Arroyo Plastic Surgery Website Logo
(832) 843-2702

Natural-Looking Volume From a Board-Certified Houston Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Christian Arroyo is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and brings a conservative, detail-oriented approach to every body-contouring plan. He trained in general surgery at the University of Connecticut and Mayo Clinic, then completed his plastic surgery residency at Houston Methodist Hospital. Dr. Arroyo offers alloClae in Houston, TX, for patients who want added volume or smoother contours without implants or a surgical fat harvest.

What Is alloClae?

alloClae is a structural adipose filler made from donated human fat tissue. According to the manufacturer, it contains non-living fat cells, extracellular matrix (ECM), triglycerides, and connective tissue. It is marketed as a Human Cell & Tissue Product (HCT/P) sourced from donors who undergo screening and testing.

The tissue is placed under the skin where fat naturally exists, adding cushioning, volume, and support. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons groups alloClae with other fat-based fillers designed to restore volume while working with the body's own tissue.

How Does alloClae Work?

alloClae works by delivering intact fat structure and supportive matrix to the treatment area. The manufacturer says processing preserves the 3D honeycomb structure of the fat cells, which provides immediate volume where the product is placed.

Tiger Aesthetics, the company behind alloClae, describes these processing steps:

  • Retains the extracellular matrix, including naturally occurring proteins and collagens
  • Terminally sterilizes the tissue to a sterility assurance level of 10⁻⁶
  • Reduces free oil to under 2%, which is intended to lower the risk of oil cysts
  • Minimizes DNA content to reduce the chance of an immune response

The tissue acts as a scaffold on which collagen can regrow, and volume can be restored.

How Is alloClae Different From Fat Transfer, Dermal Fillers, and Implants?

alloClae differs from other volume options mainly in where the volume comes from and how it is placed. Dr. Arroyo can help you compare these approaches against your anatomy and goals during a consultation.

Key differences include:

  • Fat transfer, including a Brazilian butt lift: Uses fat harvested from your own body with liposuction, so it requires surgery and enough donor fat. alloClae uses donor tissue, so no harvest is needed, and the ASPS notes fat-based fillers can help leaner patients who lack fat to transfer.
  • Dermal fillers: Traditional fillers are designed mainly for smaller, targeted areas, and an ASPS member surgeon notes they were not built to add larger volumes to the body.
  • Implants: Implants are synthetic devices placed surgically. alloClae is applied under the skin without surgery and without an implant, according to the manufacturer.
Banner background

Benefits of alloClae

  • No surgical fat harvest, which can matter for patients with less donor fat
  • An in-office treatment that typically takes under an hour
  • Immediate volume at the treatment area
  • Little downtime, with most patients returning to normal activity within 24 to 48 hours, per the manufacturer
  • No implants and no synthetic filler
  • Tissue that the manufacturer says performs like your own fat where it is applied

Areas alloClae Can Treat

alloClae can be applied wherever fat naturally occurs, making it a flexible option for non-surgical body contouring in Houston. Our practice loves it for:

  • Gluteal and hip contouring: Softening the look of hip dips, refining natural curves, and smoothing irregularities left by liposuction.
  • Breast contouring: Improving symmetry, addressing implant rippling or irregularities, and restoring lost volume.

Are You a Candidate for alloClae in Houston?

You may be a candidate for alloClae in Houston if you want added volume or smoother contours and would like to avoid a surgical fat harvest. Dr. Arroyo evaluates each patient individually, and good candidates often include:

  • Leaner patients who do not have enough fat to harvest for a transfer
  • Patients who prefer to avoid anesthesia or extended downtime
  • Patients with volume changes after weight loss
  • Patients with contour irregularities after liposuction
  • Patients who are not candidates for traditional fat transfer

According to the manufacturer's safety information, alloClae should not be used by patients with severe allergen sensitivities, a history of anaphylaxis, or an active infection. Dr. Arroyo reviews your medical history and goals during your consultation to decide whether alloClae is appropriate for you.

Why Choose Dr. Arroyo for Structural Adipose Filler in Houston?

Dr. Arroyo is a board-certified plastic surgeon who pairs extensive surgical training with an unhurried, individualized approach to body contouring. He takes the time to explain every option, including when a different procedure may suit a patient better than alloClae. Patients travel from across Texas and beyond to see him at Arroyo Plastic Surgery in Houston. Dr. Arroyo's training spans general surgery, plastic surgery, and aesthetic medicine. His credentials include:

  • Certification by The American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • Membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The Aesthetic Society
  • Medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico
  • General surgery residency at the University of Connecticut and Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota
  • Plastic surgery residency at Houston Methodist Hospital
  • Fluency in English and Spanish, with roots in Puerto Rico
  • Houston Chronicle Best of the Best

Dr. Arroyo's work has been published in books and peer-reviewed journals, and he has presented at plastic surgery and medical research meetings across the United States. His publications appear under the name Christian Arroyo-Alonso. Examples include:

  • A co-authored chapter on managing complications of hair transplantation, in Complications in Minimally Invasive Facial Rejuvenation from Thieme Medical Publishers
  • A 2018 Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting presentation on closed incision negative-pressure wound therapy at the abdominal donor site in free flap breast reconstruction

Dr. Arroyo created a private plastic surgery center with a comfortable post-procedure recovery area and no hospital stay. The practice's surgery center has received Quad-A accreditation, a program whose standards address equipment, operating room safety, personnel, and surgeon credentials. Dr. Arroyo spends the time needed with each patient to explain all available options, and he stays current with surgical and non-surgical advances. After treatment, patients have direct access to him for questions or concerns.

What to Expect Before, During, and After

Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Arroyo reviews your medical history, examines the areas you want to treat, and discusses the volume that best fits your goals. Virtual consultations are also available for patients outside Houston. Cost varies with your goals and the volume used.

Treatment

The manufacturer says alloClae is typically performed in the office in under an hour. Because the product arrives ready to use, no fat harvest is needed. Dr. Arroyo applies alloClae under the skin in the targeted areas.

Recovery and Results

The manufacturer reports that results are immediate and that most patients return to normal activity within 24 to 48 hours. Recovery varies by treatment area and individual. Dr. Arroyo provides aftercare instructions and remains available for questions as you heal.

How Long Do alloClae Results Last?

alloClae long-term data is still limited. ASPS reports roughly 90% 1-year survival, compared with about 40%-50% for traditional fat grafting. That figure reflects one surgeon's experience and not a controlled study, so Dr. Arroyo discusses realistic expectations with you individually.

alloClae Risks

The risks of alloClae are similar to those of other procedures of this type. The manufacturer's important safety information lists these potential complications:

  • Cyst or nodule formation
  • Pain or infection
  • Hematoma
  • Anaphylaxis or other allergic or immune responses
  • Skin discoloration at the treatment site

alloClae is sourced from donor tissue that must meet FDA requirements for HCT/Ps, including donor screening and testing for transmissible diseases. Dr. Arroyo reviews your risks and answers your questions before treatment.

Alternatives and Related Procedures

alloClae is one of several ways to add volume or refine contours. Depending on your goals, Dr. Arroyo may discuss related options at Arroyo Plastic Surgery, including:

alloClae FAQs

Does alloClae require surgery?

No surgical fat harvest is needed. The manufacturer describes alloClae as a non-surgical treatment that may be performed in the office.

How soon will I see results from alloClae?

Results are immediate, according to the manufacturer, because the tissue adds volume as soon as it is applied. Dr. Arroyo explains what to expect for your treatment areas at your consultation.

How much downtime should I plan for?

The manufacturer says most patients return to normal activity within 24 to 48 hours. Your recovery may differ depending on the area treated and your health.

Is alloClae safe?

alloClae is marketed as an HCT/P made from screened and tested donor tissue. Like any procedure, it carries risks, including nodules, infection, hematoma, and allergic reactions. Dr. Arroyo reviews these with you before treatment.

Can alloClae be used for breast contouring?

The manufacturer lists breast contouring as one use, including improving symmetry and addressing implant irregularities.

How much does alloClae cost in Houston?

Cost varies with your goals and the amount of volume used. Dr. Arroyo provides a personalized estimate after your consultation.

Considering alloClae in Houston? Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Arroyo Today

Dr. Christian Arroyo is a board-certified plastic surgeon who takes the time to understand your goals and explain every option. If you are curious whether alloClae is right for you, schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with Arroyo Plastic Surgery by calling (832) 843-2702.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.

Banner background

Sources

Schedule a Consultation

In-person Virtual
Logo media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (713) 393-7444.
Contact Us