Liposculpture, or fat grafting, is the use of fat as an injectable material to fill out deep wrinkles and folds, to restore a smooth and youthful appearance to aging skin, or to correct other depressed areas that can result from acne scars or even accidents. Since the tissue is from you, there is no risk of allergic reactions, and for most people, there is an adequate supply.

Fat is an extremely useful filler material. It can effectively fill out deep wrinkles and folds and correct other depressed areas. It is abundant and easily collected through a liposuction procedure. There is no chance of allergic reactions.

Absolutely. In addition to using liposuction to harvest fat, the procedure also can be used to slim contours. In some cases, doctors may recommend a tummy tuck for people who have loose muscles and excess skin in the abdominal area. Breast enhancement is another common option for improving total body shape.

The initial consultation will begin at our office in Phoenix, Arizona with a complete medical history and exam. You should tell your doctor if you have any history of scarring, diabetes, tobacco use or autoimmune disease.

While fat can be injected in many areas, better results occur when fat is injected deeper in the tissues rather than superficial. Therefore, liposculpture is best for correcting the deep folds around the mouth and between the eyes rather for superficial, fine lines in the skin. Fat can be used in greater quantities and is one of the more useful techniques for correcting larger depressions or contouring larger areas.

The areas you wish to have treated will be carefully examined. Possible donor sites-usually the abdomen, thighs or buttock-will be examined. Other options available to you will be discussed along with risks and limitations. The costs of the treatment will be explained. Photographs will be taken.

Although fat grafting is generally safe and effective, possible side effects of the procedure include:

• Absorption of the Fat – Injected fat is an imprecise technique. The fat can be absorbed by the body in variable amounts, generally 10 to 30 percent. Putting the fat deeper in the tissues and using a small needle can minimize absorption. Most absorption occurs during the first year.
• Inadequate Fat Injection-Inadequate fat injection or fat absorption will require a second procedure.
• Firmness or Lumpiness – Initially, the area injected with fat may be firm or lumpy. Occasionally, this persists.
• Overcorrection – There will be some absorption of the fat. To account for this, extra fat is injected in anticipation that it will be absorbed over the next few weeks or months.
• Infection-Infection is rare. Antibiotics are used before surgery. Bruising is expected at the donor area and the area injected. This usually resolves over two weeks.

Our goal at PHX Plastic Surgery is to make your surgical experience as easy and comfortable for you as possible. You will be asked to stop smoking and avoid certain vitamins and drugs that can cause bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and vitamin E. Additional preoperative instructions and prescriptions to be used postoperatively will be provided. For convenience, we recommend that you have your prescriptions filled several days prior to the procedure. Liposculpture is usually performed as an outpatient or in the office. You should arrange for someone to take you home.

Dr. Johnson will see you before the procedure and place ink marks on the skin. General anesthesia, local anesthesia with IV sedation, or local anesthesia alone can be used, depending on your preference and the areas treated. Antibiotics will be administered at the time of surgery.

The procedure is performed in two stages: removing fat from the donor area (similar to liposuction) and then injecting it at the recipient areas. The procedure takes 1-3 hours.

Following surgery, cold compresses and pain medications are administered to keep you comfortable. You will be permitted to go home after a few hours.

You can expect to be sore for a few days. Swelling and bruising will gradually resolve over two weeks. You may wear makeup the next day and return to work in two to three days. Using cool compresses frequently the first 72 hours will help reduce swelling and bruising. You may resume exercise and sexual activity in three to four days.

You will have prescribed pain medication and your need for this will become less and less over four days.

Most patients are satisfied with the results of liposculpture. There will be some absorption and some people may want additional enhancement in six to 12 months.