What is Facial Fat Grafting?
Facial Fat Grafting is a procedure that uses the patient’s own fat cells to replace the volume lost during the aging process and thereby rejuvenating their overall appearance. As we age, three important changes occur: 1. The facial skeleton loses bone 2. The facial fat pads lose volume 3. Gravity pulls down loose and sagging skin and soft tissue. Replacing volume loss in the aging process has been described as the most important modern advancement in plastic surgery. Hyaluronic acid fillers are a temporary method of replacing this volume loss and their popularity shows the power of this concept. Facial Fat Grafting offers a permanent solution to volume loss related to aging and can be done throughout the face to give an overall rejuvenated appearance.
Why Choose Facial Fat Grafting?
Procedures like a facelift or necklift can effectively lift sagging skin and soft tissue related to aging. However, they do not fully replace the volume that has been lost over time. Therefore, Facial Fat Grafting is a powerful technique that can be done alone or in combination with other procedures to restore the youthful contour and appearance that patients crave. Facial Fat Grafting may be right for you if you notice flatter or sunken cheek bones, deeper lines in the nasolabial folds, and deflated areas around the eyes, mouth, and lips. If you’ve had good results with hyaluronic acid fillers in the past and want a permanent correction that fat grafting may be right for you. Dr. Lozada will discuss if this procedure is right for you during your consultation.
Does it matter where the fat is harvested from?
There is no difference in result based on where the fat is harvested from. Dr. Lozada will assess which area is the best to harvest fat from and make the decision jointly with the patient.
What is recovery like from Facial Fat Grafting?
Facial Fat Grafting Surgery is done under local anesthesia in the office. Numbing medicine is given to make the procedure comfortable. Both the area where fat is being harvested and injected is prepped with antiseptic. The harvest and injection are painless procedures and well tolerated by patients. Patients can go home right after surgery.
The First 2 Weeks After Surgery
Immediately after surgery there may be minor bruising and swelling The first two weeks after will have a resolution of swelling. There are no restrictions aside from avoiding strenuous activity and exercise for 1-2 weeks after surgery.
Facial Fat Grafting Faqs
Facial Fat Grafting Surgery is done under local anesthesia and can be done in the office setting. The first step is harvesting the fat, typically from the abdomen, thighs, or buttock. Once the fat is harvested it is processed in a careful manner to ensure it survives when injected. Next, the fat is injected in small amounts in specific targeted areas to replace lost volume.
Typical areas for Facial Fat Grafting include the cheeks, the eyebrows, the temples, the nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Other areas amenable for fat grafting include the lips and perioral area and chin. Fat grafting is a permanent replacement of lost volume and is an important tool in the plastic surgeon’s armamentarium to fully rejuvenate the face and neck.
Facial Fat Grafting is a permanent replacement of lost volume in the face. When performing the procedure it is expected than some of the fat resorbs over the initial recovery period. Thus it is important to ensure proper handling and processing of the fat before injection and a surgeon with experience and knowledge of fat grafting techniques to maximize the amount of fat that sticks around.
Why Should I Choose Dr. Kirk Lozada?
Dr. Lozada is a Facial Plastic & Reconstructive surgeon and Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgeon. Dr. Lozada is committed to providing the highest quality aesthetic and reconstructive services for all his patients in Philadelphia and New Jersey. At our office a personalized treatment plan is essential and we allow sufficient time during consultation to develop a unique understanding of each patient’s desires. Dr. Lozada completed his fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania and has trained with the top Facial Plastic Surgeons in Philadelphia, New York, and New Jersey. Dr. Kirk Lozada is currently a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and has numerous publications and presentations in the field of facial plastic surgery. Contact the office for your consultation today!