No one likes to get old, especially because of the way the aging process affects our bodies, necks, and faces. For many men and women, the gradual, downward migration of fat cells is particularly frustrating. Shifted fat pads leave the upper portion of the face thinner and some areas looking gaunt or hollow. Such symptoms of the aging process can add many extra years to a person’s appearance. Fortunately, there are many ways that today’s facial plastic surgeons can remedy this unwanted consequence, from implants to synthetic fillers. Fat transfers are a simple but effective way to combat this common aging problem.
What Are Fat Transfers?
The fat transfer procedure is one that has a long history in the plastic surgery world. In recent years, advanced techniques and a higher rate of successful transfers have brought it back into the spotlight. During the procedure, fat cells are harvested from donor areas on the patient’s body, purified through a centrifuge and then injected into the treatment area. Fat transfers tend to be the most successful in areas that are not highly mobile, such as the cheeks, temples, area around the eyes, and chin. Some common aging concerns can be visibly diminished with fat transfers, including frown lines, crow’s feet, smile lines, and some types of scars. Facial deformities have also been treated with fat transfers in the past.
To perform a fat transfer, your facial plastic surgeon will often use a local anesthetic to numb both the donor site and treatment site with sedation as an option. The fat cells are often collected from a larger area of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. A syringe is used to extract these donor cells with minimally invasive techniques. When injected the cells into the treatment area, it is typical for a surgeon to overfill this area, since some of the fat cells will be absorbed by your body within the first few days and weeks after your procedure. Once this has occurred, the area will be the right volume to appear natural, smooth, and more youthful.
Given the nature of the procedure, patients experience only minimal amounts of discomfort and virtually no pain. Some swelling, redness, and bruising will likely result, especially around the injection sites at the donor and treatment areas. These symptoms typically last two or three days, but will resolve on their own. Because fat transfers are the ultimate natural way to achieve better facial volume, the treatment results you experience will be permanent.
Why Choose Fat Transfers Over Alternative Treatments?
So often, fat transfers are the right choice for a patient seeking a natural-looking anti-aging treatment. Fat transfers are a smart choice for several different reasons, especially considering all of the benefits they offer patients over alternative treatments available today. Some of these benefits include:
- A fat transfer is completely natural because it uses cells that have originated in your own body to enhance another part of your body. Because of this, there is no risk of rejection or allergic reaction following a fat transfer.
- Fat transfers are often used in a wide range of ways to treat various aging signs, including sagging skin, fine lines, wrinkles and creases, scars, and volume loss, among others.
- Simple fat cells are safe but effective enough to use in many areas of the face, such as the cheeks, lips, chin, around the eyes, forehead, brow, ear lobes, jaw line, and neck.
- With the newly transferred fat in place, patients can achieve the most natural-looking volume possible, simply because it truly is 100% all natural.
- Every fat cell contains stem cells and stimulatory growth agents which work to increase collagen production in the surrounding skin and tissue. The effect is soft, supple skin with better elasticity and a more youthful glow.
- A fat transfer is as close to nonsurgical as you can get, leaving behind no damage or long-term scars.
- Given the simplicity and ease of the procedure, a fat transfer does not involve a lengthy recovery time nor a large amount of pain and discomfort. There is no downtime required after a fat transfer at all.
- A fat transfer achieves the long-lasting results that you want, which will stay in place at the treatment area permanently.
- Fat transfers can easily be incorporated into a facial surgery, such as a facelift or brow lift. Talk to your facial plastic surgeon about your options and whether a fat transfer would optimize your surgical results.
Is a Fat Transfer Right for Me?
As with all cosmetic procedures, it’s important to establish whether you are a good candidate for a fat transfer. Ultimately, you should be an adult in good overall health, not smoke, and have realistic expectations for your fat transfer procedure in order to be considered a good candidate. Through a consultation with your facial plastic surgeon, you will talk about your medical history, current health status, and lifestyle habits to determine if you’re a good fit for this treatment.
Similarly, you should spend some time considering whether fat transfers are the right choice for you or another treatment might be better. If you’re looking for permanent, natural-looking results that can diminish the appearance of wrinkles and replace lost volume from areas of your face, a fat transfer might be the right choice. If you have a desire to improve your appearance and reverse the signs of aging from your face and neck, perhaps even your hands, you might want to consider fat transfers. Schedule your consultation to get the real scoop on how fat transfers might help someone with your specific needs and concerns.
Where Do I Start the Fat Transfer Process?
Learn more about your anti-aging options and determine whether fat transfers are the best choice for you by meeting with a facial plastic surgeon who has extensive knowledge, experience, and outstanding qualifications on the matter. Schedule your appointment today to consult with Dr. Andre Bustillo, a board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, who is dedicated to both surgical and non-surgical facial procedures. Contact Dr. Bustillo’s office by calling 305-663-3380 today.
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