The telltale signs of aging are wrinkles and sagging skin. However, one significant underlying cause for these concerns is volume loss. Collagen decreases and fat deposits disappear and our features lose definition. This can contribute to a prematurely aged or asymmetrical looking appearance as bony contours around the temples, eyes, and cheeks become more prominent.
Genetics heavily determine facial contours, which is why you may have more defined cheekbones or a sharper chin than others. Whether your bone structure concerns are due to aging, genetics, or injury, you may want to look into facial fat transfers. Continue reading to discover how this cosmetic surgery treatment could help you!
What Are Facial Fat Transfers?
Fat transfers are ideal to fill in wrinkles and the hollow areas in the face by adding volume. Treatment involves using fat harvested from other body areas and grafting (adding) them to fill creases, build up shallow contours, and enhance overall fullness.
How Are Fat Transfers for the Face Administered?
A facial fat transfer is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that moves fat from one or multiple areas of the body to the face to boost volume naturally.
During the procedure, small amounts of fat are removed, typically from your thighs or abdomen. The cells are purified, preparing them for injection into the facial areas in need of treatment. A common technique involves adding small droplets of fat through injection one at a time. This helps ensure predictable, smooth results.
How Can Facial Fat Grafting Help Me?
Fat transfers are designed to preserve your natural appearance, with little risk of rejection or infection because it comes from your body. Commonly treated areas can include the space between the lips and nose, lips and chin, cheeks, jaws, and under the eyes.
Facial fat grafting can provide you with the following benefits:
- Improved skin tone & texture
- Scar reduction
- A natural fat source instead of chemicals
- Reduction of stubborn fine line & wrinkles
- Fuller-looking lips
- Longer-lasting results
- Restored facial symmetry after injury or genetic flaw
- Natural-looking results
Who Can Qualify for Treatment?
Ideal candidates for facial volume rejuvenation include both adult men and women. While most patients who undergo fat transfer surgery are typically in their late 30s to 50s, you can qualify even if you are in your early 30s or well into your 60s and 70s. If you are in good general health and have realistic expectations, you may be an ideal candidate for treatment.
What Can I Expect During Healing?
As with any surgery, mild to moderate pain or discomfort is expected. You can help make yourself more comfortable with medications prescribed by your cosmetic surgeon and taking them appropriately. After the procedure, you may notice some swelling and bruising. This diminishes within the first two to three days after your surgery.
Bruising and swelling should subside after seventy-two hours. To help with inflammation, try elevating your head while sleeping for the first four weeks after surgery. It may seem as though you are too swollen too fast in the first two to three ways, and too much fat was transferred. Do not worry, as this is common and should subside as you heal.
When Can I Start Seeing Results?
Typically, you can see results right away. However, it can take several months for the fat to disperse evenly and settle into the contours of your face naturally. Result can also vary based on your body’s natural recovery time.
How Can I Ensure Long-Last Results?
The longevity of treatment results also varies from person to person. However, you can expect to enjoy your new look for many years to come if you make an effort. There are things you can do to make your results last as long as intended. These include:
- Staying at a stable weight
- Following all post-surgery instructions
- Avoiding direct pressure to treated areas
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
If you feel that facial fat transfers are right for you, the first step is to contact a local and trusted cosmetic surgeon near you. At Fereydoon Mahjouri MD, FACS, our skilled and qualified surgeon will work closely with you to determine your treatment options. We conduct thorough consultations, making recommendations with sincerity and honesty. We can design a personalized treatment plan to restore facial symmetry and improve natural volume. Call our Fridley office to schedule your consultation today!