Doctors Say 'Fat Transfer' Procedure Is Safer, Healthier Than Implants
BEVERLY HILLS (CBSLA.com) — Believe it or not, a new body sculpting procedure has been introduced within the cosmetic medical world.
Doctors have found a use for unwanted fat by transferring it to areas where people would prefer the lift.
CBS2's Amy Johnson spoke with Patty, a mother-of-two in her 30s, who explained she looked into implants but stumbled upon a more natural and innovative procedure called "fat transfer."
"When we have children, some of us do get pockets of fat," Patty explained. "Even with healthy eating and exercise, they don't go away."
"After breast feeding both of my kids, I definitely had a change in shape and volume loss," she added.
Aaron Rollins, founder of Elite Body Sculpture in Beverly Hills, performed Patty's fat transfer.
Rollins explained he took fat from her abdomen and transferred it to her breasts in a liposuction sculpting technique he created called "air sculpt."
According to Rollins, every patient is awake during the procedure.
First, he numbs the area of the skin and makes a tiny hole. The fat cells in the area are then surrounded in a saline solution and are zapped by a laser, which removes the fat.
A syringe is then used to inject the fat in just about any part of the body, Rollins said.
"The big advantage is using your own fat," Rollins said. "You're using your own living tissue that feels natural and looks natural."
The cost of each procedure varies, as it depends on where the fat is removed, how much is extracted and where the fat is being transferred in your body.
Experts warned, however, that fat transfers aren't always permanent and results may not be as dramatic as implants. They recommended all patients to do their research ahead of time.
The best part of it all is that the surgery requires little to no down time.
Patty shared with Johnson that she is happy she went through with the procedure, even if many have not noticed a difference in her appearance.
"When I look in the mirror, I have a new shape," Patty explained. "I fill out my clothes like I did before I got pregnant. It's as though I've gotten my body back, and that's a wonderful feeling."