Improve Contours for Richmond and Vancouver
Fat grafting is an ideal technique for anyone looking to smooth out creases, wrinkles, or dimples without the use of artificial injectables and fillers. When used in tandem with or following a breast reconstruction procedure, fat grafting at our Richmond practice can also create a more natural-looking and better-contoured breast. A consultation with Dr. Robyn Watts will help determine how a fat transfer can safely, effectively, and naturally restore an even and youthful appearance to almost any place on the body.
Get in Touch!
Find out how fat grafting with Richmond and Vancouver’s Dr. Robyn Watts can help you meet your personal aesthetic goals. Call 604-674-1997 or fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment.
What Cosmetic Concerns Can Fat Grafting Address?
Patients who undergo a fat transfer benefit twice over from the procedure. This is because fat grafting removes fatty tissue from areas of the body where patients don’t want it and uses it to fill in areas of the body that need extra volume and contouring.
The first step of a fat grafting procedure is functionally similar to liposuction and can be used to help a patient meet similar goals. Stubborn belly and thigh fat that sticks around despite diet and exercise often stands between patients and their ideal body. By targeting this troublesome fat, Dr. Robyn Watts can access ample donor tissue for most fat grafting needs and leave patients with a slimmer figure.
Once the excess fat cells have been removed and purified, they can be reapplied almost anywhere on the body to fill in undesired wrinkles and volume deficiencies. This might include replacing tissue removed in a partial lumpectomy, correcting ripples in the skin that emerge after an implant-based breast reconstruction or addressing irregularities following a previous liposuction operation. Patients may also be able to smooth creases in the midface region or nasolabial folds, sometimes referred to as laugh lines.
Dr. Robyn Watts
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Dr. Robyn Watts is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction, cosmetic breast surgery, and body contouring. Trained in Canada and the U.S., she leads plastic surgery at Richmond Hospital, practices at Cambie Surgical Centre, teaches at UBC, and is known for meticulous technique, compassion, and natural results.
How Does Fat Grafting Work?
The fat transfer process begins with the removal of fat tissue from the donor site. First, Dr. Robyn Watts makes a small incision of approximately 5mm at the donation site. She then inserts a small suction wand, known as a cannula, which is used to break up and loosen the fat cells beneath the skin and siphon them into sterile containers.
Once the fat has been collected, it is separated from any blood or other materials that may have been taken alongside the fat tissue. The cleaned fat cells are then transferred into small syringes, which are ready to inject the fat tissue wherever it may be needed on the body. Once injected, the living cells will reconnect with important systems in the body and provide natural-looking lasting volume.
How Long Will the Procedure and Recovery Take?
The flexibility of fat grafting means surgery times vary depending on the areas of the body targeted for liposuction and reinjection of the fat tissue. However, all patients will have their transfer performed under general anesthesia and can expect to return home on the same day of the procedure.
As with the surgery time, recovery will follow a different schedule based on the extent of each patient’s grafting procedure. All patients should anticipate some bruising around the treatment area for the first two weeks of their recovery, as well as swelling that can last from six weeks to three months. Patients typically return to work within two weeks of their operation.
The body can sometimes reabsorb some of the fat tissue after a transfer—sometimes as much as 20 to 50 percent. Because of this, Dr. Robyn Watts may choose to overcorrect injection sites during the procedure or recommend follow-up treatments to help meet your needs.
What Alternatives to Fat Transfer Does Dr. Robyn Watts Offer?
Although fat grafting can improve the results of a lumpectomy or breast reconstruction, it cannot fully replace a breast on its own. If you’re considering a full breast reconstruction and wish to use your own body tissue, a TRAM flap or Latissimus Dorsi Flap procedure performed by Dr. Watts might be right for you. These breast reconstruction surgeries utilize muscle, fat, and skin tissue from the abdominal and middle back regions, respectively, to form a healthy and aesthetic breast without the use of implants.
Patients looking to address creases and volume loss, particularly in the midface region, may want to consider dermal filler treatments. Fillers such as Juvéderm® can replace lost tissue in sensitive areas without the recovery time associated with surgery. The hyaluronic acid included in these fillers has the added benefit of moisturizing the surrounding tissue.
If you’d like to know more about fat grafting for Richmond and Vancouver, we invite you to call 604-674-1997 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation.
Before & After Photo Gallery
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See real patient transformations that highlight the artistry and precision behind Dr. Watts’ surgical approach. Each before-and-after showcases natural, balanced results tailored to individual goals.
- Results vary by individual, and no outcome is guaranteed.
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