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The following are frequently asked questions (and answers) about Fat Transfer:
Who can benefit from fat injection or fat transfers to the face?
As you age, the tissues of the face 'deflate'. This can leave the face looking too thin and has the effect of making the skin look like it sags. This happens to women of all body types: small frame, medium frame, large frame. A fat injection adds fat to the area beneath the skin, and has the effect of 'filling out the face' to a more youthful state. Patients may be familiar with the use of fat injections for lip augmentation, but there are many other uses in the face. For example, fat injections can also be used to lessen the lines around the mouth, fill out the cheeks and chin (areas which might have otherwise used facial implants), or as an all purpose filler in the face. As we continue to understand the ageing process better, we have come to appreciate that in some patients, rather than stretching tissues, adding soft tissue volume (such as fat) will make the face look younger. We find ourselves using fat injections for 'touch-ups' and as a part of face lift surgery.
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Do fat injections last?
When properly done, a large percentage of the injected fat cells do indeed survive, resulting in a permanent change.
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What other parts of the body are fat injections or fat transfers done?
Fat transfers can be used for buttocks augmentation, also known as the brazilian butt lift. Fat is first liposuctioned from the stomach or flank area and then processed in a special decanting technique. The purified fat is then transferred or injected into the butt with special cannulas. Using fat transfers for butt augmentation gives a very flattering, sensual, and natural look. Another area which can benefit from a fat injection is the hands. Fat injections can give the hand a fuller and younger contour.
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What is involved in the fat injection procedure for the facial area?
Fat injections can be done under local or sedation anesthesia. Using small syringes, fat is harvested from the hip, inner or outer thigh, lower back, or lower abdomen. The fat is then processed in a special centrifuge, and is then injected into the desired area. When performed properly, a large percentage of the fat transfer will stay and the face will fill out to look more youthful.
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What is fat grafting?
Fat grafting is a cosmetic procedure where your own fat is used to rejuvenate the face, augment the cheeks or lips, or correct problems such as hollowness around the eyes or acne scars. Many people lose facial fat as they age and develop a hollow or gaunt look. Fat grafting can be used to correct this and give a younger, more refreshed look. Fat grafting is also referred to as free fat transfer. Some of the fat reimplanted is reabsorbed within a few months, but some of the augmentation will be permanent.
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At what age can fat grafting be performed?
Fat grafting can be performed at any age to help correct deep acne scars or fix a facial asymmetry. For lip or cheek augmentation, it is usually done anywhere from age 20 up. It is often done on people in their 40s or 50s for correcting the hollowness that can come with age (or to correct the removal of too much facial fat in a previous cosmetic surgery).
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What does a typical fat rafting consultation entail?
A consultation is your chance to meet and interview a plastic surgeon. The surgeon will go over your desires with you and explain your options. He will discuss what can realistically be achieved with fat grafting, discuss with you the risks, and determine the amount of augmentation you will need. The two of you will also discuss your medical history.
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How is fat grafting performed?
The fat used in fat grafting is taken from elsewhere in your body. This can be done in a liposuction procedure, but a small amount of fat can be taken from the abdomen or elsewhere can be removed and used. This fat is treated to concentrate viable and whole fat cells, which are then carefully reimplanted in the treatment area. The reimplantation is done by injection or using other techniques. This is a simple in-office procedure and done under local anesthesia. You may have a small puncture at the site where the fat was taken if you are not having liposuction there.
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What should I expect postoperatively?
You can expect to be swollen, a bit bruised, and a little sore both at the treatment site and the donor site. This is normal. You should keep the treatment area as still as possible for the first few days to allow proper healing. Avoid high-impact exercise or activities for the first 2 to 3 weeks, depending upon the extent of the surgery.
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When will the stitches be removed from my donor site?
Typically, no stitches are necessary for this procedure.
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When will I be able to see the results?
You will be a bit swollen at first and it might look like you were too augmented. The swelling will subside and you will usually be able to see your true results in 3 to 4 months or sooner.
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What are the risks of fat grafting?
The risks for fat grafting include infection, asymmetry, fatty cysts, hematoma, fat embolism, seroma, and permanent discoloration from the bruises. Most complications are rare.
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For more information or to get a FREE phone consultation and setup an appointment, please contact us online or call our Patient Care Coordinator at 972.239.6317 x134. |
