Our plastic surgery office is proud to offer Fat Grafting, one of the most advanced techniques available for the rejuvenation of and the correction of volume loss.
Fat Grafting is also called Fat Transfer because it involves transferring fat from one area of the body to another. You may also hear it referred to as Fat Injections. In all of these procedures, fat is taken from “problem areas” such as the tummy, love handles, muffin top, and thighs and placed in areas you want to improve. One of the many benefits is that the problem areas shrink, and you get an overall better physique.
Fat transferred to the face does especially well because of the great blood supply in the face. Typically, fat can be used to restore volume, much like a filler, to aging cheeks and lips to give a natural look. Dr. Koneru even uses fat to help elevate brows. One benefit that we have noticed from fat, which you do not see with fillers, is that the skin over the grafted fat is rejuvenated. Fat grafting has replaced the use of cheek implants and chin implants in many of our patients.
Fat grafting to the breasts is an advanced technique that should only be performed by a San Antonio surgeon with a great deal of Fat Grafting experience. For patients who have undergone reconstructive surgery after breast cancer, Fat Transfer is a good way to help fill contour irregularities left by mastectomy or lumpectomy. Dr. Koneru often uses injected fat to help hide rippling from implants.
When combined with a Breast Lift or Mastopexy, Fat Grafting gives extra volume and can be used to help correct any size differences between the breasts.
For patients who desire slightly larger breasts and do not want implants, Fat Transfer can help add fullness. Dr. Koneru does not perform large volume transfers to the breasts, but it is possible to graft smaller volumes in several sessions.
It is also common for women who have had problems with implants to request Fat Grafting when downsizing their implants or to help with their revisionary surgery.
Commonly referred to as a Brazilian Butt Lift, Fat Transfer is a good way to improve volume, contour, and texture of the buttocks. Unlike the breasts or face, large volumes of fat can be injected into the buttocks. Here again, it is essential that the procedure is performed by an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. There have been several media reports of death from Fat Grafting to the buttocks. Many of these unfortunate patients had surgery performed by non-plastic surgeons with big marketing budgets. The procedure should only be performed in an accredited hospital or surgery center.
Filling the top of aging hands with fat can help give a more full, youthful, appearing hand. The sun damaged skin of the hand also improves with Fat Grafting. Combined with skin rejuvenation, years of aging and sun damage can be reversed.
One of the benefits of radiation therapy is that it kills cancerous cells. Unfortunately, one of the side effects is that it can damage good cells. Fat grafting can help soften some of that damage and help heal wounds that result from radiation therapy.
The first part of the procedure involves precision liposuction with special instruments from the “problem areas” or donor sites. Dr. Koneru believes the harvest of the fat graft is a key part of the San Antonio procedure. If harvested improperly, the fat cells may be traumatized and will not have as good “take”. Dr. Koneru has conducted extensive research and perfected his technique to maximize fat survival.
After the fat has been collected, it is washed and cleaned to remove blood and oils. Some surgeons continue to centrifuge the harvested fat to help with this stage. Dr. Koneru no longer uses the centrifuge because of the trauma suffered by the fat cells spinning at high speeds. Research has shown that centrifuged fat has lower survival rates.
Injecting the fat is done using multiple syringes with small cannulas or needles. Generally speaking, the fat graft is injected in 2 mm strips using multiple passes. These smaller strips make it easier for the graft to take and help maximize the result.
The procedure is usually done as an outpatient in the Surgery Center or Hospital. Occasionally, for small areas, Fat Transfer can be accomplished in the office. Most patients choose to have General Anesthesia although IV Sedation is a possibility. After surgery, there is usually a minimal amount of pain. Patients wear compression garments to cover the areas that were suctioned. The incisions may drain for a day or two, but are very small and are placed in easily hidden areas. After about two weeks, we begin lymphatic drainage techniques to the donor areas. Most patients take a long weekend off from work unless other surgeries are combined with the grafting.
Traditional fat grafting at our San Antonio practice requires that you have enough donor fat available to harvest via liposuction. For patients who want the benefits of a fat transfer but do not have sufficient donor fat — or who prefer to avoid liposuction as part of their treatment plan — we are now proud to offer alloClae as an alternative.
AlloClae is the first structural adipose filler of its kind. Unlike synthetic dermal fillers, alloClae is a sterilized, donor-derived fat tissue that has been processed to preserve the natural three-dimensional structure of fat cells, including the extracellular matrix, collagen, and proteins that help results last. When Dr. Koneru injects alloClae subcutaneously, it delivers immediate volume while also acting as a scaffold to support your body’s own regenerative processes over time.
Significant weight loss is an incredible achievement, but it can leave behind hollowed cheeks, deflated skin, and loss of volume in areas like the hands and face. For patients in San Antonio who have lost a substantial amount of weight, fat grafting offers a way to restore that lost fullness using your own living tissue. Dr. Koneru designs each fat transfer plan around the unique contour needs of post-weight-loss patients, addressing volume deficits while complementing any body contouring procedures you may also be considering. If you have achieved your goal weight and are ready to address volume loss, we would love to help.
Whether traditional fat grafting or alloClae is the better fit for your goals, Dr. Koneru will help you find the right path at your consultation. With over 28 years of experience and a commitment to personalized care, we take the time to understand what you want and design a plan around your body and your life. We also offer convenient telemed visits for patients who prefer to start that conversation remotely. Contact Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation and learn which fat grafting approach will work best for you.
The key difference is that alloClae does not require a harvest step. There is no liposuction involved, which means a shorter procedure, no donor site recovery, and no requirement for sufficient body fat. The treatment is performed in the office, and most patients experience only mild bruising and swelling with a very quick return to normal activity.
AlloClae works well for patients who want to add volume to the buttocks, hips, or breasts, or who need to smooth contour irregularities from prior procedures. Because it is fat tissue rather than a synthetic filler, a single treatment is typically sufficient, and results are long-lasting with weight maintenance.
The best candidates for alloClae are patients who are in good health, at or near their goal weight, and not currently smoking. It is a particularly strong option for patients who do not have enough donor fat for a traditional fat transfer or who want to avoid liposuction entirely. Patients with a history of severe allergen sensitivities or active infection are not candidates and should discuss alternatives with Dr. Koneru.
Interested in Fat Grafting in San Antonio? Call (726) 227-6847 or contact online today for an Appointment and a Consultation to see if Fat Transfer is for you!
