Dear Jrocktxus,Hello and thank you for your excellent question. When we perform liposuction and/or fat transfer, we use a tiny device that leaves only a 2-3 mm hole that heals like a freckle... literally, a freckle. If you want scar treatment, there are a number of options available - silicone gel or sheeting, lasers, microneedling, and other. You may want to look into a fat transfer procedure that combines both liposuction with laser, radiofrequency (RF), or acoustic therapy to produce the best balance of fat reduction, skin tightening and smoothing at the liposuction site, and maximizes your fat graft success at the transfer site (i.e., breast, buttock, hand, face, or elsewhere). In addition, and most significantly, we have started to ENRICH our fat transfer for stem cells through a proprietary, FDA-approved process. This gives you the best quality fat for transfer, and the highest percentage of successful engraftment. Our fat transfer process builds on work for over the last 12 years. First off, all devices and instruments used are FDA-approved, unlike some of the liposuction and fat transfer devices being used today. We only use techniques that have been proven to minimize the risk of complications of fat transfer, like fat embolism, but following all recognized guidelines. We typically use Smart / Laser Liposuction or VASER (ultrasound) to reduce dense, fibrous fat, stimulate collagen formation, and obtain the best fat graft possible; Radiofrequency-based skin tightening (like Body Tite, or Thermi) to maximize skin contraction; and Ultrasound, RF, or subcision (Z Wave, Venus, Cellfina) to treat cellulite, increase blood supply to the fat graft site, and get rid of any lumpiness that can occur after fat grafting. With regards to our fat transfer, we have a unique and safe way to increase the percentage of stem cells and growth factors in the transferred fat by nearly 200% (and oftentimes higher). Patients go home the same day as surgery, do not need any narcotics postop for pain control, and can return to light exercise and work two days after their procedure. In my practice, we select the appropriate treatment for each patient based on their skin quality, amount of fat and surgical goals. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!
