Fat Transfer
Facial wrinkles and deep creases are part of the aging process. As they intensify, people often feel older than they actually are. Fat transfer is a technique to rejuvenate the face to improve self-esteem and sense of self beauty. Fat transfer uses a patient’s own fat cells from other parts of the body to plump up deep creases and facial wrinkles.
Is a Fat Transfer Safe
Because your own fat cells are used, fat transfers are safe, non-allergenic procedures that are used to recontour the face and reverse the signs of aging. Fat transfer procedures can be used for:
- Wrinkles
- Deep facial creases
- Frown lines
- Wrinkles in the forehead
- Sunken cheeks
- Aging of the hands
- Facial deformities
What to Expect
Your plastic surgeon will develop an individualized strategy for your fat transfer, depending on your goals. In most applications, however, the fat will be injected into different layers of skin and muscle so the cells have a better chance of finding a blood supply, which results in longer lasting volume.
Depending on what is best for your individual situation, your surgeon will most likely suction the fat cells from your lower stomach, thighs or hips. Because the body will absorb some of the transferred fat cells, your surgeon will usually inject 30 percent more volume than necessary. Depending on the area being treated and your desired goals, more than one procedure may be recommended.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia in the surgeon’s office or hospital operating room. It is an outpatient procedure.
After Surgery
Following the procedure, patients are free to return to their normal routines, but may experience some side effects including:
- Slight discomfort at the injection site
- Mild redness and bruising
- Swelling (which should go down within the first few days)
Often a compression garment is worn on the donor site.
Are You Considering a Fat Transfer to Reduce the Appearance of Wrinkles on Your Face?
If so, contact Dr. Stokes to schedule a consultation. Dr. Stokes will examine your face and discuss your goals to make sure fat transfer is the right procedure for you. If it is, she will walk you through the procedure, step-by-step, and will make sure you are fully aware of what you can expect from the surgery.