What is Fat Grafting

Facial Fat Rejuvenation, more commonly known as Fat Grafting or fat transfer is the procedure to remove surplus fat cells with meticulous extraction methods and to re-implant where needed - to the lips, nasolabials (mouth to nose folds), undereyes, cheeks, chin, temples, etc.   This is a very exciting procedure as it is not incredibly invasive - but does create a moderate amount of swelling - and returns a youthful look. 

This procedure can also augment the cheeks, chin, jawline with your autologous tissue to further enhance your look.  Or quite simply restore your undereye fat or to fill areas where fat has been lost due to aging, trauma, disease or sickness.

Well, Does it Work?

If performed correctly - yes, it can last quite a long time. However, there are many variables:

• fat cell removal techniques
• handling techniques after removal
• spinning/emulsions/serums/etc.
• re-implantation techniques
• patient's metabolism
• patient aftercare of treatment area
• vascularity (blood vessel formation to the fat cell)
• hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments (HBOT)

Are you a candidate for Fat Grafting?

When we age our underlying collagen and elastic begin to break down and wrinkles emerge.  This along with facial fat loss, brings about a haggard, hollow  or even skeletal look.  If you are not "overly" skinny, with a major metabolism and have a little extra fat somewhere on your body to spare you may be a good candidate but only if...

First and foremost, an individual must be in good health, not have any active diseases or pre-existing medical conditions and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of their surgery.   Although attempts can be made if a patient has lipodystrophy .  It is often the case that the fat does not remain and "injectable fillers" may be a viable option. 

Communication is crucial in reaching one's goals.  You must be able to voice your desires to your surgeon if he/she is to understand what your desired results are.   Discuss you goals with your surgeon so that you may reach an understanding with what can realistically be achieved.

You must be mentally and emotionally stable to undergo an cosmetic procedure.  This is an operation which requires patience and stability in dealing with the healing period.   There is sometimes a lull or depression after surgery and if there is already a pre-existing emotional problem, this low period can develop into a more serious issue.  Please consider this before committing to a procedure.

What areas are usually treated?

Almost all areas of the face and body can be treated but there are the usual requested treatment sites:

• correction of "hollow" eyes, visible vessels resulting in dark circles, as well as visible tear troughs
• correction after aggressive removal of undereye fat pads from lower blepharoplasty
• temple areas
• upper malar
• sub malar
• chin
• lips (it isn't a defining filler though)
• jawline
• forehead
• glabella (inbetween the brow)
• facial scars
• lower cheek after aggressive buccal fat extraction or natural loss
• area between upper lip and nose
• bridge of the nose and lateral fatty pads
• buttocks, hips
• sternum
• outer brow
• and anywhere else fat is needed or wanted