TORONTO — Dr. Lawrence Tong, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Toronto, says new innovations in surgical techniques have dramatically improved the number of options available to patients for improving their appearance as well as their self-esteem. According to Dr. Tong, one of the most influential advancements in plastic surgery over the past few years has been the use of fat transfer to achieve safe, natural results during procedures like facial rejuvenation, buttock augmentation, and breast augmentation.
“Fat transfer is basically removing fat from one area of the body and placing it in another to improve the volume of the recipient area,” says Dr. Tong. “The most noticeable benefits of fat transfer procedures are that the results last longer than treatments such as dermal fillers. It has the ability to create a more natural-looking outcome, especially in cases where a significant amount of volume is needed.”
Dr. Tong says he typically takes fat from places where patients have an excess amount, for example the flank, outer thigh, or abdomen, and carefully injects it into areas that have lost fullness or shape. While fat transfer can be used for procedures such as buttock enhancement or breast augmentation, he says a majority of his Toronto plastic surgery patients request the technique to enhance the appearance of their faces. Particularly with facial procedures, Dr. Tong says fat transfer has become a popular method because it is one of the only ways patients can add volume to the face for a long-term result.
“People now recognize that loss of fat is a significant part of facial aging,” he says. “Unlike a facelift, fat grafting adds volume to improve the fullness of the face for a more complete facial rejuvenation. Thus, the facelift and fat volumizing complement each other.”
Because the procedure is performed using the patient’s own fat, Dr. Tong says another major benefit of the technique is that the body will not reject the transferred material. However, in the immediate healing period, the fat can experience some resorption or a “melting-away” effect. Dr. Tong says he accounts for the natural reduction of the fat by creating a slightly ‘over-corrected’ look, resulting in a better long-term outcome.
Fat transfer for breast augmentation limits the size patients can achieve when compared to a more traditional surgical procedure, such as a breast enhancement with silicone breast implants. Despite this, Dr. Tong says the potential for shape and artistry is greatly improved, and additionally there is no concern about silicone leakage or other issues associated with breast implants.
“With fat, I have the ability to place it in the breast in a selective manner,” says Dr. Tong. “In some cases, I can preferentially place the fat in one area to create a better, more customized appearance, as opposed to implants which provide a simple, round shape.”
As with any medical procedure, Dr. Tong says the benefits of fat transfer are greatly dependent upon the skill and experience of the plastic surgeon. He says regardless of whether they are looking for breast augmentation or a facelift, patients should take great care to consult with a board-certified surgeon before undergoing any treatment. By selecting a dedicated and qualified practice, Dr. Tong says patients can experience the joys of a safe, natural-looking result and a more vibrant appearance.
About Lawrence Tong, MD, FACS
A graduate of the University of Toronto Medical School, Dr. Lawrence Tong completed his training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Michigan Medical Center. He is double board-certified in Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Tong is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, as well as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Located at 199 Avenue Road in Toronto, Ontario, Dr. Tong’s practice, the Yorkville Institute of Plastic Surgery, can be reached at (416) 972-0999. He and his team can also be contacted online via the website myplasticsurgerytoronto.com.
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