How Does Fat Grafting Work for Cosmetic Face Surgery?

A face with volume and fat stores looks young, radiant, and lively, while a face without can appear hollow, tired or even skeletal. Dermal fillers have revolutionized the way we choose to age, but fat grafting is a great alternative. How does fat grafting work?

Fat grafting is a multi-step cosmetic surgery. Fat grafting utilizes the patient’s own fat stores, so the fat must be taken from another area of the body (such as the thighs or abdominal area). Following this mini-liposuction, the fatty tissue is then cleaned and processed to separate healthy fat cells in preparation for injection into the face. Once the fat is prepared, the surgeon will inject the fat into the desired area of the face. Fat grafts can also be performed in conjunction with other procedures, such as a face lift or eye lift.

Following the procedure, most patients are sent home within a couple of hours. Recovery time varies depending on the area used for liposuction and the part of the face that was treated. Some pain, swelling and bruising is normal in the weeks following the procedure. Normal activities may be resumed as soon as the patient feels up to them.

Fat grafting is an excellent treatment option for a wide range of problem areas on the face. Fat grafts can be used to fill in wrinkles or fine lines, such as the nasolabial lines around the mouth. They can add volume to the lips, cheeks, chin, forehead or under eye area.

There are many advantages to the use of fat grafts when addressing signs of facial aging. First, fat grafts are living cells, so once established in the new area, they will live and last forever. While true that not all the grafted fat will survive, what does will become a permanent filler. A repeat procedure may be necessary to achieve the full desired results, but it will not need any upkeep in the way dermal fillers do.

Fat grafting is often utilized as a part of a larger facial cosmetic surgery, like a face lift. One size does not fit all, however, so it’s important to speak to the right plastic surgeon in order to create a treatment plan that is right for meeting your goals. In the greater Washington, D.C. area, look no further than Kevin Perman, MD. With decades of experience, Dr. Perman is the leading authority on cosmetic facial surgery. To schedule an appointment, call (301) 571-0000.