Although the popularity of fat transplantation is a relatively recent development in plastic surgery, the concept of fat transfer is not new. As early as 1893, fat was used to fill a soft tissue defect. The use of abdominal fat to correct deficits in the cheek and chin was reported in 1909. Throughout the early part of the 20th century, attempts were made to correct other conditions but modern fat grafting did not develop until the early 1980s with the popularity of liposuction. Now, in the Cumberland, Hagerstown, and Morgantown areas, facial fat grafting is offered by many plastic surgeons.
What is Facial Fat Grafting?
Fat Grafting has been used for correction of facial scarring, including acne scars. A fuller, more youthful appearance can also be achieved to minimize signs of aging. Facial fat grafting is also used for facial areas around the mouth or between the eyes that are poorly addressed with a facelift. Fat grafting can also be used to create fuller lips.
Am I a good candidate for Facial Fat Grafting?
Facial Fat Grafting is ideal for patients who may be allergic to synthetic facial fillers because the fat injectable fillers are harvested from the patient’s own body. Interested in fat grafts? Be sure to check with your surgeon. Interested patients in the Cumberland, Hagerstown, and Morgantown areas can schedule a consultation for evaluation.
What can I expect from Facial Fat Grafting?
Fat grafting can improve the creased and shrunken areas of the face, and add fullness to the lips and cheeks. Your plastic surgeon can explain what you might expect. However, in Cumberland, Hagerstown, and Morgantown results will vary from patient to patient.
How long is recovery from Facial Fat Grafting?
There will be some swelling, discomfort, and bruising, but most patients return to normal activities within a few days.
As we age, the changing hormones cause atrophy of the subcutaneous fat or “baby fat” under the skin, especially in the face. Conversely, deep fat stores, such as the abdomen and “love handle” areas, tend to increase in the changing hormonal climate. The principle of harvesting the fat cells which are stimulated and using them to replace the fat cells which are atrophying (shrinking away) is what has driven the process of facial fat grafting. A limited amount of liposuction is performed to harvest fat cells from the areas where they are proliferating (like the lower abdomen, flanks or thighs) and then the harvested fat is injected as a smooth layer below the skin and within the fat pads of the face to restore a youthful volume. This works very well in the central portions of the face, particularly in the area of the lips, nasolabial folds, cheeks, and tear troughs below the eyes, where tension techniques such as a traditional facelift have a less optimal result. Fat grafting can be performed as a stand-alone procedure or can be done in concert with other techniques, such as a facelift or SAFE lift to add central volume to the face and produce a more youthful overall appearance.
