Plastic surgery restores form and function through reconstructive procedures, cosmetic enhancements, and body contouring.
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The consultation is a comprehensive medical and aesthetic evaluation. It begins with a detailed discussion of the patient’s goals and a physical examination of both potential donor and recipient sites. The surgeon evaluates the quality of the fat, the elasticity of the skin, and the underlying skeletal structure.
This diagnostic phase determines feasibility. The surgeon must confirm that there is enough donor fat to achieve the desired result in the recipient area. They also assess whether the recipient site has the capacity to accept the graft without complications. It is a matching process of supply and demand.
Identifying the right donor site is strategic. Common areas include the lower abdomen, flanks (love handles), inner thighs, and back. The surgeon looks for areas of stubborn fat that yield the best-quality cells.
The choice of donor site also involves aesthetic contouring. Harvesting fat is essentially liposuction; therefore, the donor site will be slimmer. The surgeon plans the harvest to improve the patient’s overall silhouette, turning the extraction phase into a body contouring benefit.
The recipient site is analyzed for its vascularity and tightness. A site with loose skin and good blood flow (like the face) accepts fat differently than a tight, scarred area. The surgeon estimates the volume required to achieve the goal, factoring in the expected absorption rate.
For the face, this involves mapping the fat compartments. For the buttocks or breasts, it consists of measuring projection and symmetry. This analysis dictates the surgical plan, including the number of sessions that might be required.
Modern consultations often use 3D imaging technology (such as Vectra) to scan the patient’s body. This creates a digital avatar that the surgeon can manipulate to show the potential results of fat removal and addition.
This visualization helps bridge the gap between patient desire and surgical reality. Patients can see how reducing the waist and expanding the hips changes their overall proportion. It serves as a visual guide for the surgical plan and helps manage expectations.
A thorough medical history is taken to screen for conditions that could impair healing or graft survival. Diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and circulatory problems are key concerns. A history of bleeding disorders or clotting issues is also evaluated.
The surgeon reviews all prior surgeries, especially those in the donor or recipient areas, as scar tissue can affect fat harvest and placement. This risk stratification ensures the patient is a safe candidate for an elective surgical procedure.
Fat transfer is not a weight loss procedure. Patients must be at or near their stable, ideal weight for at least six months before surgery. Significant weight loss after surgery can cause the grafted fat to shrink, diminishing the result.
Conversely, gaining weight can cause the treated areas to become disproportionately large. Stability ensures that the results are predictable and long-lasting. The surgeon emphasizes that fat cells behave like the rest of the body’s fat, fluctuating with the patient’s weight.
Nutrition plays a vital role in graft survival. Patients are often advised to follow a high-protein, nutrient-rich diet in the weeks leading up to surgery. Adequate protein stores are essential for healing and neovascularization.
Hydration is also critical. Well-hydrated tissues respond better to the trauma of surgery. Supplements that promote healing, such as Vitamin C and Zinc, may be recommended, while those that increase bleeding risk are restricted.
Nicotine is a potent vasoconstrictor that is detrimental to fat grafting. It shuts down the tiny blood vessels that the new fat cells need to survive. Smoking significantly increases the risk of fat necrosis (graft death) and infection.
A strict zero-tolerance policy is typically enforced. Patients must stop all nicotine products (cigarettes, vapes, patches) for at least 4 to 6 weeks before and after surgery. Compliance is verified to ensure the investment in the procedure is not wasted by preventable complications.
A review of current medications is conducted. Blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and aspirin must be paused to prevent bleeding and hematoma, which can kill the fat graft.
The surgeon provides a specific schedule for stopping and restarting medications. This management is crucial for creating a “dry” surgical field where the fat can be placed precisely without being washed away by bleeding.
The surgeon educates the patient on the reality of fat transfer: not all the fat survives. Typically, 60-80% of the transferred fat remains permanently. The surgeon explains the concept of “overcorrection,” where slightly more fat is injected to account for this loss.
Patients must understand that results are not immediate due to swelling. Setting a timeline for the final result (usually 3-6 months) helps reduce anxiety during the recovery phase. Honest communication about the potential need for a second session is standard.
For facial procedures or nanofat grafting, skin preparation may be required. This can include using medical-grade skincare to optimize the skin’s health and barrier function before injection.
Antibacterial washes (such as Hibiclens) are prescribed to reduce the bacterial load on the skin before surgery. This minimizes the risk of infection, which is catastrophic for a fat graft.
Recovery logistics are finalized. Patients need to arrange for a responsible adult to drive them home and stay with them for the first 24 hours. They must also prepare their recovery space with necessary supplies.
For BBL patients, this includes obtaining a special pillow to avoid sitting on the buttocks. For facial patients, it means having plenty of ice and sleeping upright. Planning these details reduces stress and ensures compliance with post op restrictions.
The consultation assesses the patient’s mental readiness for the recovery process. Swelling and bruising can be significant, and the initial appearance may be distorted. Patients need to be emotionally prepared for the “downtime” and the gradual reveal of results.
Ensuring the patient has a support system and a positive outlook is part of the surgical preparation. It helps them navigate the recovery journey with patience and confidence.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
It depends on the procedure. For facial grafting, you only need a small amount, which almost everyone has. For a BBL or breast augmentation, you need significantly more fat. Thin patients may need to gain weight or may not be candidates for large-volume transfers.
Some surgeons recommend pausing estrogen-based birth control a few weeks before surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots (DVT), especially for longer procedures like a BBL. Your surgeon will advise you based on your specific risk profile.
Yes, bringing “wish pics” is very helpful. It gives the surgeon a clear idea of your aesthetic goals. However, the surgeon will explain what is realistically achievable based on your unique anatomy and available fat.
If you lack sufficient donor fat for your goals, the surgeon might suggest alternatives like implants or fillers, or a hybrid approach. In some cases, a weight-gain program might be discussed, but this must be done carefully.
If you are over a certain age or have underlying health conditions, your surgeon will likely require a medical clearance letter from your primary care physician to ensure you are safe to undergo anesthesia and surgery.
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