Fat Grafting

Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Antonio, TX

Fat Grafting Dr. Suresh Koneru Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery

Fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, is a procedure that extracts excess fat from the body using liposuction and injects it into another area for your desired contour. The customizable procedure is a well-tolerated and popular body contouring method that avoids synthetic implants or injectables. The areas from which fat is typically harvested are considered “donor sites,” which may include anywhere you have stubborn fat that you can never get rid of.

Dr. Suresh Koneru is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 25 years of experience changing lives with customizable body contouring procedures. His innovative techniques and decades of experience in the field will transform your body and help you look your best. Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery offers several customizable body contouring procedures.

Contact our office or call (210) 499-5900 to learn more about our fat grafting procedures that can naturally transform your figure.

About Fat Grafting and Liposuction

Fat grafting is an advanced cosmetic procedure where fat is taken from one part of your body via liposuction and injected into another. This method can restore lost volume in areas such as the face, breasts, and buttocks, resulting in a more youthful appearance. Whether you are looking to enhance facial contours, rejuvenate sagging cheeks, or undergo body contouring procedures like breast augmentation or a Brazilian Butt Lift, fat grafting provides a natural solution without relying on synthetic materials.

Liposuction

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that removes excess fatty deposits that persist despite a healthy diet and consistent exercise. Surgeons performed approximately 325,699 liposuction treatments in 2022, making it one of the top five most popular cosmetic procedures that year. (1) This stubborn fat is removed with suction using a long, thin metal tube called a cannula. For fat grafting, Dr. Koneru will remove the fat and process it before injecting it into another area of your body.

Facelift

A facelift not only smooths fine lines and wrinkles, but it can restore facial volume by incorporating a fat transfer. As you age, you may notice facial hollowing; this is a common issue that occurs with age as fat pads descend over time. (2) During a facelift procedure, Dr. Koneru will make a thin, discrete incision along your hairline to remove excess skin and reposition your skin for a more youthful look. The scars are easily concealed beneath your hairline. Dr. Koneru can also combine them with our noninvasive facial rejuvenation procedures to help you maintain long-lasting results.

Butt Augmentation

A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is a procedure that increases the size of your buttocks for a more rounded, youthful, and full look. Many individuals desire a more aesthetically pleasing buttock shape, whether due to genetics, aging, or other factors. A BBL with fat transfer allows patients to address this concern by sculpting the buttocks using their body’s own fat cells. This provides a natural alternative to buttock implants, offering patients personalized results tailored to their unique anatomy and goals.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation enhances the size of the breasts by increasing their volume for your desired look. Although breast augmentation can include implants, a fat transfer is an effective alternative for naturally enhancing breast volume. Sometimes, using implants can change the shape and feel of your breasts. With a fat transfer, your natural fat will result in a more natural look and feel. With multiple fat grafting sessions, Dr. Koneru may be able to increase your breast volume by 1-2 cup sizes. If you would like more volume, he can use breast implants in addition to a fat transfer for additional volume. Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery offers several breast enhancement procedures. Dr. Koneru can also perform a breast augmentation with a lift if you have excess skin that is causing your breasts to sag.

Benefits of Fat Grafting

The benefits of fat grafting include the following:

  • Fast recovery time
  • Permanent results
  • Natural autologous fat
  • Implant-free procedure
  • Fast, well-tolerated methods
  • Sculpt and define in one appointment
  • Customizable results
  • Easy to combine with other procedures

Candidates

If you have excess fat that you would like to remove, and you also wish to increase the volume of your breasts, buttocks, or face, you are likely a good candidate for the procedure. Dr. Koneru can use fat grafting to increase the volume of almost any area of the body, depending on the results you would like to achieve.

Ideal candidates for fat grafting should meet certain criteria:

  • Healthy Individuals: Must be in good overall health with no serious medical conditions.
  • Volume Loss: Those experiencing volume loss due to aging, weight fluctuations, or genetics.
  • Realistic Expectations: Should understand the potential outcomes and limitations of the procedure.
  • Commitment to Recovery: Ability to follow post-operative care instructions to improve results.

Dr. Koneru will discuss your body goals, expectations, and medical history to help you choose the best option.

Consultation

Fat Grafting Dr. Suresh Koneru Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery

During your consultation, Dr. Koneru will discuss your expectations and your body goals to create a treatment plan that meets your needs. If you plan to have a breast augmentation, BBL, or facial fat transfer Dr. Koneru will examine your medical history, current medications, and lifestyle to ensure he plans a procedure that is the best fit for you. Having realistic expectations is also important because you will not be able to achieve as much volume as you would be able to with breast implants. However, fat grafting provides the natural look and feel that many breast augmentation and BBL patients desire.

How to Prepare for Fat Grafting and Liposuction

Preparing for fat grafting involves several steps to ensure safety and success:

  • Medical Evaluation: Follow preoperative instructions provided by Dr. Koneru after thorough evaluations.
  • Medications: Stop taking blood thinners, NSAIDs, and supplements as instructed.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Cease nicotine use in advance of the surgery for better healing.
  • Arrange Transport: Coordinate someone to drive you home after undergoing anesthesia, as sedation will likely be required.
  • Time Off: Schedule necessary time off from work to allow for proper recovery.

By adhering closely to your pre- and post-surgical instructions, you will set yourself up for a smoother experience and better results.

Fat Grafting Procedure

First, we will place you under anesthesia, after which Dr. Koneru will make a small incision to introduce a tumescent fluid that numbs the area, prevents bleeding, and swells the fat cells. He will then make a tiny incision and insert a liposuction cannula to remove excess fat from your body. He will then process the fat and inject it into another area of your body to help you achieve the volume you desire. This purification process helps ensure that only the most viable fat cells are used for transplantation.

Fat Grafting Recovery

After a fat transfer procedure, you can expect some temporary swelling, bruising, and discomfort in both the donor and recipient areas. Dr. Koneru will provide you with specific post-operative instructions to help manage any discomfort and promote proper healing. Some general guidelines for recovery may include:

  • Wearing compression garments as directed to reduce swelling and improve skin retraction.
  • Reducing strenuous activities or heavy lifting for a few weeks following surgery.
  • Keeping the incision sites clean and dry as instructed.
  • Taking prescribed medications, such as pain relievers and antibiotics, to prevent infection and manage pain.

Cost of Fat Grafting in San Antonio

The cost of your fat grafting procedure will depend on how much fat you want to remove and the areas in which you would like to add volume. After your consultation, we will provide a quote and can discuss financing to make your procedure more accessible.

Contact our office or call (210) 499-5900 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how a fat transfer procedure at Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery can transform your body and help you meet your goals.

FAQ

How long does a fat grafting procedure take?

The duration of a fat grafting procedure varies depending on several factors, including the treatment area(s) and the extent of the procedure. On average, a fat grafting procedure typically takes a few hours to complete.

Are incisions made during a fat grafting procedure?

Yes, small incisions are made during the liposuction stage to harvest the fat cells from the donor site. These incisions are carefully placed in inconspicuous locations to minimize visible scarring. For the injection stage, very fine cannulas or needles are used, minimizing the need for additional incisions.

How soon will I see results from a fat grafting procedure?

Results from a fat grafting procedure are not immediately visible due to initial swelling. However, as the swelling subsides and the transferred fat cells settle, you will begin to notice improvements in the treated areas. The full results of the procedure become more apparent over the following weeks and months.

Will I lose fat over time after a Brazilian butt lift?

The transferred fat during Brazilian butt lift behaves like normal fat in the body and has the potential for long-term survival. However, maintaining a stable weight contributes to the longevity of the results. Significant fluctuations in weight can affect the size and shape of the augmented buttocks.

Can a facial fat transfer be combined with other procedures?

Yes, facial fat transfer can often be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures to achieve comprehensive results. Common combinations include facelifts, brow lifts, or blepharoplasty. Combining procedures allows for a more harmonious and complementary rejuvenation of the face.

Does breast fat transfer affect breastfeeding?

Breast fat transfer generally does not interfere with breastfeeding capabilities. The transferred fat cells do not affect the breasts’ ability to produce milk or interfere with normal function.

References

  1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Procedural Statistics Data Insights Partners: 2022 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release.; 2023.https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2022/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2022.pdf
  2. Swift A, Liew S, Weinkle S, Garcia JK, Silberberg MB. The Facial Aging Process From the “Inside Out.” Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2020;41(10). doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjaa339
  3. Boswell CB. Body Contouring Following Massive Weight Loss. Missouri Medicine. 2010;107(3):189-194. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6188338/