Fat Transfers Explained
Fat transfer in the face is a unique facial rejuvenation procedure, as it involves the use of fat from different parts of a patient’s body to revitalize the facial appearance. When performed by globally recognized facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Babak Azizzadeh, fat transfer in the face can deliver unprecedented results.
Dr. Azizzadeh is a Harvard-trained and dual board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, and he wants to educate individuals about facial fat grafting. In doing so, Dr. Azizzadeh can help individuals review this facial rejuvenation treatment and determine if it is right for them.
What Is Fat Transfer in the Face?
A fat transfer procedure is designed to improve facial fullness and volume. During the procedure, a patient receives fat harvested from the body into the cheeks, temples, lips, or other areas of the face. The result: fat transfer in the face enhances the facial appearance.
Are Fat Transfers Common?
Fat transfer procedures have become increasingly popular over the course of the 20th century. Today, men and women undergo these procedures to use fat from the abdomen, hips, and other parts of the body to achieve a more youthful facial appearance.
Of course, fat transfer is not the right facial rejuvenation treatment for everyone. But in many cases, fat transfer in the face is beneficial to individuals dealing with one or more of the following facial issues:
- Forehead lines
- Thin lips
- Contour depressions along the face
- Facial scars
- Hollowed-out appearance under the eyes
- Cheek volume loss
- Tear troughs
- Cheek folds or “marionette” lines around the mouth
A fat transfer procedure must also be tailored to the patient. This ensures a patient can receive the optimal amount of fat to the proper areas of the face.
Is a Facial Fat Transfer Safe?
A fat transfer procedure must be performed by an expert facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon like Dr. Azizzadeh. Otherwise, an individual risks myriad treatment complications, such as:
- Hematoma (collection of blood under the skin)
- Significant scarring
- Blood vessel blockage
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia
- Infection
- Blood clot
- Excessive bleeding
Dr. Azizzadeh is a leading facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is frequently sought after by global dignitaries, executives, and celebrities. When it comes to facial fat transfer procedures, Dr. Azizzadeh is a top choice, as he dedicates substantial time and resources to ensure patient safety.
Before a fat transfer in the face is performed, Dr. Azizzadeh conducts a patient assessment. Dr. Azizzadeh identifies any potential fat transfer risks that could put a patient’s health in danger. If these risks are too great, Dr. Azizzadeh offers a fat transfer treatment alternative.
Which Is Better: A Facial Fat Transfer or Dermal Fillers?
In addition to facial fat transfer, dermal fillers are available to individuals who want to rejuvenate the facial appearance. To decide between these two facial rejuvenation treatment options, it is important for individuals to consider the following factors:
- Number of Treatments: A facial fat transfer usually involves a single treatment with results that can last for several years, whereas dermal fillers provide results that can last for just a few months.
- Downtime: There is little to no downtime with dermal fillers, and the results of dermal filler injections usually become visible immediately after treatment. On the other hand, a facial fat transfer often requires at least one week of recovery time, with full results becoming visible in the weeks and months following treatment.
- Side Effects and Risks: Side effects and risks are present in both facial fat transfer and dermal filler procedures and must be evaluated closely before treatment.
Dr. Azizzadeh helps patients weigh the pros and cons of facial fat transfer and dermal filler procedures. He offers individualized facial rejuvenation recommendations, so a patient can receive insights into facial fat transfer and dermal filler procedures and make an informed treatment decision.
Is There an Age Limit for Fat Transfer in the Face?
Men and women often undergo fat transfer in the face treatment to correct sagging and droopy skin that occurs due to the natural aging process. Yet, there is no age limit for an individual who wants to undergo a fat transfer procedure.
Dr. Azizzadeh believes in providing patients with any procedure to accommodate their facial rejuvenation goals. Thus, if Dr. Azizzadeh believes a patient is a good candidate for fat transfer in the face, he will perform the procedure, regardless of this individual’s age.
Does a Facial Fat Grafting Treatment Vary Based on a Patient’s Gender?
Since each fat transfer procedure is designed to provide a patient with a balanced, natural-looking facial appearance, the amount of fat used and the areas of the face treated vary based on the individual. However, the overall facial fat grafting procedure is virtually identical for both men and women.
To perform facial fat grafting, Dr. Azizzadeh first removes fat from a patient. Dr. Azizzadeh makes a small incision in his patient’s neck, then uses a tiny tube to remove fat. The incision is then closed.
Next, Dr. Azizzadeh separates the fat from blood and other fluids. This ensures the fat is pure and clean before it is injected into the patient’s face.
During the final stage of treatment, Dr. Azizzadeh injects the fat into the patient’s face. Each injection is performed via small holes in the skin, which eliminates the need for stitches after treatment.
How Long Does It Take to Complete Facial Fat Grafting?
A typical facial fat grafting procedure takes up to five hours to complete. But the length of time to perform fat transfer in the face often depends on the number of injections required.
Does a Patient Receive Anesthesia During Facial Fat Grafting?
Some patients receive local anesthetic before the undergo facial fat grafting. Local anesthetic helps numb pain during a fat transfer in the face, but it is not required for all patients. Instead, Dr. Azizzadeh determines if local anesthetic is necessary before he conducts a facial fat grafting procedure.
What Should a Patient Expect Following Facial Fat Grafting?
Swelling and bruising often occur after facial fat grafting, but these side effects usually disappear on their own within about one week of treatment. Patients are generally encouraged to have someone else drive them home after a facial fat grafting procedure, as well as take time off of work during the recovery cycle.
The full results of fat transfer in the face become transparent within approximately six months of treatment. Dr. Azizzadeh requests follow-up appointments in the weeks and months following facial fat grafting so he can track his patient’s progress. These appointments also allow Dr. Azizzadeh to identify any issues that can disrupt the recovery process.
Are There Any Severe Side Effects Associated with Facial Fat Grafting?
Sometimes, a patient’s face reabsorbs a portion or all of a fat injection. In rare instances, a facial fat grafting patient’s blood vessel ruptures, blood clotting occurs at the treatment site, an infection develops, or a fat embolism or scar tissue forms.
In the event that a patient experiences any of the aforementioned facial fat grafting side effects, Dr. Azizzadeh is prepared to help in any way possible. At the first sign of a severe side effect of facial fat grafting, Dr. Azizzadeh addresses the issue. As such, Dr. Azizzadeh helps a facial fat grafting patient avoid long-term health risks.
How Long Do the Results of Fat Transfer in the Face Last?
In certain instances, the results of facial fat grafting are permanent. Dr. Azizzadeh wants fat transfer in the face to deliver long-lasting results, so he works diligently to customize a treatment plan to his patient’s facial appearance. This allows Dr. Azizzadeh to provide a facial fat grafting patient with the ideal amount of fat to various areas of the face, leading to exceptional facial rejuvenation.
In the months and years after facial fat grafting, an individual’s facial appearance can change due to the natural aging process, weight loss or gain, and other factors. Therefore, the length of time that an individual enjoys the full results of facial fat grafting varies.
Can Facial Fat Grafting Be Performed at the Same Time As Other Facial Rejuvenation Procedures?
Facial fat grafting is sometimes recommended in combination with other facial rejuvenation treatments. That way, a patient can receive fat transfer in the face and other facial rejuvenation procedures to quickly and safely revitalize the facial appearance.
Why Should You Choose Dr. Azizzadeh for Facial Fat Grafting?
Dr. Azizzadeh is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with many years of industry experience. To date, Dr. Azizzadeh has performed many successful facial fat grafting procedures, and he strives to help individuals identify the right treatment to rejuvenate their facial appearance.
Dr. Azizzadeh is available to discuss facial fat grafting and offer a custom facial rejuvenation treatment recommendation. To learn more about facial fat grafting or to schedule a treatment consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, please contact us online or call us today at 310-657-2203.