New Steps In Fat Grafting Allows For Detailed Reconstruction Surgeries
Those looking for alternatives to complicated surgeries or implants to reconstruct body parts have a new option to choose from. “Lipo Modeling” is a technique whereby fat is removed from the patient’s body to be used, as grafts, in re-sculpting another area. This is a particularly welcome technique for those who have asymmetrical body features due to trauma, surgery, or even birth defects. Using fat grafting is much safer and more effective then surgery or expensive implants.
Fazel Fatah, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, performs liposuction in his personal practice. Fatah uses a newer liposuction technique that involves using a laser to melt fat beneath the skin before sucking it out. This is a much quicker and more efficient method then the simple vacuuming the fat out of the body used in traditional liposuction.
Fat grafts obtained from liposuction have been proven effective in cosmetic surgery procedures, but surgeons like Fatah have been using fat grafts for purposes of reconstructive surgery. The fat is removed by use of small syringes and thin tubing call “cannula” that suck the fat out. The fat is then placed inside a centrifuge that removes all the oil and liquid from the fat.
The fat must then be formed into thin lines comprised of multiple tiny “beads” of fat. This prevents the fat from bunching and leaving unsightly globules in whatever area is being reconstructed. Furthermore, shaping the fat into lines allow for very detailed and accurate three dimensional reconstruction. This technique has been used for cosmetic surgeries like face lifts and such, but the applications for reconstructive surgery is tremendous. In breast reconstruction, traditional methods can often leave breasts lumpy and asymmetrical. Fat grafts can be used in addition to the standard breast implants to even out the breasts and make them look natural. In other cases, patients have been born missing parts of their pectoral muscles; fat grafts are used to create the missing areas.
Lipo modeling is greatly improving the quality of life for those who have been inconvenienced or embarrassed because of cosmetic asymmetrical problems. The natural look and feel of the fat grafts give patients a new lease on life.
