Microlipoinjection "fat transfer" is a surgical procedure that involves the transfer of fat from one body area to another. This technique uses small incisions to remove fat cells in selected regions to obtain fat for the desired area.
A 1/8 to 1/4 inch incision is made in the area from which the fat is to be removed, and a specially designed surgical cannula is placed through the incision into the fat. Through this cannula, a dilute solution of anesthetic (tumescent fluid) is injected into the fatty tissue. Then, through a similar cannula, the desired amount of fat is removed by suction. This fat is then injected into the desired area, and is sculpted for the best cosmetic result. The suction of the fat takes approximately 15-30 minutes, and the injection also takes approximately 15-30 minutes.
Following the removal of the fat from the donor site (usually abdomen or buttock), the donor site is treated with an ice pack for one half hour. After that, a support dressing is applied. This dressing is not to be removed for 24 hours. This area will be slightly swollen and bruised for approximately 7-14 days.
Following the injection of the fat into the recipient area, this area is also treated with an ice pack for one half hour. Patients are instructed to continue the application of an ice pack at home for the first 6 hours following the procedure. This is to be done in a 10 minute on/10 minute off cycle. Head elevation is also recommended for the remainder of the treatment day and the night of the procedure.
For the first week following surgery, the treated area will be moderately swollen and bumpy. This swelling can last anywhere from 24 hours to a week depending on the general status of your health. Most patients can return to work within 1-2 days postoperatively. There will be continuous changes in the contour of the treated area up to 3-6 weeks after treatment. The final improvement will not be evident until two months after treatment. Photographs are taken before treatment and at different stages after treatment. This treatment is intended for repeated retouches, and may require 3-4 treatments to achieve the final result. The appearance of the treated areas will be influenced by your general state of health, the overall condition of your skin, age, weight, hormonal influences, and other factors.
Complications and Untoward Effects: Serious complications are extremely rare with this procedure. However, any surgical procedure entails surgical risk.
Bleeding: Bleeding is rare with this procedure. To minimize the risk of bleeding, patients are instructed to avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing compounds and Ibuprofen (e.g. Advil, Motrin) for ten (10) days prior to surgery and five (5) days after surgery. Orudis and Aleve should also be avoided. Vitamin E should also be avoided and patients are instructed not to drink any alcohol-containing beverages for 48 hours prior to surgery.
Scars: Scarring is very rare with this procedure. The only area where scarring may be seen is at the "insertion points". "Insertion points" are the areas of entry through the skin. Usually "insertion points" are very small and placed in natural body creases or other areas where they are inconspicuous. In some patients the scars that may occur may be raised or pigmented for 6 months and gradually fade thereafter until they are not noticeable by 12 months of surgery. Nevertheless, you should know that all scars are permanent, and their specific characteristics such as their height, width, and final color are not totally predictable.
Infection: Infection with this procedure is extremely rare. Patients are prescribed an antibiotic, which is to be started the day before the procedure and continued for a total of 5 days. This is to further reduce the risk of injection.
Pain: Most patients describe the discomfort as mild, moderate if the lips are injected. For this reason, some patients elect to take oral Valium at the time of the procedure. If you intend to take the Valium, please arrange to have an adult accompany you home.
Bruising/Numbness: Most patients have bruising that lasts longer in the area where the fat was suctioned (2-3 weeks) than at the treated area (5 days to 2 weeks). Some numbness is to be expected in both areas.
Contour Irregularities: Patients may experience contour irregularities in the treated areas following surgery. This is temporary. The treated area is left with approximately 30% of the original contour change. Perfect symmetry is the goal, although small side to side differences can occur. Every effort will be made to give you as smooth and symmetric result as possible.
Should you not understand any of the foregoing, or should you want further information, please ask. Feel free to call for additional information. If necessary, a second visit can be scheduled. We wish all patients to be fully informed.
Preoperative Instructions For Microlipinjection
- Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing compounds and Ibuprofen (e.g. Advil, Motrin) for (10) ten days prior to surgery and (5) five days after surgery. Orudis and Aleve should also be avoided.
- Avoid Vitamin E as above.
- Do not drink alcohol-containing beverages for 48 hours prior to surgery.
- Wash hair night before or morning of the surgery.
- Start antibiotic as directed day before surgery.
- Medications may be taken the morning of surgery with a light breakfast.
- Arrange for a person to drive you home from the office and also arrange for a person to stay with you overnight if you intend to take Valium for the procedure.
On day of surgery, we recommend that you bring the following:
- Loose comfortable clothing (e.g. sweatsuit)
- One dose of your antibiotic medication
Checklist and summary of items needed for microlipoinjection:
- Antibiotics
- Bacitracin ointment
- Extra-Strength Tylenol
- Ice-pack
Postoperative Instructions For Microlipinjection
You will be given this form at the time of surgery
Name: _________________________
Date: _________________________
ANTIBIOTIC: A prescription for an antibiotic will be given to all patients. Please take all of them as directed.
PAIN MEDICATION: Pain is usually minimal and usually consists of mild soreness. It improves markedly over the first seven days. Extra-Strength Tylenol is generally all that is required. If you have pain unrelieved by Tylenol, please call the office.
MEDICATIONS TO AVOID: Do not take aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen for (5) five days post-operatively.
OTHER MEDICATIONS: _________________________
DIET/FLUIDS: Meals are not restricted. Please drink eight 8 oz. glasses of water per day for several days postoperatively. This is important even if you are not thirsty to prevent dehydration and constipation.
REST: Try to rest for 12 to 24 hours.
FRIEND: Please have an adult stay with you the day of the surgery if you take Valium with the procedure.
BATHING: Normal showering is permitted the day after surgery.
ICE PACK: Apply an ice-pack 10 minutes on/10 minutes off for 6 hours following the procedure.
HEAD ELEVATION: Keep your head elevated for the remainder of the day and on several pillows the first night.
POSTOPERATIVE APPOINTMENTS: Please make an appointment 2-3 days postoperatively for a quick checkup, and again in 5-7 days.
SUNTAN: Please avoid tanning until bruising is gone.
DRAINAGE: Postoperative drainage occurs following surgery and can last 1-2 days. Although the fluid is red tinged, there is very little blood in it, most of it being injected local anesthetic and tissue fluid. If there is excessive bleeding or swelling or pain unrelieved by medication, please call the office immediately.
BRUISING/SWELLING: Mild bruising and swelling may occur for two weeks postoperatively.
NUMBNESS/SWELLING: Swelling will slowly disappear over 1-2 weeks.
RETURN TO WORK: Most patients can return to work within 1-2 days postoperatively.
PHYSICAL EXERCISE: Patients can return to light non-jarring exercise as soon as they feel up to it. Jarring exercise, such as tennis, aerobics, and running can be resumed in 1-2 weeks postoperatively.
QUESTIONS: If you have any questions, please call the office.
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