Facial Fat Grafting
As we age, we lose fat in our faces, creating a hollow or sunken appearance in places such as under the eyes and cheekbones, and facial wrinkles and folds. Facial fat grafting is the process of transferring a patient’s own fat cells from an unwanted fat deposit and injecting it into the patient’s face to create a smoother, more youthful appearance.
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Facial Fat Grafting Before & Afters
Ideal Candidates
You may be an ideal candidate for facial fat grafting if you have experienced age-related volume loss and wrinkling in the face. Facial fat grafting can also improve the hollow appearance in the cheek area brought on by weight loss.
As with all medical procedures, excellent candidates are those in good overall health and who have informed, realistic expectations.
Preparation
An initial consultation with Dr. Minton is the first step to any procedure. There he will discuss your health history and closely examine your face to determine the precise changes to be made and techniques to achieve the most long-lasting and natural-looking results.
The Facial Fat Grafting Procedure
Facial fat grafting is a rather simple outpatient procedure. Local anesthesia is used on both the area from which the fat is taken and the area being treated. For the procedure, fat is removed from an unwanted place on the patient’s body, often the abdomen, knees, thighs, using a small syringe and a cannula (small tube) attached to a suction device. The fat is then purified in a centrifuge and injected with tiny syringes into the tissue below the skin on the parts of the face being treated.
After The Procedure
After facial fat grafting, patients are typically able to immediately return to normal activities. The treated area may appear puffy and swollen, which can last for several weeks. Bruising and redness can also occur both where the fat was removed and where it was injected. Sun exposure should be avoided for about two days. You will begin to see results immediately and the results can last several years.
Facial Fat Grafting
Frequently Asked Questions
Facial fat grafting is a very safe treatment with very few risks or complications, but requires a skilled surgeon to properly place the fat for a refreshed and natural look.
After the initial consultation, a facial fat grafting treatment only takes about an hour.
To help ease any discomfort, Dr. Minton uses a local anesthesia at the site from where the fat cells are being removed and to the area where the fat is being transferred.
It’s important to remember that facial fat grafting doesn’t stop the aging process altogether, but rather turns back the clock a good bit. The length of time a facial fat grafting treatment can last varies greatly from patient to patient based on lifestyle behaviors and how an individual ages. Most patients can expect results to last between 2 to 4 years. Dr. Minton may recommend follow-up treatments to prolong the effects.
Sometimes “touch-up” injections are needed to get the best results. If you aren’t 100% satisfied with the procedure, Dr. Minton encourages you to call Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery to schedule a follow-up visit.
Fillers such as Radiesse and Restylane are gels injected under the skin, which gives the face a fuller and more youthful appearance. While fillers are a good way to “preview” the results of more permanent procedures, the results do not last as long as facial fat grafting, which injects fat into the muscle.
Most patients can return to normal activities immediately after a facial fat grafting treatment. However, bruising and redness can occur at both the site from which the fat was removed and transferred.
You will begin to see results from facial fat grafting immediately. Tightness and contouring will continue to improve over several months.
Our skilled, double-board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Minton is available to discuss facial fat grafting in greater detail during a consultation at our Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery office in Savannah. Arrange your consultation by contacting us today.
