5 Questions and Answers about Lipografting
Lipografting is a technique that uses the patient's own fat to shape certain regions of the body according to their desire. In most cases, it is performed on the buttocks, but it is also used to restore the contour and proportions of the breasts, lips, cheekbones, and thighs.
The main advantage of lipografting is the minimization of side effects, since the substance used to perform the procedure is of autologous origin, that is, from the patient themselves.
Besides shaping and/or enlarging the area, fat improves the skin texture in the treated region, as the properties of adipose tissue are linked to the presence of stem cells, capable of transforming into any type of tissue.
In this content, we will bring 5 questions and answers to clear up your doubts about lipografting.
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1. What is lipografting (fat grafting) used for?
Lipografting is a procedure indicated for people dissatisfied with their appearance or bothered by aspects of certain regions of their body.
The most indicated areas are:
The Buttocks - It is performed to correct asymmetries, size differences, defects, or filling in the buttocks. In some cases, the graft is also done on the thighs to define them and give symmetry to the body silhouette.
The breasts - In this case, fat grafting is performed to add volume, soften the aspects of silicone implants, combat sagging, correct asymmetries, small defects, and restore their natural appearance.
Face - Facial lipografting is done to minimize expression lines, nasolabial folds, combat wrinkles, fill the lips, and restore facial and/or cheek volume.
Lipografting is a way to remodel these and other parts of the body while maintaining natural aspects, delivering symmetry and improving patients' self-esteem.
This procedure can also be complementary to abdominoplasty.
2. What is done to remove fat from one place and put it in another?
First, the plastic surgeon will listen to which parts of the body the patient intends to remove fat from and which will be filled by it during their consultation. The specialist will determine the possibility of removal and the specific locations for this with the help of preliminary examinations.
Next, liposuction is performed to remove accumulated fat from unwanted places. After that, the material is treated and purified so that all blood and other cellular residues are completely removed.
Purification is done to eliminate toxins, reduce the risk of failures and side effects, such as inflammation and infections in the region.
Finally, the surgeon performs the lipograft in the desired regions through microinjections.
All stages of the procedure require the use of anesthesia, whether local, epidural, or spinal anesthesia, the type depends on the region where the procedure will be performed. The patient may or may not be sedated and, to ensure more comfort and tranquility, it is recommended that they undergo 1-day hospitalization.
3. How long does the patient take to recover?
As it is a minimally invasive surgery, the patient's recovery after lipografting is quite quick. In some cases, the use of an elastic garment is necessary.
Most patients report mild pain, slight discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the region, symptoms that usually disappear around 3 to 4 weeks after the procedure.
It is common for the first 3 days to be more painful, but the doctor may indicate analgesics to relieve pain and provide well-being during the beginning of recovery.
It is highly recommended for health and good aesthetic results to avoid exertion in the first 30 days of recovery.
4. What about the scars? How long does it take to heal completely?
The scars are minimal and the places where fat is removed are barely visible, such as under the arms, in the pubic region or navel, flanks, saddlebags, or back, and are at most 1cm.
Swelling decreases considerably between 14 and 21 days and complete healing occurs at most in 2 months.
5. Are the results permanent? Can the fat move or be lost?
If the surgery is performed properly and the recovery instructions are respected, the cells will continue to live and be healthy and the result lasting. Part of the fat is reabsorbed by the body and the rest remains in the region.
If the patient gains weight, their fat will increase as a whole, including in the grafted area, and if they lose weight, there will be a reduction of fat in the injected location.
Ready, we have reached the end of our questions and answers. Remember to clear all your doubts with the doctor before performing lipografting and make sure they are qualified to perform the procedure.
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