Key Points About Fat Transfer

About The Fat Transfer Procedure

By David N. Csikai, M.D.

Fat transfer in Jacksonville at First Coast Plastic Surgery is a multi-stage procedure that requires precision and technical expertise. Each step is carefully performed to protect fat cell viability and ensure smooth, natural results.

Step 1: Pre-Procedure Planning and Marking

Every fat transfer in Jacksonville begins with detailed planning. Dr. Csikai carefully evaluates both donor and recipient areas, marking precise locations for fat removal and placement. This planning phase is essential for achieving symmetry and balanced contours.

The amount of fat needed is calculated based on the target area, desired outcome, and anticipated fat resorption. Because not all transferred fat survives, additional volume is placed strategically to compensate for natural absorption.

Step 2: Fat Harvesting (Liposuction)

Fat transfer in Jacksonville begins with gentle liposuction to harvest fat from donor areas. Common donor sites include the abdomen, waist, flanks, thighs, and hips. Small incisions are made, and a specialized cannula is used to carefully remove fat so that trauma to the fat cells is minimized.

The liposuction component of fat transfer is performed conservatively, focusing on fat quality rather than aggressive removal. Preserving the integrity of fat cells is critical for successful transfer and long-term volume retention.

Step 3: Fat Processing and Purification

Once harvested, the fat is processed to remove excess fluids, blood, and damaged cells. This purification step is a defining factor in the success of the procedure.

At First Coast Plastic Surgery, refined processing techniques are used to isolate healthy fat cells and prepare them for reinjection. Clean, purified fat increases survival rates and reduces the risk of irregularities or oil cyst formation.

Step 4: Fat Injection and Sculpting

The final step of the fat transfer procedure involves carefully reinjecting the purified fat into the target area using small cannulas. Fat is placed in tiny, layered amounts to maximize contact with surrounding tissue and encourage new blood vessel growth.

This meticulous layering technique allows the transferred fat to integrate naturally, maximizing a smooth texture, softness, and longevity. Dr. Csikai sculpts the area gradually, ensuring smooth contours and natural proportions.

Fat transfer in Jacksonville takes longer than injectable fillers because of the steps involved, but this careful approach significantly enhances long-term outcomes.

Areas Of The Body That Can Be Enhanced With Fat Transfer

Fat transfer in Jacksonville is remarkably versatile and can be used to enhance multiple areas of the face and body.

Facial Fat Transfer

Facial fat transfer is used to restore youthful volume lost due to aging. Popular areas include:

• Cheeks and midface
• Under-eye hollows
• Temples
• Nasolabial folds (Smile lines)
• Jawline and chin
• Lips

Fat transfer in Jacksonville provides softer, more natural facial rejuvenation than synthetic fillers, with results that integrate seamlessly into facial expressions.

Breast Enhancement with Fat Transfer

Fat transfer in Jacksonville can be used for modest breast enhancement, asymmetry correction, or contour refinement following breast surgery. While it does not replace traditional breast augmentation with breast implants for significant size increases, it is ideal for patients seeking subtle fullness, improved shape or symmetry.

Buttock Enhancement

Fat transfer is widely known for buttock enhancement, often referred to as a Brazilian Butt Lift. This procedure enhances volume and shape while sculpting donor areas for improved body proportions.

Hand Rejuvenation

Aging hands can benefit from fat transfer by restoring lost volume, softening wrinkles, and reducing the visibility of veins and tendons.

Body Contour Corrections

Fat transfer can be used to correct contour irregularities caused by prior surgeries, trauma, or liposuction. It can smooth depressions, improve symmetry, and refine results.

Recovery After Fat Transfer

Recovery is a crucial phase of fat transfer in Jacksonville, as the survival of transferred fat depends on proper healing and aftercare.

Immediate Post-Procedure Recovery

Following fat transfer in Jacksonville, patients typically experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in both donor and recipient areas. Compression garments may be recommended for donor sites to support healing and minimize swelling.

Pain is usually manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter medications. Most patients are able to return home the same day.

First Few Weeks After Fat Transfer

Swelling is most noticeable during the first two to three weeks after fat transfer in Jacksonville. During this time, patients should avoid pressure on treated areas, especially after facial or buttock fat transfer.

Light activity is encouraged to promote circulation, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for several weeks. Dr. Csikai provides detailed instructions tailored to each patient’s procedure.

Fat Survival and Volume Changes

Not all transferred fat survives. Typically, a portion is naturally reabsorbed by the body within the first few months. This is a normal part of fat transfer in Jacksonville and is accounted for during the procedure.

Final results gradually emerge over three to six months as swelling resolves and surviving fat stabilizes. Patients are advised to maintain a stable weight to preserve results.

Long-Term Results

Once established, surviving fat behaves like normal fat tissue. Results from fat transfer in Jacksonville can last for many years, making it a durable and natural enhancement option.