Possible to Have Fat Grafting on Legs?

Question

I have skinny leg and always wanted to have a little more, Can the add fat to my leg, instead of the Inplant? and if yes. I am in nY and I will like to know the prices!! thank you

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Chances are that you want a significant volume to change the appearance of your calves. The amount of fat needed may be too large for your calves as the fat may not get enough oxygen to survive. It might have to be performed over several sessions. The risk of infection and lack of survival is greater in the leg because of less circulation in this region. See a board certified plastic surgeon.

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

Without a picture, it's hard to say whether fat transfer would be the solution you are looking for. You have to have enough fat to make up for the difference in volume, and you have to be prepared for the possibility of needing multiple sessions to get the desired result. Only a certain amount can safely be injected at one time and some of the fat can reabsorb after injection (up to 50% in some patients). Fat grafting would be most effective near major muscles (the calf, the quad) and less effective in bony areas (around the ankles and on the front of the leg) since it needs good blood flow to survive. It is certainly a safer option than implant surgery as far as long term risks like infection and scarring, but fat transfer to the legs is more risky than in other areas of the body, so I highly recommend going to someone with a lot of experience in fat transfer. You can be prepared to spend between $3000 and $6000 depending on the amount of fat, the number of areas treated, and how long it takes to perform the procedure.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

It is possible to transfer fat to the legs but it is less than an ideal recipient site and more prone to complications such as fat necrosis (lumps & bumps) as well as infection because it tends to be less vascular and more prone to edema (swelling).

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

It just depends on the areas that you are trying to augment. It is hard to augment large volumes in the legs with just fat grafting alone. This is something that you need to see a surgeon about to really get a good idea.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Fat transfer to the legs are possible. However, patient selection is key. Consult with 3 board certified plastic surgeons who are expert and experienced in fat transfer to understand your options. The cost of fat transfer like other cosmetic surgery varies considerably across the
country and even in the same area. South Florida tends to have lower fees then
more expensive areas such as New York or Los Angeles. We charge starting at $3000 + MD
Anesthesia related costs for fat transfer for the legs. Since you can get quality work
at lower costs, patients will travel from throughout the state, the country,
and internationally to have surgery in South Florida.

To ensure that you are receiving quality work with personalized care at the
most cost effective prices, consult with board certified plastic surgeons that
own their own nationally accredited facilities. The quality must be maintained
at the highest level to maintain accreditation. The surgeons also have
incentive to hire and train quality staff (to ensure that surgery is efficient
and enjoyable), to ensure comfortable and private facilities (to encourage
referral), and to eliminate waste (to ensure that these facilities can compete
effectively).

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

Fat grafting is a great way to add volume to many areas of the body.  You need to have some fat to donate.  I usually choose the abdomen and or flanks for the harvest of fat.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

The most common area for augmenting the leg is the calf. Fat grafting is probably your best option. It may require more than one procedure of fat graft to achieve the result you want and the symmetry.

	See a Board certified plastic surgeon and discuss your options

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Fat CAN be grafted almost anywhere but its likelihood to survive and thrive (IE take) varies from region to region. Assuming the quality of fat cells and amount is equivalent, the blood supply of the grafted area would determine fat graft take. As such placement in muscle would result in higher take than in subcutaneous tissues which would be higher than in areas devoid of a lot of vessels such as the back of the hand or foot (to hide the tendons). You really need expert Plastic surgery advice for which leg areas would best work for you.

Daniel P. Markmann, MD · Answer

I am guessing that you are referring to the calf region since you mention having this instead of the implant. There are not too many other places in the legs that we place implants. Fat can be placed here with very nice results. Many times, the volume of fat that can be placed here will depend on your skin tone in this area. I have seen some women who's skin is so tight here that there just isn't much room for a large volume of fat. It is an option, but in many cases, implants are frequently a better option and also provide a very natural result.

Possible to Have Fat Grafting on Legs?

Answers (9)

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