Facial fat grafting, also known as fat transfer to the face, can be used to augment areas of the face where there is volume loss. Common areas are the cheeks, nasolabial folds, midface and lips. Fat grafting to the face can be placed in the same areas of the face as dermal fillers (e.g., hyaluronic acid fillers).
During the procedure, fat is harvested by liposuction from various areas of the body. Common areas are the abdomen and thighs. Then, the harvested fat or fatty tissue is processed, cleaned, and transferred to the desired areas of the face. This is commonly performed in areas such as the cheeks, nasal labial folds, around the nostrils or in para nasal position to add volume. It can also be performed to contour under eye bags, lips, and the forehead.
With normal facial aging, the skin loses elasticity along with volume loss. Volume replacement helps restore youthfulness to the face. Commonly, fat transfer to the face is performed at the same time as a facelift. The facelift removes aging skin and the volume replacement with fat helps restore the volume that was lost with normal aging. There are also those who have volume lost but not excessively loose skin. In these incidences, volume replacement alone with fat transfer can help restore a more youthful appearance.
With large volume weight loss, facial volume loss is common. Fat transfer to the face helps restore a more youthful appearance. The cheeks and midface are common areas where the volume loss is visually more apparent.
If you are younger and do not have volume loss due to aging, facial fat grafting can be performed to alter the shape of certain facial structures, as well as change the projection and 3D contour the face. Common areas are fat transfer to the cheeks, lips and jaw line.
Fat transfer to the face is more permanent than hyaluronic dermal fillers. It can be a good, long-lasting option for those experiencing loss of facial volume. A better correction can often be obtained with fat transfer than with dermal fillers. Approximately, 50 percent of the fat that is transferred survives. The transferred fat must obtain a blood supply in the new area. It is important to follow post operative instructions to maximize fat survival. When comparing fat transfer to the face for correction of volume loss to dermal fillers, fat transfers give a more long-lasting result.
Platelet rich plasma, also known as PRP, can improve fat survival during the postoperative period. The use of PRP during facial fat grafting is an added cost but can be worth the investment for a chance of better results.
Dr. Hardaway and her staff will follow up post-surgery to make sure that you are adjusting to the procedure and provide detailed follow-up care.