Fat Transfer to Face Overview

One of the most prominent features of facial aging is volume loss. Restoring this volume with fillers or fat can significantly improve facial appearance.  Hyaluronic acid fillers have become popular for temporary restoration but using fat transfer to the face offers a longer lasting solution. Facial fat transfer has created a paradigm shift over the past 10 to 20 years and the indications have increased dramatically. The basic premise involves utilizing liposuction to “harvest” fat cells from areas with extra and unwanted fat and then transfer it to areas where your face may need additional volume.

Fat transfers have also shown to have other rejuvenating effects on the skin and other tissue due to the growth factors and adult stem cells found with the lipoaspirate. This procedure can be done separately or combined with a facelift or other facial plastic surgery procedures.

Although excess fat may be undesirable on other locations of the body, it can actually greatly enhance the facial appearance. Young people have facial fat deposits that contribute to their smooth complexion and youthful glow. Sunken under-eye areas and hollowed-out cheeks are among the first visible signs of aging, and are often caused by shrinking fat deposits. After fat is transferred to these areas through facial fat transfer surgery, they can appear voluminous and youthful once again. Another advantage of full, shapely facial contours is that wrinkles and lines are smoothed over.

Why facial fat Transfer

Having the facial fat transfer procedure is beneficial for numerous reasons. This procedure brings volume and fullness to the face while having long-lasting results. It can be a great option for people who need to add a large amount of volume because it can be a cost-effective alternative to having numerous injections. Overall, a fat transfer to face treatment can help give patients a more youthful look and can improve the look of sunken under-eye areas, hollow cheeks and wrinkles and lines.

The procedure

Facial fat transfer surgery quite literally involves transferring one’s own fat cells to the targeted areas on the face. As an added bonus of this procedure, liposuction is performed to remove unwanted fat deposits from the other parts of the body. The fat cells then go through a thorough cleansing and purification process. Small needle pokes are used to meticulously inject the fat cells. The most common places to inject the fat are the cheeks, mid-face, temples, upper eyelid, brow, chin and lip areas. Some of the fat will ultimately be reabsorbed by the body, but the remaining viable fat will last a lifetime. Occasionally, a second fat transfer will be performed one year after the original to obtain optimal results.

Fat Transfer to Face recovery & Results

Patients who have received facial fat transfer surgery will likely see a moderate amount of swelling after the procedure. Most patients are back to work in about a week. After the recovery, patients will achieve a more voluminous and youthful look. These striking results will last a lifetime.

Postoperative Planning

The procedure is typically performed in an accredited outpatient surgery center with the assistance of an anesthesiologist under light anesthesia. However, if it is being done in isolation it can be performed under local anesthesia to numb the face and with or without oral mediation to help you relax. You may have some bruising and swelling that will subside in 24-72 hours. You may be asked to wear a compression garment in the areas where liposuction was performed. Most fat transfer to face patients have minimal pain and are ready to be social in 5-7 days. You should avoid rigorous exercise for at least 2 weeks but we encourage you to be up and walking several times throughout the day.

Why choose Quintessa?

Quintessa's Dr. Andrew Campbell and Dr. Daniel Butz give you the attention you need and the confidence you deserve through customized state-of-the-art surgical and non-surgical specialty treatments. At Quintessa, we believe that beauty begins with strong relationships; that’s why our team of caring, licensed medical specialists will get to know you first, then gently guide you toward the treatments that will achieve your ideal beauty. To learn more about why you should choose Quintessa, call today and schedule a consultation!