As you grow older, your skin will start to lose its volume due to the loss of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Due to these factors, the skin will develop the early signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Wrinkles can be reduced and in some cases eliminated using the facial fat grafting technique (also called fat transfer) to fill in certain areas of the skin. Facial fat grafting is a minimally invasive procedure, that makes use of your own body’s fat instead of an external source such as dermal fillers.

How Facial Fat Grafting Works

The initial step of the process involves the removal of fat through liposuction from a part of your body that has excess fatty tissue. The patient is first given local or general anesthesia. After this, a small incision is made on the area from where the fat will be extracted, into which a small tube is inserted.

The tube, known as “cannula” is filled with a tumescent fluid which further anesthetizes the tissues, and prevents bleeding. The fat cells are then extracted through a suction device attached at the end of the tube, following which the fat is purified and separated from impurities. After this, the fat is injected into the face through a fine needle. The procedure can last anywhere between 15 and 60 minutes.

Post-Facial Fat Grafting

After the treatment, the patient may need to wear a compression garment on the area where the fat was injected, in order to promote healing. Bruising and swelling after the procedure can be counteracted by the use of oral medications.

The patients should avoid sun exposure after the treatment, as the skin is likely to be more sensitive. Most patients return to their normal routine a little while after the treatment. Some of the fat may be absorbed by your body through its natural processes, but the remaining fat will stay in the area, continuing to fill in the skin.

The Benefits of Facial Fat Grafting

Facial fat grafting offers a large number of benefits, which makes it a preferred treatment for many patients. Compared to dermal fillers which require touch-ups once a year or so, facial fat grafting is a longer lasting treatment. A traditional facelift tends to leave prominent scars and has a long recovery time, which is not the case with facial fat grafting.

The facial fat grafting treatment helps in adding volume to the hollow areas of the face and plumps up wrinkles. It also promotes the production of collagen, which enables the long-lasting effect of the treatment.

The results of the treatment become more visible over time due to the increase in the collagen production. In other words, facial fat grafting helps you get a more rejuvenated and natural look that continues to improve over the course of time.

Most of the patients notice the effect of the treatment right after the procedure. As the fat being used is from the patient’s own body, the chances of allergies are eliminated, unlike other cosmetic treatments. All these factors make facial fat grafting a safer, more effective and long-lasting treatment than other cosmetic treatments used for wrinkle reduction.

Contact Our Office

Contact North Coast Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory Park today. With his guidance, you’ll be on your way to youthful and beautiful look you desire.