For decades, “fat” was seen as a four-letter word that sent many women and men running. Many fitness-minded people consider excess fat to be the ultimate negative; however, with the popularity of plastic surgery growing, more people are finding new ways to address the unwanted “pooches.”
Fat transfer is the process of using liposuction to remove fat from unwanted areas (like the abdomen and thighs) and injecting that fat into areas that desire more fullness (like the breasts, buttocks, and face).
The procedure is popular because it provides the twin benefits of slimming some areas while augmenting others. This allows for a well-sculpted silhouette.
Furthermore, fat transfer feels more natural and poses a lower risk of complications than many other forms of plastic surgery in Austin.
Of course, fat transfer requires proper maintenance for lasting results. People gain or lose fat easily depending on their body types, and fat survival varies from one patient to another based on their recovery process.
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to optimize your fat survival following a fat transfer.
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After the surgery, you may experience swelling and bruising. Compression garments can help smooth the skin in areas where fat was removed. It’s also important to minimize pressure on areas on which fat was grafted to allow fat cells to incorporate into surrounding areas.
You may feel tempted to massage the grafted areas. But plastic surgeons strongly advise against it because doing so may disrupt the blood supply to these areas. Fat survives or gets absorbed based on how effectively the fat cells re-establish blood supply with the surrounding tissue.
Hydration is essential for the reestablishment of blood supply to the transferred fat cells. Drink lots of water and ensure your diet includes electrolytes in the months following the procedure.
Avoid smoking as well because it disrupts the ability of blood to supply nutrients to the grafted areas.
Plastic surgeons advise against losing weight after a fat transfer as it may impact the grafted fat. Weight loss doesn’t discriminate, after all.
Likewise, weight gain is not recommended as it may accumulate in undesired areas.
If you had a fat transfer to your buttocks, try using a back roller or towel to sit on your thighs instead of your buttocks for a few weeks following the procedure. Avoid driving as well. All this is to allow maximum blood flow to the grafted areas.
Eat a proper diet and supplement it with protein to nourish your body as you recover from the procedure.
Some protein sources to include in your post-op diet include beans, nuts, fish, and lean meats.
It’s okay to do moderate exercise but avoid high-intensity workout routines for a few weeks after the procedure because they may burn off the grafted fat.
Yoga, pilates, swimming, and walking are great for facilitating blood flow to the transferred fat.
Heal Well and Get Lasting Results
Following these creates an optimal environment for the grafted areas to recover well. As a result, you maximize the long-term benefits of your fat transfer.
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