Fat Graft + Stem cell

Some women don’t always like the size, shape, and overall appearance of certain noticeable parts of their bodies. In most cases, it includes the face, breast, and buttocks. As a result, they opt for various treatment or enhancement approaches, including implants, to modify such areas. In contrast, implants can be used for this purpose; however, not all women like the idea. Besides, they don’t always give the results they desire. 

Fat graft + stem cell can thus be the best alternative to consider. It’s also referred to as the fat transfer or autologous fat transfer procedure. It’s an effective way of increasing volume in a certain part of the body that one feels requires changes. The procedure is achievable using a person’s own fat to increase fat volume in another part of the body. 

What is Fat Graft and Stem Cell Procedure?

Fat graft and stem cell refer to the process of modifying and enhancing a certain body part using the patient’s fat cells. The procedure involves extracting or harvesting the fat using a liposuction cannula. The extracted fat will then be prepared for placement into the target part of the body through injection. The aim of fat transfer is either for cosmetic purposes or medical purposes to address damages, injuries, or deformities. 

The most prominent donor sites where physicians often extract fat cells include the stomach, waist, and thighs. Generally, fat graft and stem cell procedure is a minimally invasive technique; hence it’s relatively appealing. In addition, a person opting for this procedure won’t experience fat rejection since it comes from his/her own body. However, the body tends to absorb some amounts of the transferred fat that fails to survive. Due to this, it’s highly essential to find a professional cosmetic surgeon that uses an effective approach with a high-fat survival rate. 

The major body areas that can benefit from the fat transfer procedure include; 

• The face 

As a person ages, the collagen of the skin gradually starts to break down and eventually collapse. This results in the formation of deep wrinkles and lines on the face. While facial fillers and facelift surgery can help with this, it doesn’t eliminate the problem. Instead, it only treats and addresses the middle and deep tissues within the face. 

Fat grafting and stem cell is thus the best alternative to correct such aging signs. It helps modify the skin tone, vibrancy, and texture for complete facial rejuvenation. 

• Breasts 

Sometimes, women who have smaller or unevenly shaped breasts may wish to enlarge the size or modify the structure. While breast implants can help with this, they can sometimes result in oversized breasts in some patients. Furthermore, breast implants don’t always give the desired natural breast that most patients want. Besides, they are unsuitable for use with some breast cancer reconstruction procedures. 

Breasts are partially made up of fatty tissue. Therefore, fat grafting procedures help achieve the best realistic outcome and enhance long-term volume retention. 

• Buttocks 

Sometimes, a flat and undefined posterior can hinder a person from having the well-shaped curves they desire. In most women, a prominent and shapely buttock is difficult to obtain via exercise and diet. However, stem cell fat grafting naturally enhances the shape and size of the butt. In general, this also boosts the appearance and instills self-confidence. 

Other areas that can benefit from the procedure include; 

• Skin, especially if you have a depression that occurs after scarring and liposuction 
• The hand 
• The lips 

When to Consider Stem Graft + Stem Cell

You can consider a fat transfer if you have the following characteristics; 

• Facial parts that appear sunken and creased 
• The desires to enhance the body contours, correct scars, rejuvenate the face and fill body depressions. 
• The desire to undergo a procedure with permanent results as compared to implants and temporary fillers
• The need to fill in breast contour irregularities and conceal the visible signs of implants

How the Procedure is done 

Once the physician identifies that you are an ideal candidate, they will schedule a day for the procedure. Depending on the patient’s goals and the area to modify, fat transfer can be performed under local anesthesia or sedatives. 

At times, it’s essential to repeat the fat grafting process numerous times until the desired result is finally achieved. Fat grafting procedure comprises three main stages, including harvesting, purification and transfer, and placement. 

• Harvesting 

During harvesting, the surgeon will choose a good site for fat extraction and inject it with local anesthesia. They will then make a small incision or cut around the area for the removal of fat stem cells. Using the liposuction technique, the fat will be carefully extracted with a cannula attached to a syringe. 

• Purification and transfer 

After obtaining the fat from the donor site, the surgeon will clean it and prepare it for transfer into syringes. They will then use the syringes to inject the fat into the target body part. Purification usually involves using a centrifuge to spin the fat extract. After that, the content is filtered to remove any impurities before injection. 

• Placement 

Once the fat cells are ready, the surgeon will prepare the target area intended to receive the graft. They will insert the catheter or a cannula through the incision made on the site. Through the cannula or catheter, an injection needle is passed in and out of the body part that requires augmentation. Every time the surgeon withdraws the cannula, a line of fat tissue and cells parcel deposits carefully within the natural tissue planes. 

The surgeon will repeat the process severally until the desired result is finally accomplished, creating a grid of transferred fat. In other cases, they can suggest massaging the grafted sites to form a much satisfying contour. Alternatively, the surgeon can create a good outline while executing the initial procedure. If necessary, they can put a bandage or dressing on the grafted site. 

Results and Recovery 

For the first two to three days, you should expect swelling on the incision sites that will gradually diminish with time. Depending on the extent of the procedure and the modified area, you can resume normal day-to-day activities after two or three weeks. For the facial process, you can apply some makeup to help conceal the incision sites before they fully recover. 

Always ensure that you ask your doctor for guidelines on postsurgical care and information regarding the following; 

• The common symptoms you are likely to experience following the procedure 
• The possible signs and symptoms of complications 
• Drains in case the doctor places them 

After some time, the body areas in which the fat was grafted tend to look fuller and softer. This gives you a well-rejuvenated and refreshed appearance, and you can also notice an enhancement in the skin texture. 

However, the durability of the results and fat survival usually depends on how the fat cells were obtained and purified. It will also depend on how it was injected and the target area and the skills of the cosmetic surgeon. Therefore, to achieve the best possible results, you should consider finding a surgeon with well-developed skills according to the knowledge and experience of the approach. 

If the stem cell fat grafting procedure is successfully done, the injected fat cells will develop a new blood supply in the body. It will also get the nourishment it requires for survival. If this happens, the outcome is usually long-lasting. Nonetheless, there might be a percentage of the fat cells that don’t take; hence a touchup procedure can be necessary. 

Risks and Limitation of Fat Grafting Procedure 

Fortunately, the risks of complications associated with fat transfer procedures are not common. Most people undergo the process without experiencing any major issues during and after fat grafting. 

Regardless of this, it’s still essential to understand the possible risks and complications that might arise. During the consultation, always ensure that you discuss this with the surgeon to help you prepare for the upcoming procedure. 

Overall, some of the potential limitations and risks of fat grafting procedure include; 

• Infection of the incision sites 
• Seroma (collection and build-up of fluid beneath the skin surface)
• Hematoma (accumulation of blood outside the blood vessels)
• Negative reaction to anesthesia 
• Changes in the sensation of the incision or extraction areas
• Damage to the underlying tissues and structures 
• Scarring 
• An unsatisfying outcome that might require an additional procedure 
• Swelling 
• Bruising 

Conclusion 

Fat graft + stem cell procedure aims at rejuvenating certain target areas on the face, hands, buttocks, and breasts. It involves removing fat cells from a different part of the body (donor site) and transferring them into the section that requires modification. While this procedure is effective and the results are often satisfying, it’s essential to find an experienced cosmetic surgeon. 

In case you are considering a fat grafting procedure, then you can consider the CloudHospital medical platform. Here, you will receive treatment from renowned professional surgeons. They utilize special techniques with a high probability of yielding the best permanent results. With this, there is no doubt that you will achieve your desired results.