Fat Transfer To Face

Facial fat transfer is also known as fat grafting or fat injection. It transfers fat from body areas where excess fat exists, such as the stomach or inner thighs, to areas of the face where the volume may be lacking. These areas typically include the cheeks or lips because they’re commonly impacted by the aging process. Facial fat transfer can restore natural-looking volume, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and giving the face a more youthful shape.

When you use synthetic dermal fillers to reduce wrinkles and lines, there’s a chance of allergic reaction to the filler. Since your body’s fat is acting as the dermal filler in a fat transfer, there’s no chance of a similar complication. What’s more, dermal fillers break down in the body, so they must be repeated every few months. This makes facial fat transfer one of the most long-lasting and effective ways to rejuvenate the face, especially in combination with procedures like a facelift.

You’re a good candidate for facial fat transfer if you have sufficient fat in an area of your body. You should also be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about what surgery can produce. You’ll look like a better, more youthful version of yourself, and our board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Amerson Pegram can help you determine what results you can expect.

During a pre-surgical appointment, you’ll review your surgical plan and ask any questions you may have. Dr. Pegram will provide detailed instructions on preparing for your procedure, including doing bloodwork. You’ll also receive instructions on where and when to arrive for surgery. Prepare for your recovery phase to limit any stressors ahead of time.

Facial fat transfer occurs in a few different stages. Dr. Pegram will provide additional details about what you should expect during your consultation.

After a local anesthetic is applied, a small incision is made in the area of fat. A thin tube called a cannula connected to a syringe is inserted. Then fat is extracted (this technique is called liposuction).

Purification requires a centrifuge to spin the fat. Impurities are removed through a filtration process. The extracted fat is then processed for transfer by injection with small syringes.

Dr. Pegram will insert a needle or cannula in the designated area for transfer. Generally, the injection needle is passed in and out multiple times, and a line of fatty tissue is deposited in the natural tissue, creating a grid of natural fat.

After fat transfer, you will be instructed to wear a compression garment on the donor area to help shape the results and prevent fluid buildup. You will see noticeable results immediately, but your final results will take several weeks to become apparent. Within 1-2 weeks, you will likely feel comfortable returning to work. As long as you lead a healthy and active lifestyle, as well as good anti-aging skincare practices, you can maintain your results for many years.

To learn more about facial fat transfer, contact Marvel Cosmetic Surgery, serving the greater Nashville, Clarksville, and Hopkinsville areas. Schedule a consultation with our board-certified facial plastic surgeon by calling or filling out our online form.