Removing unwanted fat in one area of the body and moving it to another area where you’d like more volume might seem too good to be true. But fat transfer, also called fat grafting, does just that. If you feel that you have too much volume in one part of the body and not enough in another, fat transfer from board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rebecca Garza can help restore harmony to your face and figure. 

Patients come from near and far to see Dr. Garza in Schererville, Indiana, for fat transfer. People from Crown Point, Munster, and the surrounding communities trust her for beautiful, natural-looking results. Using fat transfer on its own or as a complement to other surgeries, Dr. Garza can help you sculpt your body, restore volume, and rejuvenate your appearance. 

What Is Fat Grafting? 

The more medically correct term for fat transfer, fat grafting, is a surgical procedure that slims down one or more areas of the body with liposuction before grafting the collected fat to another area. Unlike temporary dermal fillers, which use synthetic substances, fat grafting is autologous, meaning that it comes from your own body. As a result, the enhancements are natural and long-lasting. 

Your Fat Transfer Consultation With Dr. Garza 

Your consultation with Dr. Garza is an opportunity to learn more about the fat transfer procedure and how it can help you achieve your cosmetic goals. She will discuss your medical history, what you can expect, and what you hope to get out of the procedure. Dr. Garza will gladly answer any questions or address any concerns you may have before outlining a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. 

Fat Transfer Before and After Photos 

During your consultation, Dr. Garza will also share before and after photos of fat transfer patients she has treated in the past. These real-life transformations can help you set realistic expectations and see Dr. Garza’s expertise and ability to create the results you want. 

Dr. Garza

Meet Your Surgeon,
Rebecca Garza, M.D.

Dr. Garza is one of the most accomplished female board-certified plastic surgeons in Indiana and the Chicagoland area. She completed elite fellowship training and is active in several prestigious professional associations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Aesthetic Society, and the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery. She performs a full range of facial procedures, as well as breast enhancement and body contouring, all tailored to your personal needs.

More About Dr. Garza

Credentials You Can Trust

Dr. Garza Credentials

Complementary Procedures 

Fat transfer is commonly used in concert with other surgeries. It can be used to naturally augment the breast or add a soft layer of padding around implants. Fat transfer can also improve facial contours. A facelift can benefit from added volume in the cheeks and lower face, while a brow lift or eyelid surgery can be enhanced by treating sunken temples and under-eye hollows.

Body contouring can also incorporate fat transfer, especially as part of a gender-affirming surgery, such as adding volume to the hips or waist to accentuate a more feminine or masculine silhouette. Dr. Garza will cover your options with you during your consultation. 

What To Expect From Your Fat Transfer Surgery 

Fat transfer is generally performed on an outpatient basis. Depending on whether you are getting other procedures done or not, you may be placed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Dr. Garza begins by injecting a tumescent solution into the donor area (i.e., the area of the body where the fat will be collected). 

This solution has analgesic properties and makes the fat firmer and easier to suction out with a cannula (a thin, hollow tube). The cannula is inserted via small, discreet incisions and harvests the fat, which is then purified. Dr. Garza then carefully injects the purified fat into the target areas to add subtle, natural volume.  

Fat Transfer Recovery 

Most patients can return to work after 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the extent of their procedure. As with any surgery, swelling and bruising are common and will peak within the first few days. You may have to wear compression garments to protect the area, minimize swelling, and facilitate healing. Dr. Garza will provide detailed instructions and advise you on when it is safe to resume strenuous exercise and certain activities. 

A Reputation Built on Results

A Reputation
Built on Results

My son broke his nose in two places. We consulted Dr. Garza. She wisely had us wait a few weeks before...
Dr. Garza is an excellent surgeon. She is honest with patients about what they need and do not need....
As a 68 year old man, I was a little nervous walking in for a consultation. But after talking to Dr....
Excellent doctor. Very personable.

Fat Transfer FAQs 

How long do fat transfer results last?  

Fat transfer results are typically long-lasting when you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Not all transferred fat will survive in its new home, so some people undergo a secondary procedure to add more volume. The surviving fat integrates into the recipient area and blends seamlessly with the surrounding tissue. Since aging continues after your procedure, you may eventually lose volume over time. 

Is fat transfer safe?  

Fat transfer is generally safe when performed by a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Garza. Complications are rare, and as the procedure uses your body’s natural fat, the risk of allergic reactions is not a concern.

Trust a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
for Your Fat Transfer

Successful fat transfer requires clinical skill and a trained artistic eye to ensure the most natural-looking results. If you would like to discuss how fat grafting can help you create better facial and body proportions, please request a consultation or call us at (219) 322-3131 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Garza. 

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