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Fat Transfer/Grafting
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Facial wrinkles and creases are part of the aging process. They begin to appear as the
underlying collagen and elastin fibers break down and wear out. While this breakdown is
part of the natural aging process, it can also result from excessive squinting, frowning
and smiling.
Fat transfer, also called autologous fat transplantation or micro-lipoinjection, plumps up
facial features with a patients own fat and is a popular alternative to other wrinkle
treatments. Fat transfer to the face is a safe, natural, non-allergenic procedure designed
to recontour your face and can provide definition to your cheeks and chin. It can also be
used to correct facial deformities. Since fat transfer uses your own fat cells, you can
never have an allergic reaction, because its from your own body.
With fat transfer it is possible to have fat liposuctioned from your thighs/abs and then transferred
to any area of your body. Reinjected fat lasts longer in larger areas of non-movement, so it is very
successful for the correction of sunken cheeks because this area does not move as often. Fat transfer
can also correct atrophic aging of the hands and post-surgical and post-traumatic defects. But not every
area of the body responds well to fat transfer. The breasts for instance, are out. Injecting fat into the
breast makes it much more difficult to detect breast cancer with mammograms.
How is the procedure done?
Fat transfer is performed in our office on an outpatient basis. Both the area from which
the fat is taken and the treatment site are anesthetized with a local anesthetic. Using a
small needle attached to a syringe, fat is removed from a donor site where your fat is most
tightly packed, such as your abdomen or your buttocks.
Once removed, your fat is processed to remove excess fluids and then reinjected using another needle,
which is placed just under your skin beneath the wrinkle. This process may be repeated until the desired
correction has been achieved.
What can I expect after my fat transfer?
Patients are up and around immediately following fat injections. Any discomfort following the procedure
can be controlled with medication. Some swelling at the treatment site may last up to 36 hours. There may
be some bruising, which can be covered with make-up.
How Long do Fat Transfers results last?
Fat transfer results are immediately apparent, and then optimized by follow-up injections. Ultimately,
fat transfer results range from very long-lasting to permanent. Several procedures usually means that
less overall or frequent follow-ups are needed.
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