.

The Benefits of Fat Grafting

Fat grafting, or autologous fat grafting by Dr. Kye Higdon offers numerous benefits for individuals seeking natural enhancement and rejuvenation. Explore the benefits of this procedure below:

Natural Results

Utilizing your fat tissue ensures natural-looking results with a reduced risk of rejection or adverse reactions.

Versatility

Fat transfer can be applied to various body areas, including the face, breasts, chest, shoulders, hands, arms, and more, addressing multiple aesthetic concerns in one procedure.

Long-Lasting

Transferred fat cells can integrate with surrounding tissue, enhancing and contouring lasting volume.

Minimal Downtime

Compared to more invasive procedures, body banking typically involves minimal downtime and discomfort, allowing for a quicker return to daily activities.

Dual Benefit

By removing excess fat from donor sites through liposuction, patients can achieve both slimming and sculpting effects, enhancing overall body proportions.

Boosted Confidence

Individuals often experience a significant boost in self-image thanks to body banking in Nashville & Franklin, TN with our team. Addressing areas of concern and achieving desired aesthetic goals leads to a more fulfilling and satisfying lifestyle.

Is Fat Grafting Right for Me?

Fat grafting is ideal for those seeking natural enhancement and rejuvenation without synthetic implants or fillers. This procedure best suits patients looking to address volume loss, contour irregularities, or asymmetry in various body areas, including the face, breasts, chest, arms, shoulders, and hands. Candidates for fat grafting may experience frustration with signs of aging, such as facial hollowing, loss of breast volume, desire to remove implants and replace that volume with their own natural tissue, or breast asymmetry, and desire a more youthful and harmonious appearance.

Some patients want to have more volume and definition of their pectoral areas, deltoids, or even biceps, and may want to consider fat grafting to enhance their physique in these areas. If you're considering fat grafting, it's essential to consult with Higdon Plastic Surgery in Franklin, TN. We also welcome patients from Brentwood, Cool Springs, and Nashville, TN. During your consultation, Dr. Kye Higdon will assess your medical history and anatomical considerations, discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals, and determine if fat grafting is the right solution for achieving your desired outcomes. This comprehensive evaluation allows Dr. Higdon to curate a specialized plan based on your needs.

What to Expect The Fat Grafting Procedure

Fat grafting, also known as autologous fat transfer, involves harvesting excess fat from one area of the body through liposuction and then strategically injecting it into another area that requires volume enhancement or contouring. The procedure begins with the administration of local anesthesia to the donor site, typically areas like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, where fat deposits are readily accessible. Once the anesthesia takes effect, small incisions are made, and a thin cannula is inserted to suction out the excess fat gently. The harvested fat is processed and purified to remove impurities or excess fluids. Next, the purified fat is carefully injected into the targeted areas using specialized techniques to achieve the desired volume and contour. The entire procedure duration can vary depending on the extent of fat transfer required and typically ranges from one to several hours. Fat grafting utilizes your body's natural ability to accept and integrate the transferred fat cells, resulting in long-lasting and natural-looking results. Additionally, using your own fat tissue minimizes the risk of allergic reactions or rejection, leading to a safer and more sustainable approach to body contouring and enhancement.

Hip Dips Fat Grafting

Fat grafting for hip dips is a specialized procedure designed to smooth indentations along the outer hips, creating a more balanced and curvaceous silhouette. As a procedure within Dr. Higdon’s body contouring practice, this technique uses your body’s own fat, harvested from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, to naturally enhance hip volume and contour.

Dr. Higdon will determine if hip dip fat grafting is a suitable option during your consultation, evaluating your goals, fat availability, and overall body shape. This approach is ideal for patients seeking subtle, long-lasting results without the use of implants or synthetic fillers.

Why patients choose fat grafting for hip dips:

Targets indentations for a smoother silhouette
Uses liposuctioned fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs
Natural, long-lasting contour enhancement

AlloeClae for Enhanced Contouring

AlloeClae is a biologically derived tissue matrix used to improve fat grafting outcomes by supporting better volume retention and smoother contouring. When paired with hip dip fat grafting, it helps reinforce the treated area, enhancing shape, symmetry, and long-term results. This advanced option adds structure where soft tissue alone may not be sufficient. Benefits of incorporating AlloeClae into fat grafting include:

Supports long-term fat retention and volume stability
Enhances shaping in delicate or irregular areas
Encourages smooth, symmetrical results
Ideal for patients with thin soft tissue or previous contour issues

Fat Grafting Recovery

Following fat grafting, you can expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort at both the donor and recipient sites. However, these symptoms should subside within a few days to weeks. We usually advise patients to take it easy for the first few days after the procedure and avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks to allow the body to heal properly. Compression garments may need to be worn to help minimize swelling and support the newly transferred fat. While initial results may be visible immediately after the procedure, the final outcome will appear as the swelling gradually subsides and the transferred fat settles into its new location. Dr. Higdon uses advanced prescribing methods that he helped develop, with a multi-modal analgesia approach that minimizes the need for narcotic prescriptions for his patients after surgery. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor progress and ensure optimal healing. It's essential to closely follow our postoperative instructions to achieve the best possible results and minimize complications.

Why Choose Higdon Plastic Surgery?

At Higdon Plastic Surgery, in Franklin, TN, we understand the emotions that accompany the consideration of cosmetic procedures like fat grafting. Dr. Higdon and his team bring over 14 years of exceptional experience, advanced training, and a commitment to research and education to ensure the best possible outcomes for every patient. With a holistic approach to patient care, we understand how improving aesthetics can boost overall well-being. Our outstanding patient satisfaction is a testament to our dedication to compassionate care and remarkable results. If you're ready to take the next step towards achieving your aesthetic goals, schedule a consultation with Higdon Plastic Surgery today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is body banking and fat grafting?

Body banking and fat grafting is a cosmetic procedure where excess fat is harvested from areas like the abdomen or thighs and strategically injected into areas needing volume enhancement, such as the buttocks, chest, or face. This technique sculpts the body while enhancing specific features naturally.

What areas can be treated with fat grafting?

Fat grafting can enhance areas such as the buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift), breasts, face (for volume restoration), and hands. It can also correct contour irregularities or asymmetries in the body, providing a more youthful and sculpted appearance.

How long do the results of fat grafting last?

The results of fat grafting can be long-lasting, but not all transferred fat survives. Typically, around 60-80% of the grafted fat remains permanently. The final results stabilize after 3 to 6 months, and maintaining a stable weight can help preserve the outcome.

Is fat grafting safe, and what are the risks?

Fat grafting is generally safe when performed by a qualified surgeon. Risks include swelling, bruising, asymmetry, fat reabsorption, and rare complications like infection or fat necrosis. Choosing an experienced surgeon minimizes these risks and improves the likelihood of successful results.

Who is a good candidate for body banking and fat grafting?

Good candidates are individuals with adequate fat deposits for harvesting, who desire natural enhancement in specific areas. They should be in good health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations. A consultation can determine if fat grafting is the best option for their goals.