Wrinkles and fine lines, hollowness and loss of facial volume, and many other common concerns can be significantly improved with a facial fat transfer procedure. Also referred to as fat grafting or simply “fat injections,” this innovative treatment utilizes excess fat cells taken from one area of your body to create natural-looking, long-lasting facial rejuvenation.
What is a Facial Fat Transfer
A facial fat transfer is a cosmetic procedure in which a person’s own existing body fat is used to restore volume to and plump up sunken or sagging areas of the face. Because an individual’s own fatty tissue is used, the entire facial fat transfer procedure involves 3 in-depth steps. Firstly, the patient must undergo a light liposuction treatment, extracting any pockets of extra fat around the lower abdomen and thighs. Next, the extracted fat cells need to be isolated and purified. Once the fat cells have been cleansed, they are injected into the targeted areas on the face. Undergoing a facial fat transfer helps remove any visible “wear and tear” on the face, including but not limited to: smile and frown lines, marionette lines (which run from the sides of the mouth all the way down to the chin), wrinkles and furrows, and hollowed areas (like under the cheekbone or eyes).
- Smooths fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and other types of skin depressions
- Augments volume-deficient areas like the temples, cheeks, and lips
- Long-lasting, natural-looking results
- Little to no scarring in the treated facial areas
FAQ's
HOW LONG WILL THE RESULTS OF A FACIAL FAT TRANSFER LAST?
Most patients enjoy an enhanced, more youthful look for years after the procedure. The fat that is transferred and survives in the face is permanent. It is not common to need pretreatment. In most cases, the improved look will last for years, with the new fat cells becoming healthy and normal in the new location on the face.
WHAT PART OF THE BODY WILL THE FAT CELLS BE TAKEN FROM?
Most patients will have fat cells harvested from a body area with an excess of fat, typically lower abdomen or thighs. The treatment is done carefully by hand to avoid damaging fat cells.
IS FACIAL FAT GRAFTING PAINFUL?
Most of our patients have some concerns about pain. Thankfully, facial fat transfer is done under either local anesthesia or IV sedation depending on the areas of the face that will receive the injections. Any pain remaining at the injection site or where the fat was harvested can be managed in the early stages with prescription pain medication, which is not usually needed for more than a few days.
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THE TRANSFERRED FAT CELLS SURVIVE?
The percentage of transferred cells that survive can vary person to person, but their survival, in large part, is based upon the delicacy with which the procedure is performed. Dr. Kennedy uses the most advanced medical equipment and technology to achieve a higher rate of survival.