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Facial Fat Grafting
Read Dr. Corrado's Publication on Facial Fat Grafting
Facial fat grafting/transfer is a state of the art 3-dimensional approach to facial rejuvenation. While most facial cosmetic procedures involve subtraction or removal of sagging skin, this procedure involves addition and augmentation of specific facial structures. One of the key components to facial aging is 3-dimensional volume loss. Often times this aspect of facial aging is overlooked. Thinking of the face as a balloon, as one lets air out of a balloon the walls of the balloon lose their tension and become lax. In a similar fashion, the facial skeleton loses volume in the form of loss of facial fat and loss of facial bone density. Facial fat grafting/transfer procedures seek to restore the facial volume of specific facial structures to allow for a more youthful, and overall healthy appearance.
The youthful face is likened to the shape of a heart, with the cheek bones being the broadest and most pronounced area of the face. From the cheek bones, the face then tapers down to its slimmest area being the chin. As we age, the face takes on the appearance of an “upside down” heart with the broadest area of the face being the lower face. The lower face becomes widest along the jawline with the formation of jowls, while the cheek areas taper and slim due to loss of cheek volume and sagging of the upper face. Due to this loss of volume and descent of upper facial tissues, deep facial folds, wrinkles, and hollows become more pronounced. Specific areas include the periorbital region (area around the eye), the malar area (the cheek), the nasolabial folds (lines adjacent to the corner of the nose and mouth), and the perioral area (area around the mouth). Fat transfer is utilized to “build up” these specific areas to restore the natural foundation of the face as it was in our youth. Wrinkles and folds are smoothed, while cheeks and specific hollowed areas are “plumped” to provide a healthier and more youthful appearance.
The selection of autologous fat (a patient’s own fatty tissue) as a filler is widely recognized as one of the most fundamental materials for use in facial and body augmentation. Fat can be utilized as a filler substance for cosmetic and reconstructive procedures in cases where “volume loss” needs to be addressed. Fat provides a soft and natural feeling filler which can be harvested with very low risk, has no risk of allergic reaction, and lacks risk of disease transmission. Fat is also readily available in abundant stores making it a low cost filler medium which can be harvested from the patient’s body (usually hips or abdomen) in large amounts. Patients need not worry about “how much filler” they are using because fat is harvested directly from their own body at no cost.
Facial Fat Grafting/Transfer Procedure Facts
Surgical Goals: |
To correct facial volume loss associated with aging, to smooth wrinkles and fill deep hollows and folds. |
The Procedure: |
The procedure is performed through carefully placed needle stick sites, leaving virtually no visible post procedure scars. Fat is first delicately harvested from such areas as the abdomen, hip/flank, or buttocks. It is carefully rinsed and prepared. It is then injected with tiny microcannulas which prevent injury to the living fat cells during the transfer process. |
Anesthesia: |
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with oral or IV sedation for further patient relaxation. |
Length of Time: |
The procedure lasts between 1-2 hours depending on the patient’s rejuvenation needs. Procedures such as Chemical Peel or Laser Skin Resurfacing may be added to complement the patient’s procedure. All procedures can be performed at our in-office procedure suite or at a fully accredited outpatient surgery center. |
After the Procedure: |
All patients are sent home that day after their procedure, and are given a set of post procedure instructions to follow. The patient will follow up the next day for a post procedure check, and again on the seventh day after the procedure. |
Recovery: |
Most patients can return to work in a few days. Patients are asked to refrain from physical exertion for a period of two weeks. Swelling and bruising usually resolve in one week, but they are usually minimal. Although a narcotic pain medication is prescribed most patients report only using Tylenol. An elastic compression garment is worn to provide post procedure compression at the harvest site for a few days. (It should be noted that individual recovery time and pain thresholds may vary depending on the patient). |
