Are Fat Injections Painful? Dr. Mark Craig Answers
Fat injections are used in cosmetic surgery to augment various regions of the face and body. Although the procedure has been around for many years, there are now newer techniques that have made the process safer, and more successful.
But one of the most common questions people often ask is: “Are fat injections painful?” In this article, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark H. Craig answers that question and more.
What Are Fat Injections?
Fat injections are injections of a patient’s own fat that are used to restore shape and volume to certain parts of the body. The rejuvenation procedure is also known as fat transfer, autologous fat transfer, or fat grafting.
The fat is withdrawn from an area of the body where it is not wanted, such as the abdomen or thighs, and then transferred to a site that lacks volume. When injected properly, a large proportion of the fat will remain intact.
About The Procedure
Fat transfer is generally done under local anesthesia. The fat is first extracted with liposuction. It is then processed and purified, before finally being re-injected into the specific part of the body that needs enhancement.
The benefits of the fat transfer procedure are several. It is a minimally invasive technique; therefore very little recovery time is required. In addition, liposuction can be used to get rid of stubborn pockets of fat that are often difficult to eliminate with diet and exercise alone. This makes it possible to contour other areas, and improve the overall shape.
What Are Fat Injections Used For?
Fat injections are now being used to rejuvenate several regions of the body. Popular procedures include:
Facial Rejuvenation
The aging face is generally characterized by loss of volume in the mid-face, along with wrinkles and fine lines. Fat injections can correct these signs of aging, as they soften wrinkles, and also restore volume to areas such as the cheeks and chin. They help make the face look refreshed and more youthful.
Buttock Augmentation
Fat transfer can improve the shape and contour of the butt, and is a much safer option than butt implants. The fat is prepared as normal, and then injected into specific parts of the buttocks, to improve definition and proportion.
Breast Augmentation
Fat transfer can also be used to increase the size and fullness of the breasts. For women looking to enhance their breasts by about one cup size, fat injections offer a natural alternative to implants. Fat transfer is also used for breast reconstruction, to restore breasts after mastectomy.
Hand Rejuvenation
The back of the hands are not spared the effects of aging, as they often lose volume, causing the tendons and veins to become more pronounced. Fat injections make the hands younger and fuller. The procedure requires only a small amount of fat, which is injected into the hands using a small cannula.
Are Fat Injections Painful?
Fat injections are generally done using small cannulas, and the procedure is not usually painful. However, the pain varies depending on the part of the body that is being injected.
Fat injections to the buttocks appear to be the most painful of all the procedures. While much of the pain can be traced to the liposuction portion of the procedure, there is generally significant post-operative swelling, as well as some soreness. This may last for several weeks after butt augmentation.
For most of the other procedures such as facial rejuvenation and breast augmentation, clients report only minor discomfort. Patients should contact their plastic surgeon if they experience pain for more than a day or two. However, the amount of pain experienced will also depend on the pain tolerance of each patient.
If you are considering fat injections, it is very important to choose a board certified plastic surgeon who is an expert in this field of surgery.
Find a Specialist Near You Who Offers Fat Injections
If you’re interested in fat injections, search the MD.com specialists directory for a plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgeon near you (you’ll need to call the office to see if they offer fat injections, specifically).
Fat Injections in Tupelo, MS
Clients in Tupelo, MS, can contact the author of this article, Dr. Mark Craig of Accent Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, for a consultation on fat grafting. Dr. Craig uses a more refined and innovative fat transfer technique that improves the survival rate of the fat grafts. In addition, Dr. Craig has been performing fat injections for more than 15 years, and has gained immense experience doing the procedure over that period.
Contact Dr. Craig today to schedule an appointment.
Mark Craig, MD, FACS
@drmarkcraig
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