Facial fat transfer, also referred to as facial fat grafting, is a facial rejuvenation procedure unlike any other. The procedure involves the use of fat from the abdomen, flanks, hips and other parts of a patient’s body. This fat is then transferred to a patient’s face to enhance volume and fullness.
A facial fat transfer commonly helps patients address visible signs of aging in the face, including:
- Volume loss in the cheeks and midface
- Hollows below the eyes
- Tear troughs
- Cheek folds near the mouth
- Contour depressions in the face
- Pitted acne scars
- Thin lips
Facial fat grafting is similar to injectable filler treatments, as both facial fat transfer and dermal filler treatments enable patients to revitalize their facial appearance. The procedures differ, however, in that a facial fat transfer is a surgical procedure that involves the use of a patient’s own body tissue. As such, facial fat grafting eliminates the risk of an allergic reaction. It also tends to deliver treatment results that last longer than those associated with injectable fillers.
A facial fat transfer usually takes about one to five hours to complete. The length of time required for the procedure varies based on the areas of a patient’s body where fat is being harvested. Also, additional time may be required if facial fat grafting is completed in combination with other facial rejuvenation procedures.
Facial fat grafting must be performed by an expert facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. During the procedure, fat is generally harvested from a patient via a small incision in his or her abdomen. The fat is then cleansed, concentrated and injected into a patient’s face, resulting in a rejuvenated facial appearance.
It generally takes at least a few months to fully recover from a facial fat transfer procedure. Facial fat grafting patients typically need to keep the head elevated as much as possible in the initial days after treatment. They may also need to apply antibiotic ointment to their surgical incisions during this time.
Mild pain is common in the first few days after a facial fat transfer procedure, but it often disappears on its own. Meanwhile, some patients experience facial swelling that lasts a few months after a facial fat grafting procedure.
Is Facial Fat Transfer Right for You?
A facial fat transfer often proves a viable alternative to injectable filler treatments. However, facial fat grafting is not ideal for all patients, at all times, and it is essential to consult with a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon prior to treatment.
By consulting with a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, an individual can learn about all aspects of facial fat grafting. He or she can also ask questions about the procedure and establish realistic treatment expectations.
Additionally, a patient consultation provides a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with valuable insights. The consultation allows the surgeon to find out why a patient is considering facial fat grafting and understand this individual’s treatment goals. It enables the surgeon to conduct a patient evaluation to determine if he or she is a good candidate for a facial fat transfer procedure, too.
Dr. Azizzadeh’s Approach to Facial Fat Grafting
Dr. Babak Azizzadeh of The CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery takes a holistic approach to facial fat grafting. He is a Harvard-trained and globally recognized facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who dedicates the necessary time and resources to educate his patients about facial fat grafting. Dr. Azizzadeh then develops a personalized treatment plan to help each of his patients achieve the best-possible facial fat transfer results.
Dr. Azizzadeh requests a patient consultation before he performs facial fat grafting. Although there is no minimum weight requirement for a facial fat transfer, each patient must have sufficient fat on his or her body to harvest and graft.
With a patient consultation, Dr. Azizzadeh evaluates a patient, learns about his or her facial fat grafting goals and conducts a medical assessment. If Dr. Azizzadeh believes facial fat grafting poses significant risks, he offers alternative treatment options. Or, if Dr. Azizzadeh believes a patient is a good candidate for a facial fat transfer, he next develops a personalized treatment plan for him or her.
Sometimes, Dr. Azizzadeh recommends facial fat grafting be performed in combination with other facial rejuvenation treatments. His goal is to help a facial fat grafting patient achieve a balanced, natural-looking facial appearance in which the facial features appear in perfect harmony. By performing facial fat grafting in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Azizzadeh helps his patients accomplish this goal.
Dr. Azizzadeh monitors his patients’ progress after facial fat grafting procedures as well. He requests follow-up appointments to confirm a patient’s facial fat transfer recovery stays on track. Dr. Azizzadeh also remains available to respond to patients’ concerns and questions during the facial fat grafting recovery period.
Schedule a Facial Fat Grafting Treatment Consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh
Dr. Azizzadeh is happy to teach patients about facial fat grafting, how the procedure is performed and the treatment’s long-term benefits. That way, a patient can weigh the pros and cons of a facial fat transfer and make an informed treatment decision.
For those who are considering facial fat grafting, Dr. Azizzadeh is available for a patient consultation. To schedule a facial fat transfer consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, please call us today at 310-657-2203.
Sources:
https://www.isaps.org/procedures/facial-plastic-surgery/fat-transfer-facial/