Fat Grafting – Body

There is a relatively new and rapidly enlarging group of patients who are noticing contour depressions or loss of volume in certain body areas.

It may be very subtle or profound, present in men or women, and begin at any adult age, and it is always of great concern. I share this concern with my patients, and I would like to reassure you that improvement through fat grafting surgery is possible, and I can help you with this issue.

Features are typically contour defects, usually from previous liposuction, but these can also be from trauma, birth defects, or other circumstances. This may be present on any area of the body and trunk. At other times, patients may want enlargement or contouring of otherwise normal areas; for example, fat grafting to the breasts, fat grafting to the buttocks, or fat grafting to enlarge the calves, to name but a few. The relevant anatomy in all of these areas basically consists of loss of the subcutaneous fat layer. This layer is situated directly below the skin and above the muscles. We must also take into consideration any scar tissue present, any degree of looseness of the skin, and your underlying bony/muscle foundations. With that said, one can see that there are many different anatomic features which must be analyzed and addressed prior to your surgery. I will coordinate the features of your anatomy with your expectations, formulate a plan with you, and guide you through this process. There are very specific techniques for collecting fat and grafting it into the correct areas, and I will explain and illustrate all of this to you. Surgery involves a light general anesthetic and is performed where I do surgery, which is in a hospital setting. The surgery is safe and predictable. The fat grafting is planned and designed to be permanent, and it is. There is a mild to moderate degree of swelling after surgery. All of the stitches are small and removed in four to seven days with return to work in as little as two to three days, and to some physical exercise in the second week.

There is an art to fat grafting in terms of which fat to harvest, how it is prepared, how it is injected and grafted, and how to make it permanent. I have expertise in fat grafting to the face and body, and I have performed many of these operations with very natural results. I spend a great deal of time with you discussing your anatomy, listening to your expectations, and interpreting for you what your anatomy and tissues will safely and predictably allow me to do. In addition I consider your body as a whole, and I build a system into all fat grafting surgeries that, initially, allows you to recover much more quickly and, secondly, preserves your surgical results. This system includes a special diet, special attention to blood clotting, vitamins, supplements, special garments, skin products, physical training, and knowing what to avoid. Together all of this allows me to create results that are consistently very beautiful, quick to heal, and exceptionally natural. I use minimal incisions. I am delighted to surgically provide you with such profound yet natural body-image changes, ones that have so consistently pleased my patients and changed their lives.

Please also read Dr. Romano’s article on fat grafting FAQs and other related articles in the Educational Articles section of the website.

Please also view Dr. Romano’s video on hand rejuvenation—filmed by the Discovery Channel—in the video section. This is related to fat grafting.