Fat Transfer to the Face
Restore Youthful Volume Naturally
What Is Facial Fat Transfer?
Facial fat transfer, also known as autologous fat grafting, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses your body’s own fat to restore lost volume, enhance facial contours, and rejuvenate your appearance. By harvesting fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs and injecting it into targeted facial regions, this technique offers a natural alternative to synthetic fillers, providing long-lasting results with minimal risk of allergic reactions.
This procedure effectively addresses concerns such as sunken cheeks, hollow under-eyes, thinning lips, and deep nasolabial folds, resulting in a more youthful and refreshed look.
Are You a Good Candidate for Facial Fat Transfer?
You may be an ideal candidate for facial fat transfer if you:
During your consultation at Star Plastic Surgery, our board-certified surgeons will evaluate your facial anatomy and discuss your aesthetic goals to determine if facial fat transfer is the right solution for you.
Star Plastic Surgery Advantage
Why Choose Star Plastic Surgery?
At Star Plastic Surgery in Novi, Michigan, our board-certified plastic surgeons are dedicated to delivering personalized care and exceptional results. We understand the importance of facial harmony and utilize advanced techniques to ensure natural-looking enhancements. Your safety, comfort, and satisfaction are our top priorities throughout every step of your surgical journey.
Understanding the Facial Fat Transfer Procedure
Facial fat transfer is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the treatment. The procedure involves three main steps:
1. Fat Harvesting:
Using gentle liposuction techniques, fat is extracted from donor areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks.
2. Purification:
The harvested fat is processed to separate healthy fat cells from other components, ensuring optimal survival of the transferred fat.
3. Injection:
The purified fat is meticulously injected into targeted facial areas using fine cannulas, enhancing volume and contour with natural-looking results.
Facial Fat Transfer Recovery – What to Expect
Recovery from facial fat transfer is generally well-tolerated, with most patients experiencing minimal downtime.
Immediately After Surgery:
You can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in both the donor and recipient sites. Applying cold compresses and keeping your head elevated can help reduce swelling. Pain is usually manageable with prescribed medications.
First Week:
Swelling and bruising typically peak within the first 48 to 72 hours and gradually subside thereafter. It’s advisable to avoid strenuous activities and to rest as much as possible during this period.
Weeks 2 to 3:
Most patients notice a significant reduction in swelling and can return to normal daily activities. However, it’s recommended to continue avoiding intense physical exertion.
After One Month:
By this time, the majority of swelling and bruising should have resolved, revealing the enhanced facial contours. Final results become more apparent as the transferred fat integrates with the surrounding tissues.
Adhering to your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions and attending all scheduled follow-up appointments are crucial for optimal healing and results.
Facial Fat Transfer FAQs
How long do the results last?
Facial fat transfer results are long-lasting, with many patients enjoying enhanced facial volume for several years. However, some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time, and touch-up procedures may be desired.
Are there any risks associated with the procedure?
As with any surgical procedure, risks include infection, asymmetry, or fat resorption. Choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon minimizes these risks.
Can facial fat transfer be combined with other procedures?
Yes, facial fat transfer is often combined with procedures like facelifts, eyelid surgery, or skin resurfacing treatments to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Will there be visible scars?
Incisions for fat harvesting are small and strategically placed to minimize visibility. They typically fade over time and are barely noticeable.