Facial Fat Grafting
Fat grafting is a powerful and versatile technique that we can use to improve the contours of the face especially in areas where youthful fullness is lost. Fat is removed from an area of excess, like the abdomen or flanks, and transferred to areas of hollowing in the face. It acts essentially as a permanent all-natural filler. Fat grafting can be performed alone or in combination with other facial procedures such as face and neck lift or eyelid rejuvenation.
As we age, we lose volume in our facial tissues, both fat and bone, and facial fat descends. Where patients once had beautiful full cheeks, they now have a sunken appearance with the addition of jowls and a wider lower face. While a facelift can elevate this fat to a more youthful position, it does not replace the volume that was lost. This is where fat grafting is helpful. Fat grafting can restore areas of lost fullness such as the temples, around the eyes, the cheeks, or around the mouth, where hollowness is a telltale sign of aging.
Fat grafting is also helpful for young patients who would like to augment certain areas like the chin, lips, or jawline. Many young people also have early signs of aging like tear trough hollowing that can be improved with fat grafting and help delay the need for more invasive surgical procedures. There are many advantages to fat grafting over filler injections. Fat grafting is permanent so although the initial cost is higher, it is much less expensive over time. Also, repeated filler injections can cause scar tissue and abnormal contours over time. For a young person with a long life ahead of them, fat grafting can be better alternative.
Recovery after fat grafting is relatively quick and easy. Patients have very little discomfort but there is some associated social downtime. There is bruising and swelling that can be covered with makeup after the first week. We often schedule patients for a complimentary consultation with one of our makeup specialists in the spa for color matching and camouflage makeup.
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