Fat Transfer

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had a fat transfer to my arms/wrists area twice in the past and the fat did not survive – the result was very good at first but after nearly 4 months the fat has gone away. My concern is my small wrists and arms but especially the wrists. I would like to know if the arm implants can be used to augment the wrists to make them appear wider/bigger. I plan on having this surgery late this year.

A: It is no surprise that fat would not survive in the arms and wrists. As a general rule fat does not survive well in tissues where fat does not normally reside to any degree. Fat may survive is one area or spot but will not persist in an overall circumferential manner. That is just simply to going to work…as you now know times two.

It is not possible to place implants in the arms/wrist as there is not adequate soft tissue/muscular cover for them. Implants that are just covered by skin and are close to a moveable joint like the wrists would likely have a high incidence of complications. It is not a question of whether it can be done but whether it should be done.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana