Facial Fat Transfer

One of the most exciting innovations in aesthetics has been the development of safe, effective fat grafting techniques. No substance can create a more natural look and feel than your own fat, which can be transferred to areas of your face that have lost volume.

Rather than using dermal fillers, which require regular retreatment, fat cells can be transferred from another area of your body with an excess and used to enhance various facial areas.

What Can be Done with Facial Fat Transfer?

A custom facial fat transfer procedure could be the ideal anti-aging enhancement for you. The purified fat cells harvested from your abdomen, love handles, or thighs can be carefully injected to address:

Thinning lips
Smile lines
Frown lines
Temples
Cheeks
Sunken or hollow areas

How Does it Work?

Facial fat grafting is a two-step procedure. The first step is to harvest the fat cells for transfer. This procedure requires the gentlest form of liposuction, as maintaining the integrity of the fat is of ultimate importance. Once harvested, the fat is cleansed and purified and then loaded into a specialized needle and injected into the areas of the face that need to be enhanced or restored.

Before & After

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Facial Fat Transfer as an Alternative to Dermal Fillers

The beauty of facial fat transfer procedures is that a percentage of the fat cells transferred will become a natural part of your body, there for the long term. You will have no need to return for repeat treatments (as is necessary with synthetic dermal fillers).

Another benefit is that your body recognizes its own cells, with almost zero risk of a negative reaction. As the fat cells integrate into the tissues and are nourished by your blood, they become viable and will function like all other fat cells in your body.

The percentage of cells that survive the transfer is typically between 50 to 80 percent. For the best results, you may require a series of fat transfer treatments to achieve the look you want.

How Fat Cells Regenerate Your Skin

The purified fat cells injected into a facial area come with an added benefit: they are rich in stem cells, which send a message to your system to regenerate. You will not only enjoy enhanced volume in the treated area but an increase in collagen and elastin production for firmer, more supple skin.

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Dr. Shah: Springfield’s Leading Facial Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Bharat Shah has been voted “Top Plastic Surgeon” for ten years in a row and is widely known as the premier plastic surgeon in the region. Dr. Bharat Shah is a double board-certified plastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon, and ear, nose, and throat specialist. This rare level of education and years in practice — combined with an eye for balance and detail — has led to Dr. Shah’s reputation for excellence in facial plastic surgery, including facial fat transfer treatments.

What is Recovery Like?

This procedure is often referred to as autologous fat grafting, micro-lipoinjection, or fat transfer, and is an outpatient procedure requiring about two hours to complete. After your treatment, you will be free to return home to rest and recover. The donor area where the fat cells were harvested will be protected with a bandage.

Recovery time will be in the range of 2 to 3 weeks. There will be some initial swelling and bruising that will last about three days, but may take up to several weeks to completely dissipate. The healing process is generally very easy to experience.

Facial Fat Transfer FAQs:

Is the result of a facial fat transfer permanent?

Can a facial fat transfer be combined with other procedures?

Are there non-surgical alternatives to facial fat transfer?

Are there any risks or potential complications with facial fat transfer?

Is the result of a facial fat transfer permanent?

A portion of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time, but the fat that successfully establishes a blood supply in its new location tends to be long-lasting. Results can vary, but many patients enjoy the benefits of facial fat transfer for several years.

Can a facial fat transfer be combined with other procedures?

Yes, a facial fat transfer can be combined with other procedures such as facelift, eyelid surgery, or Botox to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Combining procedures can provide a more balanced and harmonious result.

Are there non-surgical alternatives to facial fat transfer?

Injectable fillers, such as hyaluronic acid fillers, can provide temporary volume enhancement and contouring to various areas of the face. These alternatives are less invasive and have shorter recovery times but may require more frequent touch-ups compared to fat transfer.

Are there any risks or potential complications with facial fat transfer?

Risks can include infection, bleeding, uneven results, and changes in fat volume over time. Selecting a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon is essential to minimize these risks.