Like weight gain and loss, which are common experiences, having excess fat in specific body areas can be more favorable for some. Although uneven fat distribution does not diminish your natural facial and bodily beauty, there's an opportunity to sculpt your appearance. Through a fat transfer treatment at Impressions Face + Body, you can efficiently relocate fat from one area to another, aligning your body's contours with your personal aesthetic preferences.
Fat Transfer in Chicago
Combining artistry with cutting edge techniques is the norm at Impressions Face + Body. With our talented and personable team of experienced specialists led by renowned surgeons at the top of their game, we help you achieve flawless results while letting your unique beauty shine through with all our procedures—including fat transfer. While we embrace body positivity, we understand that transferring fat from one place to another can transform your self-confidence—and we want to be a part of that.
What Is Fat Transfer?
A fat transfer is the process of removing fat through liposuction from one body area to another. This comes in many different ways, but a popular example is when fat is taken from the stomach and re-injected into a different area of the body, like the butt. This fat transfer will enhance your appearance by adding volume to the areas you want to target for a beautiful contour to combat the signs of aging.
This innovative and advanced surgical procedure utilizes excess fatty tissue from one area of the body and is refined and purified. Once done, it is then injected into the area that you want to improve. Other common names for this procedure are fat injections and fat grafting. The process requires no incisions at the target site and produces natural results! No one will ever know that you had the procedure done.
Chicago’s Trusted Fat Transfer Surgeons
Impressions Face + Body is the leading cosmetic medicine destination in Chicago, with dedicated and experienced specialists led by esteemed board-certified surgeons, such as Dr. Steven Dayan and Dr. Caughlin.
Dr. Steven Dayan
As the leading facial plastic surgeon in Chicago, Dr. Steven Dayan is the jack of all trades—and master of all. From publishing 6 books and over 175 articles in medical journals, he has accumulated a wealth of knowledge that he has passed on to the team of specialists that he leads.
With over 23 years of hands-on experience in the field, Dr. Dayan lets his numerous accolades speak for themselves while still being personable, warm, and empathetic. With Dr. Dayan and the team at Impressions Face + Body, you’ll be placed as the top priority, with the utmost care and respect given at every stage.
Dr. Ben Caughlin
Dr. Benjamin Caughlin has masterfully redefined the contours of cosmetic excellence with his signature Cheekago™ and The Face BBL™ procedures. Embracing the bold mantra, "Not Your Mom's Plastic Surgeon," he infuses the field with an innovative, audacious spirit that's unmistakably his own.
Earning international acclaim, Dr. Caughlin's surgical artistry has been highlighted as a beacon of innovation in esteemed medical journals, celebrated as a "surgical pearl" within Facial Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine. His profound expertise in reshaping the buccal fat pad and chiseling the jawline draws clients from across the globe, seeking the transformative effects of his trailblazing techniques.
What To Expect for Your Fat Transfer Procedure
Whether it’s your first time undergoing a cosmetic procedure, or you’ve previously benefited from the services Impressions Face + Body provide, we pour our undivided attention towards addressing your needs and questions at every stage—from the first consultation to post-recovery.
Your Fat Transfer Consultation
Your health is paramount to us, so undergoing an initial consultation is crucial. One of the best advantages of this procedure is that it contours 2 areas. The therapy takes away unwanted fat from one area to add definition to another. Therefore, it can be taken from many different areas. During your primary consultation with Dr. Dayan, he will examine the areas that you desire to be treated to see if it is a good and safe option for your unique condition. Areas include:
- Love handles
- Lower abdomen
- Stomach
- Hips
- Upper back
- Arms
- Thighs
- Calves
How To Prepare for Your Fat Transfer
During Your Fat Transfer Procedure
At Impressions Face + Body, we perform innovative and cutting-edge fat transfer, with minimal intrusions. We’ll take excess fat from specific areas on your body, refine and purify it, and then inject it into other areas to suit your preference. Because we do it carefully, this results in beautifully natural results with minimal scarring. The excess fat that is taken from one area of the body can be situated in just about any location where more volume is desired. Popular injection sites that we have seen at our clinic include:
- Breasts
- Around the mouth
- Lips
- Buttocks
- Cheek Bones
What Should You Expect from the Process?
A treatment session begins with harvesting the fat through liposuction and ends with an injection of the fat into the desired areas. The details, cost, and length of the treatment will depend on its complexity and the areas being treated.
Your Treatment Session Will Have Several Stages
During your treatment, you will have your fat harvested from a specific spot on your body. Dr. Steven Dayan removes the fat and then cleanses it before injecting it back into its new spot.
Your Doctor May "Over-Inject" Your Desired Area
Because the body will reabsorb much of the fat used in the process, it is common for doctors to over-inject, that is to say, they will add more fat than may be wanted in the long run. Roughly half of this fat will typically be absorbed by your body, however, so it will ultimately settle. In most cases, patients don't mind this, as they are losing fat from another area they wish to reduce. Fat that is not used is often frozen and stored; a process called fat banking.
You May Choose to Combine Treatments
Because fat transfer starts with a liposuction, it pairs naturally with many other common treatments. Some patients choose to get multiple treatments at the same time, such as a tummy tuck and fat grafting. By doing these treatments in conjunction, you can potentially save time and also money, depending on the specifics.
Fat Transfer Aftercare & Recovery Timeline
Most body contouring procedures, including fat grafting, typically require up to a year for complete healing and final results. However, fat transfer shows significant changes within weeks. Initially, expect bruising and swelling, which will gradually subside, leading to full improvement over the following weeks and months.
After the procedure, you'll be briefly monitored before returning home to begin recovery. It's advisable to have someone with you for the first few days post-surgery. Typically, a 1 to 2-week work break is recommended, along with avoiding exercise and heavy lifting. You'll need to wear compression garments for 4-6 weeks. Recovery time varies per individual, so it's crucial to adhere to Dr. Dayan's specific post-op instructions to prevent complications.
Am I a Good Candidate for Fat Transfer?
Do you want to get rid of fat in one area of your body and at the same time add volume to another? Then, you are an ideal candidate for fat grafting. This procedure is available for both men and women, and the age ranges from 18-70 years old. Generally, candidates are:
- In good overall health
- Do not smoke or drink in excess
- Have realistic expectations
- Can take time away from work for recovery
Why Do People Get Fat Transfers?
There are many reasons people choose to pursue this treatment, which is also known as "fat grafting." Your own reasons are as unique as you are. A fat graft can be the answer to many issues brought on by aging, aesthetics, or perhaps a lack of success with other treatments.
They Have Always Wanted a Different Shape
We all have deposits of fat cells on our bodies. Unfortunately, it's rare that we are naturally blessed with the distribution that we'd prefer when it comes to our appearance. Genetics can play a huge role in determining this, but that doesn't mean that you have to accept the current status quo.
They Have Noticed a Recent Change Due to Aging
Many people also discover that as they age, the amount of volume they have in some regions begins to shrink. This is frequently most visible around the face, buttocks, and breast. At the same time, some other areas can wind up, retaining “stubborn” fat that's difficult to get rid of, and especially around the stomach or thighs.
They Have Not Had Success With Other Methods
When it comes to getting rid of fat, some people try to diet or exercise, but not everyone sees the same results with these methods. In addition, if you want to add volume in some part of your body, this approach won't necessarily help. Some patients try adding volume to the face, chest, or buttocks through the use of collagen or dermal fillers but are unable to achieve their desired results.
Any of these can lead to frustration with one's appearance, and even a loss of confidence, but with fat grafts, you have another option. With this exciting treatment, you can finally choose where your fat goes, enabling you to achieve the shape and contour of your dreams.
Fat Transfer Benefits
Fat transfer, a revolutionary body contouring technique, offers a myriad of benefits that go beyond mere aesthetic enhancements. This procedure not only elevates confidence and self-esteem but also plays a significant role in reducing the appearance of cellulite, thus improving skin texture and tone. By rejuvenating your body, it smoothes and refines your curves, lending a more youthful and contoured look.
One of the standout advantages of fat transfer is its ability to yield long-lasting results that maintain a natural appearance. Unlike other procedures that may result in an artificial or 'done' look, fat transfer harmonizes with your body's natural contours, offering subtle yet impactful changes.
Additionally, this technique stands out for its versatility. It allows for the simultaneous improvement of various areas of your body in a single procedure. This aspect is not only cost-effective but also reduces overall recovery time compared to having multiple separate procedures.
Fat Grafts Don't Cause Allergic Reactions
When a typical fat graft is performed, the doctor uses liposuction to harvest fat from the patient's thighs, stomach, or elsewhere on the body. This fat is then transferred to the patient's face or buttocks. Because the only “ingredient” in the process is your own fat, you never have to worry about an allergy spoiling the treatment.
Fat Grafts Can Work When Collagen Fails
Collagen treatments work amazingly well for some people, but for others, their body doesn't react the way they might hope. Sometimes patients have an allergic reaction to bovine collagen, and in these cases, they need another option. Fat grafts can be a great alternative when collagen injection fails.
Fat Grafts Avoid Synthetic Materials
Many people want to tone and sculpt their look, but artificial treatments aren't for everyone. It might be because of an allergy to synthetics or simply because you object to the idea of implants. Whatever the case, fat grafts are completely reliant on elements that already exist in your own body. No artificial additives are required.
Fat Transfer Risks
Fat grafts have very few risks, and most patients are extremely happy with their results. Dr. Steven Dayan and the rest of our team all place the highest priority on the health and safety of our patients. We are always ready to go the extra mile to make sure you are comfortable and well-informed about your treatments.
In addition to the straightforward desire for more volume, fat grafts can assist with multiple specialized challenges. Some of these include depressions in the skin from scars or the results of a previously unsuccessful liposuction surgery. Hollow cheeks also popular issues that patients like to see corrected.
Fat grafts can also succeed where dermal fillers have failed. Very small, targeted amounts of fat can be injected into frown lines, thin lips, or other folds on the face. In many of these cases, patients have tried to address their issues previously with dermal fillers, but not everyone reacts to dermal fillers successfully. Fat transfers can often add volume and smooth out the problem areas instead.
Fat Transfer FAQs
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How much does a fat transfer cost in Chicago?
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How painful is a fat transfer?
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How long do fat transfer results last?
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Does Fat Transfer Cause Scarring?
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Is fat transfer covered by insurance?
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Will it be possible for me to drive myself home after the fat transfer procedure?
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Are there any limitations to what fat transfer procedures can achieve?
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Are Fat Grafts Safe?
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What Problems Do Fat Grafts Correct?
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Can It Be an Alternative to Dermal Fillers?