Fat Transfer/ Fat Grafting
Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, GA
Are you unhappy with the proportions of your face, the loss of fullness in your cheeks, and wish to add youthful plumpness to areas that are lacking in volume? Fat transfer/fat grafting may be the procedure for you! This treatment uses your own fat to achieve more contour of the face where needed, creating a rejuvenated and youthful appearance. Your own fat also contains stem cells and growth factors that further help to get that rejuvenated glow through added volume and skin improvement. As a double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Thomas Walker has extensive experience performing fat transfers and understands that each client is unique with a different set of goals. He will take the time to get to know you and your personal wishes to create an individual treatment plan just for you.
What Is Fat Grafting?
Fat transfer/grafting is a cosmetic procedure that uses your own fat harvested via liposuction elsewhere in your body (usually the outer thighs or abdomen) to add youthful plumpness to various areas of your face. Because your own fat is used during this procedure, you won’t have to worry about allergic reactions to fillers. Results are also natural, long-lasting, and safe. The advantage of fat grafting over fillers is that results with fat grafting last much longer (often permanent), and much more fat is available than for filler treatments, especially for a given cost. Clients who need a lot of facial volumization are much better off with a fat transfer than with facial fillers.
What Are the Benefits of Fat Grafting?
Performed with precision, expertise, and artistry by Dr. Walker in Atlanta, GA, fat grafting sessions offer the following key benefits:
- Little to no risk of allergic reaction
- Enhances youthful, supple volume
- Rewinds the clock on aging
- Creates a more youthful, inviting appearance
- Minimally invasive
- Heightens self-confidence
- Can be permanent, depending on tissue integration
Who Are the Best Candidates For Fat Grafting?
Men and women who wish to improve their facial contour or correct a sunken appearance can benefit from fat transfer/fat grafting. Ideal candidates are healthy, do not have any circulation problems, are non-smokers, and have enough excess fat to extract via liposuction from the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. Most clients have plenty of fat that can be obtained, even those who have an ideal body weight. A consultation with Dr. Walker is necessary to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure.
What’s the First Step?
To get started on achieving a more youthful appearance with fat grafting in Atlanta, you will meet with Dr. Walker and his knowledgeable team for an initial consultation. This first visit is dedicated to answering your questions, listening to your concerns, and completing a detailed medical and physical review. Dr. Walker will discuss the procedure’s risks, downtime, costs, and expected results with you to make sure your expectations are realistic and that you are fully prepared for the procedure. Once Dr. Walker has cleared you to proceed, we will book your appointment and provide preparation instructions to help you enjoy a seamless treatment journey.
What to Expect on the Day of Fat Grafting Surgery
This procedure is performed under local anesthesia, twilight sleep, or general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, depending on the size of the treatment area. There are three main steps to the fat transfer/fat grafting process.
First, fat must be extracted from the donor site using liposuction. Manual methods of liposuction are often used with thin cannulas. The fat is typically harvested from either the abdomen, flanks, or thighs.
Then, the fat is carefully processed. This separates the fat cells from extra fluid, dead fat cells, and other debris.
Next, the purified fat is injected into the treatment area of your face. The amount of fat reinjected will vary depending on the treatment area and desired outcome. Unfortunately, the percentage of grafted fat that survives is somewhat unpredictable. However, with the advanced and gentle techniques that Dr. Walker uses, the vast majority of grafted fat should survive, 100% in some patients. Therefore, it is not advisable to graft more fat than needed in anticipation that some fat may not take, as those patients would have been over-grafted, had they had a 100% take-rate.
Fat Grafting Recovery
You may experience some bruising and swelling in both the donor and recipient areas following fat transfer/grafting. Cold compresses can help to minimize swelling, which will gradually subside with time. Avoid icing the grafted area as the fat will not survive! After about 10 days, clients usually feel comfortable resuming everyday activities. Bruising may take longer to dissipate, but it can easily be hidden with makeup, although the bruising typically subsides within two weeks. You will return to the office for a follow-up appointment one week after your procedure to ensure you are healing well. Final results can be seen after about three months and should be semi-permanent.
How Much Does Fat Grafting Cost in Atlanta, GA?
The cost of fat grafting in Atlanta varies depending on the areas addressed, the extent of volume loss present, and whether treatment is paired with other cosmetic solutions. The best way to receive a personalized price quote is to complete your private consultation with Dr. Walker in Georgia.
Why Choose Dr. Walker?
Thomas J. Walker, MD, FACS, is a double-board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon who has a reputation for safety, excellence, consistency, and integrity. He is dedicated to providing nuanced, elegant results and treatment plans that reflect each patient’s unique aesthetic sensibilities and comfort levels. Dr. Walker relies on today’s most advanced technologies and techniques to help minimize discomfort, risks, and recovery time.
Dr. Walker’s career began with a competitive five-year residency in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery accredited by the ABMS (American Board of Medical Specialties) at the University of Miami. During his final year, he was selected as Chief Resident. Dr. Walker then pursued an elite, one-year fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery accredited by the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) at the University of Illinois – Chicago. He served as a clinical instructor in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Illinois – Chicago, providing insight and training for the next generation of ENT residents at UIC.
Dr. Walker is an active member of the following:
Schedule Your
Consultation
Fat transfer is a wonderful way to enhance your natural beauty and boost your confidence. If you’d like to learn more about how this procedure can work for you, contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Walker in Atlanta, GA. We’re excited to help you explore the possibilities and take the next step on your journey to feeling your best.
WalkerMD Facial Plastic Surgery is conveniently located 10 minutes from Buckhead, 12 minutes from Brookhaven, 20 minutes from downtown Atlanta, and 30 minutes from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport – the world’s busiest airport by passenger count.
Fat Transfer/ Fat Grafting FAQ’S
Schedule a Consultation
To discuss your facial plastic surgery options with Dr. Walker, please schedule a consultation. For your comfort and safety, if you are unable to meet in out Atlanta office, we are currently offering secure telehealth appointments.