Fat Transfer
Facial Rejuvenation
Facial Fat Transfer and Rejuvenation
Fat is often used to improve contour in facelifts and correct asymmetries. Faces have a superb blood supply so fat survival is often excellent. The biggest limitation is the uncertainties of which areas will become enlarged and when they will do so. Fat is clearly preferable to fillers in facial improvement but unlike fillers, it cannot simply be dissolved. You have what you were given until it is removed.
How does facial fat transfer work?
Fat transfer involves the removal of living tissue through the technique of liposuction and placing it into a new area with the intention of having it survive. There are certain steps that have to be taken to accomplish this.
First, we have to be gentle when we remove it. Most forms of liposuction are fairly destructive to the tissue since it will be discarded later. So, the parameters of fat removal have to be altered to maximize fat cell survival.
Next, the fat cannot simply be poured into a place. If you add a lake of fat anywhere, the fat dies. The body clears up the area, and little if any change is noticed. So placement of fat has to be performed with specialized instruments that lay narrow tubes of tissue into the new tissue. Fat has to get a new blood supply if it’s to survive as anything more than an oily slick. The fat has to be put where the blood vessels are. That means we put fat just beneath the skin, into the fat, and in most areas into the underlying muscle too.
Fat survival is variable. Studies tell us that anywhere between 40% and 80% of the fat will survive if the procedure is performed correctly. So we have to overcorrect the area if we expect a great correction. Fat has to be protected after the transfer, so keeping weight off the area and chilling it slightly to avoid inflammation is very important.
One interesting area of fat grafting research is the use of stem cells. These are cells, which occur, in fat tissue as undifferentiated tissue; they can become nearly anything with the right stimulus. We acknowledge that part of the fat we introduce is made up of stem cells. These differentiate into mature fat cells and blood vessels. There is a body of evidence which demonstrates that the more stem cells, the greater the fat survival.
In fat transfer, more is not necessarily better. It has to be performed very carefully, with the final goal in mind. The final results of fat grafting do take months to be seen.
Careful judgment is important in any fat transfer. With Dr. Geldner’s superior surgical skills, his 25 years of experience, his experienced and compassionate staff, we exceed our patients’ expectations.
Reviews
“I highly recommend Dr. Geldner if you want an honest and thorough opinion about plastic surgery. Dr. Geldner asks the important questions.”
~ Patient Review
Fat Transfer Facial Rejuvenation, also known as fat grafting or fat injection, is a cosmetic procedure that uses your own body fat to restore volume and enhance the contours of the face. This technique is ideal for addressing signs of aging such as hollow cheeks, deep wrinkles, and sagging skin, providing a more youthful and natural appearance.
How It Works:
- Fat Harvesting: The procedure begins with liposuction to remove fat from a donor area of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks. This fat is then purified and prepared for injection.
- Fat Injection: The purified fat is carefully injected into the targeted areas of the face in small amounts to achieve the desired volume and contour. Common areas for fat transfer include the cheeks, under-eye hollows, nasolabial folds, and jawline.
- Natural Integration: Over time, the transferred fat cells integrate with the existing facial tissues, providing long-lasting, natural-looking results.
Fat transfer facial rejuvenation offers several benefits, including the use of your own tissue, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions or rejection. The procedure can be performed alone or in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation treatments for more comprehensive results.
Good candidates for Fat Transfer Facial Rejuvenation are individuals who seek to restore lost volume, improve facial contours, and achieve a more youthful appearance using their own body fat. Ideal candidates typically meet the following criteria:
- Volume Loss: Candidates have noticeable volume loss in areas such as the cheeks, under-eye hollows, or nasolabial folds, which can create a gaunt or aged appearance.
- Good General Health: Candidates should be in good overall health, with no serious medical conditions that could impair healing or increase surgical risks.
- Sufficient Donor Fat: There must be adequate fat available in donor areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks to harvest for the procedure.
- Non-Smokers: Smoking can interfere with the healing process and affect the survival of the transferred fat cells. Candidates are typically non-smokers or willing to quit smoking before and after the procedure.
- Realistic Expectations: It’s important to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure. While fat transfer can provide significant improvements, it may not achieve the same results as more invasive surgical procedures.
During the consultation, Dr. Geldner will evaluate your facial structure, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine if you are a suitable candidate for fat transfer facial rejuvenation. He will also explain the procedure in detail, including the expected results, potential risks, and recovery process.
Recovery after Fat Transfer Facial Rejuvenation involves several stages, and following Dr. Geldner’s post-operative care instructions is crucial for optimal results.
Recovery Process:
- Immediate Post-Operative Care: After the procedure, you may experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in both the donor and injection sites. These symptoms typically subside within a few days to a week and can be managed with prescribed medications and cold compresses.
- Activity Restrictions: It’s important to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise for at least two weeks to allow the transferred fat cells to settle and integrate with the facial tissues.
- Final Results: The initial swelling may mask the final results, but you will start to see improvements as the swelling subsides. Final results can take a few months to become fully apparent as the transferred fat cells establish a blood supply and integrate with the surrounding tissues.
Potential Risks:
- Fat Resorption: A portion of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body, which is normal. Your surgeon may overfill the treated areas initially to account for this.
- Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. Following proper post-operative care instructions can help minimize this risk.
- Asymmetry: There may be slight asymmetry if the fat does not settle evenly. In some cases, additional touch-up procedures may be necessary to achieve the desired results.
- Fat Necrosis: Rarely, transferred fat cells may die and form firm lumps. These can usually be treated or may resolve on their own.
By adhering to Dr. Geldner’s post-operative care instructions and attending follow-up appointments, you can ensure a smooth recovery and achieve the best possible results from your Fat Transfer Facial Rejuvenation.