Fat Transfer / Fat Grafting

Repurpose your unwanted fat to enhance curves and restore volume with our natural fat transfer procedure.

Years of Experience
1 +
Surguries Per Year
1 +
Procedures Performed
1 +

Overview

Procedure Summary

Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is a popular cosmetic procedure that enhances various parts of the body using the patient’s own fat.

Average Cost

 $15,000

Time Duration

2 to 4 hours

Alternate Names

Fat Grafting

Fat Injection

Autologous Fat Transfer

Lipofilling

Fat Transfer Before & After

As we age, our bodies naturally lose volume. This can manifest as wrinkles, sagging skin, and a loss of definition in areas like the face, breasts, and buttocks. Traditional cosmetic procedures often involve implants or fillers, which can sometimes create an unnatural look.

These visible signs of aging can leave you feeling self-conscious and frustrated. You might long for a more youthful appearance, but the idea of foreign chemicals or drastic surgery can be off-putting.

Here at Kanata Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, we offer Fat Grafting, which is a revolutionary technique that uses your body’s potential for rejuvenation.

What is Fat Transfer or Fat Grafting?

Fat grafting, also known as fat transfer is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses the power of your own fat cells to restore volume and enhance contours where needed, in a natural and long-lasting way. The most common areas for fat transfer include the face, breasts, buttocks, and hands. 

 

Dr. Lacey performs the procedure using a specialized syringe to harvest fat from one area and then inject it back into the desired area. This procedure is often used to improve facial volume and to help fill in wrinkles and lines. It can also be used to increase the size and shape of the breasts, buttocks, and hands.

 

No long incisions are needed, and the procedure is done under sedation for minimal discomfort. Facial plastic and cosmetic surgeon Dr. James Lacey strives to provide all patients with outstanding results from their fat grafting in Ottawa.

What Are the Benefits of the Fat Transfer Procedure?

Fat transfer offers several benefits that make it a popular choice for those seeking a natural-looking refresh. Here’s why it might be perfect for you:

Natural Beauty Boost

This technique uses your own body's fat cells, so the results seamlessly blend with your existing features for a completely natural look. No one will guess you've had anything done.

Long-lasting Results

Unlike temporary fillers, fat grafts are permanent. Once they settle in, you can enjoy your enhanced contours and smoother skin for years to come.

Harmony and Balance

Dr. Lacey has a keen eye for aesthetics. He'll strategically place the fat cells to restore volume loss and create a more balanced, harmonious look for your body.

Personalized Approach

Every body is unique, and so is your treatment plan. Dr. Lacey will tailor the procedure to address your specific concerns and desired results.

Minimally Invasive

Fat grafting is a gentle procedure compared to traditional surgery. This means quicker recovery and less downtime so you can get back to your life quickly.

Minimally Invasive

Fat grafting is a gentle procedure compared to traditional surgery. This means quicker recovery and less downtime so you can get back to your life quickly.

Radiant Skin Texture

The added volume from fat transfer can also plump up your skin, smoothing out wrinkles and improving your overall texture. It's like a natural dose of youthful glow.

What Can Fat Grafting Do?

While fat transfer is great for restoring a youthful look on your face, it can do a lot more like:

  • Add definition and natural volume to your cheeks.
  • Add volume to your hips and buttocks for a more balanced and curvy silhouette.
  • Smooth out wrinkles and fill those lines under your eyes or around your mouth. 
  • Increase the size and shape of your buttocks.
  • Following breast cancer treatment, fat transfer can help reconstruct your breast and improve its shape and appearance.
  • Over time, hands can lose volume and show signs of aging. Fat transfer can help restore their youthful fullness and smooth out wrinkles.
  • If you have facial scars that bother you, fat transfer can be used to minimize their appearance.
What Can’t Fat Transfer Do?

While fat transfer removes fat from one area, fat grafting is not a weight-loss procedure. Don't expect to see a dramatic difference in the area where the fat is removed. The goal is to collect enough healthy fat cells to use for adding volume in other areas you want to improve.

What Are the Areas Commonly Treated with Fat Transfer?

Fat transfer can be used to enhance various parts of the body, including
Face: To add volume to the cheeks, under-eye areas, and lips.
Breasts: For natural breast augmentation or reconstruction.
Buttocks: To enhance the shape and size of the buttocks.
Hands: To restore volume and reduce the appearance of veins and wrinkles.

Pre-Procedure Preparation

In order to take the first step, schedule a consultation with Dr. James Lacey at Kanata Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery. This is your chance to discuss your desires, ask any questions you might have, and learn more about the procedure. 

Dr. Lacey will assess your unique facial features, anatomy and medical history to determine if you’re a good candidate. If you are, he’ll work with you to create a customized plan to achieve the natural-looking results you desire. Dr. Lacey may also recommend stopping smoking at least six weeks before the procedure to promote better healing.  

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Fat Grafting Surgery Procedure

Dr. James Lacey performs fat grafting under general anesthesia for your comfort and to offer a natural approach to your contours. He begins by gently removing unwanted fat from areas like your thighs or abdomen using a thin tube (liposuction cannula). 

This creates minimal scarring. The harvested fat is then processed to contain only healthy cells remain. Finally, Dr. Lacey strategically injects these purified fat cells into targeted areas like your lips, cheeks, or under-eye circles using a small needle. 

These tiny punctures heal well and will be barely noticeable.  It’s important to note that your body might naturally absorb a small amount of the transferred fat over the next 6-8 weeks.  To account for this, Dr. Lacey may inject slightly more fat than needed. In rare cases, a second session might be recommended to achieve optimal results.

Ideal Candidates for Fat Grafting

Facial fat grafting can be a great option for both men and women who are experiencing facial fat loss and desire a natural-looking rejuvenation. Here are some signs you might be a good candidate:

  • You want to restore volume and definition to your face without that “done” look. 
  • There needs to be enough healthy fat cells to harvest from areas like your thighs or abdomen.
  • You miss the fullness you used to have in your cheeks or temples. 
  • You understand that this is a natural procedure, and the results won’t be drastic or immediate. However, they can be long-lasting and beautiful.
  • While minimally invasive, there is a recovery process involved. You are prepared to follow Dr. Lacey’s instructions for optimal healing.
  • You do not smoke or are willing to quit before and after the procedure to ensure proper healing.

Who Should Avoid the Fat Transfer Procedure?

The following are common contraindications for fat transfer:

  • Insufficient fat stores for harvesting.
  • Active infections or untreated medical conditions.
  • Uncontrolled diabetes or blood disorders.
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • History of poor wound healing or keloid scarring.

Fat Grafting Risks and Complications

While fat transfer is a safe procedure, it’s important to be aware of some potential side effects:

Fat Transfer Care and Recovery

Recovery from a fat grafting or fat transfer procedure can vary depending on the area treated and the amount of fat that was transferred. Generally, you can expect to experience some mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort for up to several weeks after the procedure. It is important to keep the area clean and follow Dr. Lacey’s instructions for care. You should also avoid strenuous activity, direct sunlight, and extreme temperatures for several weeks. 

Setting Accurate Expectations

As we already discussed, fat transfer can be a great way to add volume and definition to different areas of your body. It’s important to remember though, that everyone’s body is unique. The final results can vary depending on factors like your skin’s elasticity, your body type, and your lifestyle.

To ensure you’re happy with your outcome, Dr. James Lacey encourages open communication during your consultation at Kanata Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery.  Be sure to discuss your goals and expectations in detail. This way, Dr. Lacey can explain what’s achievable and develop a personalized plan to help you achieve a look you love.

 

Alternate to Fat Transfer Procedure

Dermal fillers, commonly known for facial aesthetic enhancements, are also a viable alternative to fat transfer (or fat grafting) for body contouring and augmentation. They are temporary “injections” that plump up areas like your lips or cheeks. They’re made from natural or synthetic materials and offer a quick, less invasive way to achieve results. However, the effects typically wear off after a few months, and you’ll need repeat treatments to maintain your look.

 

On the other hand, fat grafting is more involved than fillers, but the results can be much longer-lasting, sometimes even permanent. Plus, you get the added benefit of body sculpting through liposuction where the fat is removed.

To decide which one is right for you, it all comes down to your goals and preferences. If you want a quick, non-invasive option and don’t mind repeat treatments, dermal fillers might be a good fit.  For a more permanent solution with natural-looking results and body sculpting benefits, fat transfer could be the better choice.

The most important thing is to have a consultation with Dr. James Lacey at Kanata Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery. He can assess your needs and discuss both options in detail, helping you choose the best approach for you.

What’s the Cost of Fat Grafting in Ottawa?

Fat transfer procedure typically starts at $5,000+. A more precise quote can vary depending on several factors, including your desired results, the areas treated, and your unique anatomy. During your consultation with Dr. James Lacey at Kanata Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, he will discuss these factors in detail and provide you with a personalized cost estimate. This way, you'll have a clear understanding of the investment before making a decision. Plus, you can visit our page on third-party financing services to learn more about your options.

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The Expertise of Dr James Lacey

At our practice, we prioritize our patients‘ needs above all else. As such, we make sure that our surgical patients have convenient access to our team at any time during their recovery to ensure that their questions and concerns are addressed promptly. Dr. James Lacey is an accomplished and board-certified facial plastic and cosmetic surgeon. He is committed to providing patients with natural-looking results that are aesthetically pleasing.

Body fat grafting can transform your body in many ways, from enhancing your buttocks to adding volume to breasts or addressing post-pregnancy changes. Schedule a consultation with Dr. James Lacey at Kanata Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery to discuss body fat grafting and see if it's right for you.