Facial fat grafting typically leaves minimal scarring. Very small incisions are used for liposuction to harvest the fat, and we use thin cannulas for injecting the fat back into the face. Incisions are very small and strategically placed to be as inconspicuous as possible.
Will I have scars from fat grafting? The micro cannula used for injections will not leave scars on your face. The liposuction procedure to harvest fat from the body involves very small incisions that may result in minor scarring.
The recovery period for facial fat transfer typically takes anywhere from 7-14 days. Remember: there are two areas that will need recovery.
Microfat transfer offers long-lasting results and a more natural appearance compared to synthetic fillers, as the transferred fat integrates seamlessly with existing tissue.
Fat Transfer Face Contouring
Most commonly, face contouring benefits people who are 30 years of age or older. The face, at this age, begins to lose “baby fat,” and as a result, fullness begins to fade.
Despite the potential benefits, some patients experience buccal fat removal regret. Understanding these causes can help individuals make more informed decisions about the procedure. Overcorrection: Removing too much fat can lead to an excessively gaunt appearance, particularly as the patient ages.
ACTIVITY AFTER FAT TRANSFER TREATMENT
Avoid bending, lifting, or straining for one to two weeks. Be extremely careful if wearing any “pull-over the head” clothing.
The total cost of facial fat grafting, including both the liposuction and fat transfer components of the procedure, typically falls in the $3,000 to $7,500 range at our practice.
Fillers are best for a quick fix as they provide instant volume without any downtime. Fat lasts longer and is ideal for patients that want to avoid using synthetic products or coming in for regular treatments. The good news is that both fat and fillers can provide dramatic rejuvenation for your facial appearance.
Although a fat transfer is a fantastic procedure for all age groups, it benefits older people the most. Fat grafting resolves common signs of aging, like fine lines, furrows, wrinkles, marionette lines, and other natural flaws.
Immediately after your surgery, you may notice that your face looks fuller than you'd expected. This is a normal and temporary part of having a facial fat transfer.
A surgical fat transfer is generally a safe procedure, but it can occasionally result in: a collection of blood underneath the skin (haematoma) death of fat tissue (fat necrosis)
Fortunately, cannulas are small, so the required incisions only need to be big enough to accommodate the diameter of the cannula tube. This means incisions are usually less than a half an inch long. When they heal, most liposuction scars simply look like small dots. With time, they should flatten nicely and fade.
Fat transfer to the face typically has a higher survival rate, especially in areas that don't move. The aging process continues after the procedure, but patients enjoy a more youthful appearance for many years. Touch-up procedures can extend the results. I use fat grafting in various areas to minimize signs of aging.
Results will vary depending on your body's unique reaction to the treatment. In most cases, anywhere between 50% and 80% of injected fat cells will survive the transfer.
In the first week, there is always swelling and sometimes bruising to the grafted areas of the face. Pain is generally minimal. In the second week the bruising settles. Less visible swelling gradually reduces day by day.
In cheek liposuction, fat is vacuumed out of the face using a narrow tube and a suction device. Buccal fat removal involves surgery to remove the pad of fat beneath the cheekbone. Your plastic surgeon can recommend the best method to address cheek fullness and contour the face.
On average, patients can expect to see their final results in about four to six weeks, at which time the majority of swelling will have resolved, and the fat cells will have settled into their new location.
-Expected to wear your compression garment as close to 24 hours as possible for the first 6 weeks. The more you wear your garment the less swelling you will have. Leave the compression garment on, even while sleeping until instructed otherwise. This will decrease the risk of a seroma (collection of fluid).
(Please also be aware that anything else that can constrict blood supply – even caffeine – has the potential to affect the survival of the fat graft.)
Does buccal fat pad removal remove dimples? Buccal fat pad removal may slightly alter the appearance of your dimples, but should not remove them entirely. Dimples form because of muscle movements within your face, not due to fat, so the volume of your buccal fat does not have a direct effect on dimples.
Does buccal fat removal look bad as you age? Not if performed on an ideal candidate. Patients who are not good candidates for the procedure may see their results not age well. This is why it is important to go to an experienced surgeon who can gauge whether buccal fat removal is ideal for you in the long term.
The ideal candidate for a buccal fat removal procedure is someone who naturally has higher and wider cheekbones. If your cheekbones are naturally more narrow, then buccal fat removal won't give you that sleek look with high cheekbones that we often see in the media.