Facial Fat Grafting
Facial fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, fat injections, or lipofilling, is a cosmetic procedure that utilizes a patient's own fat to address facial irregularities and contours.
Understanding Facial Fat Transfer
Facial Fat Transfer also referred to as Fat Grafting to the Face, is a cosmetic surgery technique designed to restore youthful volume, alleviate the effects of aging or weight loss, and fill deep grooves using a patient’s own fat. This procedure is often combined with a facelift to achieve an overall rejuvenated appearance. For younger patients, it can be used as a filler to accentuate cheekbones or midfacial areas, resulting in a reshaped look. The longevity of fat transfer results surpasses that of traditional fillers since the transferred fat cells are from the patient’s own body. Additionally, the results appear softer and more natural.
The Fat Transfer Procedure
Fat is harvested from specific areas of the body, such as the belly, thigh, or flank, and then meticulously layered onto the face. Due to the use of live cells from the patient’s body, fat transfer provides longer-lasting results compared to traditional filler injections. Furthermore, the outcome is softer and more natural.
Important Considerations Before The Procedure
- During the consultation, a comprehensive assessment of your facial characteristics and goals will be conducted. Since each person’s face is unique, a personalized plan will be developed to achieve the desired results. To ensure a harmonious look that matches the neck, eyes, and forehead, a comprehensive approach will be discussed.
- A thorough consultation, comprehensive medical history review, and detailed examination will be conducted to create a customized plan based on your anatomy and aesthetic objectives. Age, overall health, emotional well-being, and surgery expectations will all be taken into account when evaluating your eligibility for this procedure.
- Smoking significantly increases the risk of wound healing problems, so patients are required to quit smoking for a period ranging from 2 months to a year, depending on their smoking history, before undergoing surgery.
- To minimize the risk of excessive bleeding, you will need to abstain from aspirin-containing medications, anti-inflammatories, alcohol, or herbal supplements for two weeks before surgery. You will receive a detailed list of medications to avoid and comprehensive instructions prior to surgery.
- Preparing for surgery and understanding how to care for yourself afterward is crucial for achieving the best possible results, and our staff will guide you through every step of the process.
The Fat Transfer Procedure
For your comfort and safety, it is recommended to undergo fat transfer to the face under general anesthesia. While it can also be performed under local anesthesia, it may be less comfortable for patients. A multi-stage technique has been developed to create ideal fat grafts and produce natural, long-lasting results. Fat is harvested using this technique from one or more discrete body areas and then carefully transferred to the face through subtle incisions. When combined with a facelift, fat is introduced through the facelift incisions, eliminating the need for additional incisions. All incisions are meticulously closed with small sutures, resulting in nearly invisible scars. Attention to detail is paramount throughout every stage of this surgery.
Recovery And Results
A special technique has been developed to minimize pain and ensure a swift recovery. Tylenol is usually sufficient for managing any discomfort. While some facial swelling and bruising may occur, it is typically minimal. Most of the swelling and bruising subsides within a week, and the final results become visible in about a month. The recovery timeline for liposuctioned areas depends on the extent and number of areas treated. Most individuals can resume their normal activities within one to two weeks, with moderate exercise like walking or stationary biking allowed after two weeks. More vigorous activities such as jogging or aerobics can be resumed after four weeks. While you may return to work after two weeks, strenuous activity should be avoided for a couple of weeks.
Scars may take up to a year to fully fade, but even after a few weeks, they will be nearly imperceptible, measuring only a few millimeters. Scar treatments commence around two weeks post-surgery, and detailed scar care instructions and medications will be provided. Sun exposure should be avoided for several months after surgery.
The healing process is relatively quick and straightforward.
Natural-looking results that enhance your appearance without creating unnatural or conspicuous changes are our specialty. After the procedure, you will still look like yourself, only refreshed.