Procedure — skin
Fat Transfer
Fat transfer for the revision of scars can also be called Autologous Fat Grafting (AFG). It can be used to address scarring on the face and body, and aims to improve the tone and texture of the skin.
Damage to the skin by way of a cut or tear, will often leave behind a scar. This mark on the skin is made up of collagen that is produced at the site in order to repair the skin, and is different in tone and texture. Scarring can take on different forms and may sit raised from the skin’s surface, or appear as sunken.
Fat transfer for the revision of scars can also be called Autologous Fat Grafting (AFG). It can be used to address scarring on the face and body, and aims to improve the tone and texture of the skin.
Damage to the skin by way of a cut or tear, will often leave behind a scar. This mark on the skin is made up of collagen that is produced at the site in order to repair the skin, and is different in tone and texture. Scarring can take on different forms and may sit raised from the skin’s surface, or appear as sunken.
At a Glance
Duration
2 - 4 hours
Type Of Anaesthetic
Local or general anaesthetic
Return To Work (job dependent)
1 week
Day Case / Overnight
Day case
Bra / Garment To Be Worn For
As advised by your surgeon
Return To Gym
2 - 3 weeks
In-depth Procedure Information
The Consultation
Reshape & Restore understands how the appearance of scarring can affect the way you feel about your looks; especially if it is large, prominent, deep in colour and particularly noticeable to others. As well as unwanted in appearance, some scars can also be uncomfortable and itchy.
At the consultation your surgeon will determine if fat transfer will be a suitable method of improving the look of your scar. This procedure will need to use your own fat stores, so your surgeon will need to assess which part of the body this can be taken from. As well as explaining the procedure to you in full, your surgeon will help you to understand the results that can be accomplished. If speaking with past patients (to see how fat transfer could benefit you) would help, then this can be arranged.
The Procedure
The first step of this procedure is to harvest the right amount of fatty tissue from the body – a procedure known as liposuction. The area from which it will be taken from (known as the donor site) will be decided at the consultation and may include: the hips, buttocks, thighs, stomach, back, upper arms or under the chin. The fat stores will then need to be prepared before they can be inserted back into the body.
The second stage involves injecting the fat stores directly into the scar – usually deep pitted scars that are the result of acne, chicken pox or a lack of collagen produced at the damaged site.
Aftercare & Results
When the harvested fat is inserted into the sunken scar, it can help to create volume so that it sits more flush with the surface of the skin. The natural tissues can work with the internal structure to encourage younger, healthier skin tissue to grow, which provides a softer feel to the scar. This in turn can help the scar to blend in more effectively with the rest of the skin and tissues, therefore improving its appearance.
The results may take several weeks to become evident as the fat stores are accepted into the new site. Where liposuction has taken place, a support garment may need to be worn to help aid the repositioning of the skin. Suitable pain relief can be taken to help with any discomfort that either procedure may have caused and it is advisable to lower your levels of activity until your body is recovered and feeling more comfortable. A dressing may need to be worn over the scar, as it can be sensitive, and how to assist with its healing will be advised at your follow-up appointment.
FAQ's
This type of scar revision procedure often works best on scarring that is sunken in appearance – known as atrophic or pitted scarring. This type of scar can be the result of chickenpox, acne or from the lack of collagen produced when the wound was healing. By transferring fat stores to the affected area, or scar, volume can be added to the tissues for a more even texture that blends in with the surrounding skin.
Safety is always a priority at Reshape & Restore and the patient’s well being is held in high regard, throughout. Before the procedure is recommended, the condition of your skin will be assessed, and those with a strong structure and sufficient elasticity will find liposuction is more successful. The natural resources from the body help to ensure that the procedure has an effective outcome.
Swelling, bruising and fluid retention may occur at the site where fat stores have been harvested from. This should all settle within a few weeks, when the donor site may also look reshaped and recontoured. A small scar may develop from the liposuction procedure as a small incision will need to be made in the skin. However this should be discreet and barely noticeable.
The scar that has been addressed may feel sensitive for a few days after treatment. A suitable course of pain relief can be taken to alleviate any discomfort.
Everything you need to know about fat transfer for scar revision will be explained during the consultation. This session allows you the opportunity to ask questions and talk through any concerns, to help put your mind at rest and give you a full understanding of what to expect – both from the procedure and the outcome.
Prices From
£3500
Our treatments are not off the peg but tailor made, bespoke treatments that vary from person to person. The above prices act as a guide in the standard or average case. The actual cost of your treatment may be less or more and will be confirmed after your consultation.
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