Fat Grafting procedures can target patient concerns about volume loss and skin quality. Dr Zurek has over 25 years’ experience performing fat grafting, has refined his technique and presented his work at a number of conferences in Australia and overseas.
Fat Grafting Sydney
Contact us to find out moreWhat is Fat Grafting?
Fat Grafting involves transferring your own body’s purified tissue, containing stem cells and the biological messengers (growth factors) necessary for the tissue’s living cycle to continue.
Fat transfer procedures to restore body defects were first performed in 1893, and the procedure for Fat Grafting using syringe injection was first created in 1910.
In recent years, studies of fat tissue have shown that fat contains stem cells, which are capable of differentiating into all types of body tissue, therefore fat may be considered to provide the basis for tissue regeneration. This means it can treat cosmetic issues in skin texture, scarring, and volume in targeted areas, with the application of a bespoke treatment plan.
Most people age by losing facial volume around the eyes, temples, forehead, cheeks and thinning of the lips. This often comes along with skin laxity, which can be a contributor to signs of ageing.
Fat grafting can also address loss of volume in other areas of the body such as breasts and hands. It may also treat other defects including deformities following over-aggressive liposuction. When it comes to fat transfer procedures, Dr Zurek is attentive to the uniqueness of each patient in their features and desired outcomes.
Fat Grafting Before & After
First Case of S-Lift in Australia performed by Dr Zurek in 1998
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Fat Grafting Procedure
Dr Zurek performs the procedure under local anaesthetic and sedation. Fat grafting involves three steps:
- Harvesting
- Purification/processing
- Fat Injection
1. Fat Harvesting: Preferred donor areas are where the fat is “stubborn” and persists during body weight changes. In women, this is commonly the abdomen and thighs. In men, flanks (love handles) and lower abdomen are generally suitable donor areas. Fat is gently removed through a tiny skin puncture using a special cannula attached to a syringe, extracting tiny parcels of fat (micro-fat).
2. Purification: The fat is immediately processed by centrifuging, allowing removal of oil and anaesthetic fluid and producing condensed fat rich in stem cells and growth factors.
3. Fat Injection: The condensed fat is transplanted using a delicate micro cannula, allowing precise deposits of tiny fat parcels at different levels to create volume and skin improvement. As the fat grafting procedure involves transplantation of living tissue, Dr Zurek believes it is essential to do this as quickly as possible to prevent deterioration of the fat tissue outside the body.
- Upper Level (least dense layer), oil from ruptured fat cells
- Middle Level (30 – 70%) potentially viable parcels of tissue
- Lower Level (most dense) water, blood, lignocaine
Who is a good candidate for a fat transfer procedure?
To assess an individual’s suitability for the fat grafting procedure, an in person consultation is required, where the patient’s areas of concern and expected results will be discussed. It is important to speak about your expectations and to understand the risks involved, so we will explain these risks in your consultation.
Generally, suitable candidates for fat injections will be in good physical and mental health, at a stable weight and have sufficient fat donor sites (enough fat on other areas of the body to use as a donor site for the fat injections).
Those who are smokers or have certain health conditions that may hinder the body’s natural healing process may not be suitable candidates for the procedure.
What areas can be treated with a fat grafting procedure?
The fat grafting procedure can be performed on a variety of areas on the body. Some patients may even wish to treat multiple areas, or simply treat one isolated area.
The common areas for fat grafting include:
- Nasolabial and marionette folds – Fat grafting adds support to facial structures.
- Lips – Fat tissue can be added to the upper and lower lips.
- Cheeks and grooves under eyes – Fat grafting can be applied to these regions, making the traditional approach of cutting and suspending this area unnecessary.
- Brow, upper eyelids and temples – Fat grafting can create more fullness in these areas, subject to the patient’s treatment plan.
- Chin and jaw line – Fat grafting can alter the shape and prominence of the jawline.
- Neck – Deep horizontal folds in this area can be softened by fat grafting.
- Acne and other scars and improvement in vitiligo.
- Earlobe reshaping
- Nose – Bridges or defects. Asian nasal enhancement instead of an implant.
- Hands – Fat grafting can be applied to the backs of the hands.
How much does a natural fat transfer cost in Sydney?
The approximate fee for fat grafting is between $4,000 and $5,500 plus GST.
An in person consultation with Dr Zurek is necessary to confirm the cost of your fat grafting.
Where we service
Fat transfer surgeon Dr Zurek has serviced customers from the wider Sydney area for decades, and while predominantly servicing many customers with fat grafting and fat transfer procedures in Canterbury, Cronulla, Darlinghurst, Double Bay, Kogarah, Miranda, Paddington, Woollahra and the Eastern Suburbs region, is available and willing to service all customers across Sydney, Australia, and the world. Contact us today to make an enquiry or booking.
Side effects and complications
As with any surgical procedure, fat grafting carries a risk of complications. Although uncommon, they include: infection, bleeding, injury to an underlying structure, scarring from incision sites, and fat necrosis (death of a lump of fat and subsequent inflammatory process). This may present as an abscess; however, there are no germs involved. Fat embolism with subsequent blindness has been reported (incidentally, the number is similar to the use of artificial fillers in the face). Embolism is very unlikely because the donor area is injected with local anaesthetic with a vasal constrictive agent which shrinks the blood vessels, a blunt cannula is used and the fat is injected during withdrawal of the cannula. Deformity (minor indentation) can also occur at the donor site. There have been no significant complications in over 1000 cases performed by Dr Zurek.
Potential complications of fat grafting will be discussed during your consultation with Dr Zurek.
Dr Zurek’s technique of fat grafting
Dr Zurek’s technique of fat grafting involves transplanting tiny parcels of fat, allowing better “take” of the graft by increasing the surface of contact with the recipient site tissue and also decreasing the risks of lumpiness. Adding extra isolated stem cells to the purified fat or adding of PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) is controversial, with no convincing scientific evidence of a better outcome. Transplanted fat undergoes the normal dynamic cycle of cell life, manifesting in shrinkage and loss of volume initially, followed by regrowth of tissue. It takes approximately six months for the fat graft to stabilise.
Fat transfer recovery
After the procedure, it’s normal to experience bruising, swelling and general discomfort as the body begins its natural healing process.
In the majority of cases, swelling and bruising is usually minor and will subside within two weeks after the procedure.
Because everyone is different, you will have your own recovery instructions to follow after your procedure with fat injections, but generally, all patients may be advised to:
- Avoid strenuous exercise for two weeks
- Avoid excessive heat exposure for two weeks
- Keep puncture sites clean to avoid infection
- Take care of your overall health – eat healthy, stay hydrated and make sure to get enough sleep
- Return to the clinic for follow up appointments, to monitor the recovery process and the results
When you follow your recovery instructions, you will be helping to minimise potential risks and support your body to heal. If you notice any concerning symptoms during your recovery, please contact the clinic or visit your GP.
Dr Zurek – Fat transfer surgeon in Sydney
With over 45 years of experience in medicine and surgery, Dr Zurek has been working exclusively in the field of cosmetic surgery since 1995, performing the first ever S-Lift in Australia in 1998.
Dr Zurek has performed approximately 1000 fat grafting procedures. Focusing on facial fat grafting for over two decades, he has developed his own technique and is passionate about helping patients see the results they desire.
Visit our about page to learn more about Dr Zurek.
Faq
HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS FROM A FAT TRANSFER PROCEDURE LAST?
Fat transplantation with fat injections is expected to be “permanent.” However, the natural cycle of ageing and the patient’s individual response must be considered.
IS FAT GROWTH IN THE TREATED AREA POSSIBLE AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
Transplanted fat undergoes the normal dynamic cycle of cell life, manifesting in shrinkage and loss of volume initially, followed by regrowth of tissue. It takes approximately six months for the fat graft to stabilise. Rare cases of excessive fat growth have been reported, and this occurred in patients with substantial weight gain. Localised fat growth can be removed by liposculpture or direct excision. The most important factor compromising the fat graft is smoking, as this affects the blood supply to the grafted tissue and may be considered toxic to the graft.
WHEN CAN I RETURN TO WORK?
Most patients are fit to return to work after one to two days however, due to some swelling and bruising some patients take longer. The average recovery time can be about two weeks, depending on the details of the procedure (such as the treated area) and the rate at which the patient is recovering.
CAN DR ZUREK DO SELECTED AREAS ONLY?
Yes, isolated areas can be treated. For a facial fat grafting procedure in which you would undergo fat injections for the face only, for example, you can treat isolated areas, such as around the eyes, cheeks, lips, temples, mouth, naso-labial area only. Your fat grafting procedure is personalised to achieve your goals.
IS THE PROCEDURE PAINFUL?
Dr Zurek performs the procedure under local anaesthetic and sedation, adjusted to each individual’s requirements. Therefore, patients should not feel any pain during the procedure. Some discomfort after the procedure can be expected, however, it can typically be managed with pain medication, if needed.
Read articles about Fat Grafting
Click on a cover to read.
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Cosmetic Surgery & Beauty Magazine #58 – Reshaping The Ageing Face – Sydney Cosmetic Surgeon Dr Longin Zurek explains his approach to restoring youthful volume to the ageing face. |
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Cosmetic Surgery & Beauty Magazine #57 – Reshaping the Aging Face – Sydney cosmetic surgeon Dr Longin Zurek explains his approach to restoring youthful volume to the ageing face. |
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Cosmetic Surgery & Beauty Magazine #56 – Restoring Youthful Volume – Dr Longin Zurek explains his pioneering approach to minimally invasive facial rejuvenation procedures. |
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Cosmetic Surgery & Beauty Magazine #55 – Refining Facial Techniques – Less is more |
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Cosmetic Surgery & Beauty Magazine #54 – Fat Graft – An ideal and sustainable filler |
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Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #51 – Combined Facial Rejuvenation |
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Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #47 – Fat Grafting: from filling to tissue regeneration |
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Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #46 – Restoring the rounded contours of youth |