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Differences Between Fat Grafting, Liposuction and Body Contouring?

I was encouraged to have fat grafted onto my breasts to prevent rippling. It was taken from my skinny little legs but I was left with rippling, scars, depressions and cavities in that area. I have read lots of the cons to liposuction, all expressing the same dilemma. I haven't read the same with fat grafting testimonies, except for the fat being reabsorbed and not lasting long. So what are the differences? Can body contouring smooth out the rippling and cavities left on my legs? Aren't they all the same procedure more or less?

Asked 29 months ago by kyeotp in Vancouver, BC

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breasts legs female body body contouring cavity depression fat scar

Fat Grafting vs. Liposuction vs. Body Contouring

Thank you for asking this question. It is true that many terms have been adopted by surgeons in an attempt to distinguish themselves from others. So here are the facts. Fat grafting involves removal of fat from one area via liposuction technique, washing the aspirated fat, filtering it and reinjecting the fat into other areas. With micro fat grafting (using cannulas a small as 1.2-1.4mm) there is a much better take rate or less absorption of the fat. It's good for the face but would... more

Christopher L. Hess, MD

Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Fat grafting versus liposuction versus body contouring

Liposuction = removal of fat. Fat grafting = adding of fat. Body contouring usually means any method utilized to change one's shape and may involve the above as well as dermolipectomy (skin/fat excision), flap rotation, or musculofascial plication The irregularities left by liposuction can be difficult to treat. Occasionally they will resolve with time and massage. Occasionally, they may require a combination of more liposuction with fat grafting. Occasionally they will be permanent... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Fat grafting for contour problems

Fat grafting can sometimes improve rippling. It really varies how much fat will "take" in the areas treated. Yes, there will be some resorption of the fat.

Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Fat grafting for rippling

Fat grafting is great for treating rippling, either from previous surgeries or previous liposuction. The fat may dissolve over time, but about 30% usually remains. You may need several sessions of fat grafting several months apart to get the results that you desire.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Fat grafting, liposuction and body contouring

All procedures to reshape the body fall into the category of body contouring, so this includes liposuction, fat transfer, and tummy tucks. Another term you may see is "liposculpture" which basically means the same thing. Fat transfer is a nice way to disguise rippling caused by breast implants where there is little tissue to cover the implants. The fat should hold up very well and may even be permanent. In your case it sounds like there are problems with the 'donor" site... more

Richard Baxter, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Definitions

None of these terms are very specifi but are more or less categories to describe things. Fat grafting is te act of take fat from one part of the body and grafting or transplanting it to another. There are different techniques, outcomes data, and philosphies regarding this process. There is no one standard way of performing it. The goal is to get live fat cells to 'take" or survive in there new environment. Liposuction is merely a tol to remove tisse, mainly fat, although tere is some... more