How to Maintain Your Results from Liposuction and Fat Transfer

Aging, childbirth, lifestyle fluctuations, and hormonal changes can impact how and where our bodies retain fat. Despite our best efforts to eat healthily and exercise, many of us are left with stubborn fat pockets in certain areas while losing plumpness and natural volume in others. Board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Jeffrey LaGrasso works with patients throughout Miami, FL to help meet their customized body contouring needs. Through the use of innovative liposuction and fat transfer technology at Jeffrey LaGrasso MD, patients can achieve slimmer waists and regain natural, gorgeous curves that leave them feeling younger and sexier.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction (lipo) is a minimally invasive cosmetic surgical technique used to remove unwanted fat deposits to better contour and slim the body. Dr. LaGrasso has three lipo technologies available depending on the patient’s individual needs:

• Ultrasound-assisted (UAL)

• Tumescent “super wet” or suction assisted (SAL)

• Laser-assisted (LAL)

Fat cells are typically removed from areas of the body where stubborn fat cells accumulate despite a healthy diet and exercise, including the:

• Abdomen

• Lower back

• Thighs

• Stomach

• Hips

• Buttocks

What is a fat transfer?

A fat transfer, or fat grafting, is a two-step minimally invasive surgical process. Fat cells are removed from a targeted area via lipo technology. The cells are placed in a centrifuge. Once they are ready, they are transferred back into the body into specific treatment areas to add more volume. As we get older, we tend to lose volume in certain areas of our bodies causing a hollowed, thinned, or sagging appearance. Common areas to have a fat transfer include the:

• Cheeks

• lips

• Midface

• Hands

• Breasts

• buttocks

What are the benefits of lipo with fat transfer?

There are numerous benefits associated with participating in a lipo with fat transfer procedure, including:

• A slimmer waist

• Added volume to the buttocks and breasts

• Added volume to the lips, cheeks, and midface

• Minimal scarring

• Long-lasting results

• Short recovery time

Since the patient is using their own fat, they are at less risk of experiencing an adverse reaction compared to artificial fillers or surgical implants.

Am I an ideal candidate for lipo with a fat transfer?

Individuals residing in or near Miami, FL may be viable candidates for lipo with fat transfer if they:

• Are in good health

• Have a sufficient amount of fat for a fat transfer

• Prefer lipo with fat transfer over other cosmetic procedures

• Have realistic expectations and personal goals

Dr. LaGrasso will collect your personal and medical histories to ascertain if you can safely participate in lipo or fat transfer procedures. Patients should disclose if they have a history of smoking, abnormal bleeding, and poor reactions to anesthesia.

How much fat can be removed with lipo?

Typically, plastic surgeons will remove up to ten pounds of fat during lipo to keep the patient healthy and safe. Liposuction is not designed to be a substitute weight loss plan. Many patients may opt for just the lipo or the lipo with a fat transfer, depending on their personal body contouring goals.

What does the procedure look like?

Patients can complete their lipo and fat transfer procedures at Dr. LaGrasso’s office in a private surgical room. Each target area for lipo is sanitized and numbed with local anesthesia. General anesthesia is available for patients who have larger surface areas treated. The fat cells are removed with the selected technology, and a cannula is carefully inserted under the skin. If the patient is undergoing a fat transfer, the fat cells are collected and placed in a centrifuge for purification. Once the fat cell serum is ready, it’s injected into the treatment area(s). Each lipo incision is sealed, and the fat transfer treatment areas are massaged to evenly distribute the fat. Patients may return home the same day for recovery.

Is there a recovery period after treatment?

The recovery period varies in length depending on the number and size of each area treated. Typically, patients take at least one week off to rest and heal. Swelling and bruising are typical after the procedure and usually subside within 2 – 3 weeks. Dr. LaGrasso may recommend wearing compression garments for a few weeks to aid in healing and optimize results. Scarring is usually minimal, and lipo incisions are made in locations where they can be concealed.

How to maintain results from lipo with a fat transfer

Patients can apply several tips to maintain their liposuction and fat transfer results for many years to come, including:

• Adhering to all recovery recommendations made by your plastic surgeon

• Maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet

• Maintaining a consistent body mass index (BMI)

• Exercising regularly

If, for some reason, a patient becomes pregnant after having lipo with fat transfer, they may be at risk of compromising their results. However, patients are welcome to return for additional body contouring treatments as needed.

Where to go to learn more about liposuction and fat transfer treatments

If you reside in or near Miami, FL, and would like to learn more about body contouring procedures, including liposuction and fat transfer techniques, contact Jeffrey LaGrasso, MD, and schedule a consultation today. Board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. LaGrasso will help you develop a customized body contouring plan to slim your waist and accentuate those natural, gorgeous curves.