Fat Transfer Plastic Surgery in Coral Springs and Lighthouse Point, Florida with Board Certified Plastic Surgeon F. Leigh Phillips, M.D.

The Best Candidates for Fat Transfer Plastic Surgery

If you have indentations in your skin, depressed scars, or deep wrinkles, or if there are grooves, folds or areas of soft tissue depression, you might consider fat transfer performed in South Florida with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Leigh Phillips. Fat transfer plastic surgery can transform your appearance. Fat transfer can minimize facial and other skin wrinkles and depressions.

All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk

When fat transfer is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Still, individuals vary greatly in their anatomy, their physical reactions, and their healing abilities, and the outcome is never completely predictable.

Complications that can occur include hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin that must be removed by Dr. Phillips), injury to the nerves that control facial muscles (usually temporary), infection, and reactions to the anesthesia. Poor healing of the skin is most likely to affect smokers. Smokers should plan to stop smoking a minimum of two weeks prior to surgery.

You can reduce risk by closely following Dr. Phillips’ advice both before and after surgery.

Planning Your Fat Transfer Plastic Surgery

Fat transfers are very individualized procedures. During your initial consultation, Dr. Phillips will evaluate your chosen areas for fat collection and fat redepositing, as well as discuss your goals for the surgery.

Dr. Phillips will check for medical conditions that could cause problems during or after surgery, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood clotting problems, or the tendency to form excessive scars. Be sure to tell Dr. Phillips if you smoke or are taking any drugs or medications, especially aspirin or other drugs that affect clotting.

If you decide to choose fat transfer plastic surgery with Dr. Phillips in South Florida, he will explain the techniques and anesthesia he will use, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the risks and costs involved. Don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Phillips any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.

Preparing for Your Fat Transfer Plastic Surgery

Dr. Phillips will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly. If you smoke, it’s especially important to stop at least a week or two before and after surgery; smoking inhibits blood flow to the skin, and can interfere with the healing of your incision areas.

Whether your fat transfer is being done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two if needed.

Where Your Fat Transfer Plastic Surgery Will Be Performed

A fat transfer may be performed in Dr. Phillips’s office-based facility, an outpatient surgery center, or a hospital. It’s usually done on an outpatient basis using twilight anesthesia.

Types of Anesthesia

Most fat transfer plastic surgery procedures are performed under twilight anesthesia.

The Fat Transfer Plastic Surgery

The patient’s own fat is collected (suctioned) from a distant donor area and reinjected into the area to be treated. Fat transfer plastic surgery may require sedation plus local anesthesia if larger amounts of fat are to be collected. Small amounts of fat can be collected and transferred under local anesthesia.

Every surgeon approaches the procedure in his or her own way. Dr. Phillips will be meticulous in discussing his specific approach to your individual fat transfer procedure.

After Your Fat Transfer Plastic Surgery

Discomfort varies after fat transfer plastic surgery. Any discomfort you experience can be lessened with the pain medication prescribed by Dr. Phillips. (Severe or persistent pain or a sudden swelling should be reported to Dr. Phillips immediately.)

Getting Back to Normal

Postoperative pain is usually minimal. The most common postoperative issue is swelling and some bruising. This is highly variable based on individual healing characteristics. Swelling could last as long as two weeks.

Dr. Phillips will give each patient more specific guidelines for gradually resuming normal activities. He is likely to include these suggestions: Avoid strenuous activity, including sex and heavy housework, for at least two weeks (walking and mild stretching are fine); avoid alcohol, steam baths, and saunas for several months. Above all, get plenty of rest and allow your body to spend its energy on healing.