Facial Fat Grafting in San Francisco

As we age, not only do we have to worry about wrinkles, but also volume loss in the face. This volume loss can be corrected by transferring fat from other areas of the body to the cheeks, under eyes, or other areas lacking volume.

What Is Facial Fat Grafting?

Facial fat grafting, or fat transfer, refers to the procedure of transferring fat from one part of the body to another. Normally this is done to add volume to the face. As we are aging, the face loses volume in key areas. The face develops a more rectangular appearance as upper face width decreases and lower facial width increases. The smooth full contours of the cheeks are lost and there is a more deflated appearance to the midface.

Candidates for Fat Transfer to the Face

People who are looking to restore volume to their face tend to be ideal candidates for this procedure. However, you are more likely to be a candidate if you have the following qualities:

• Dark circles around your eyes
• Eyelid bags
• Are in good healthy
• Have reasonable expectations of results
• Are already planning on undergoing a facial procedure (facelift, neck lift  blepharoplasty, etc)

Dr. Fisher will thoroughly examine you during your consultation to decide whether or not this procedure is good for you.

The Fat Transfer Procedure

Fat injections to the face can restore the fullness in the right places. Usually, fat is taken by liposuction from somewhere else on the body, generally the abdomen, hips, or thighs. The fat is then prepared and injected into the needed areas. Fat transplantation is performed on an outpatient basis and does not require much downtime. The length of the procedure varies based on the health of the patient and how much fat is being transferred.

After fat grafting, patients tend to experience mild bruising and swelling. This swelling usually subsides over time and is aided by applying ice.

Benefits of Fat Grafting

Fat grafting is a procedure that takes your excess fat and uses it elsewhere for cosmetic and aesthetic purposes. Some benefits of this procedure include:

• Being completely natural, with no artificial fillers
• Smoothing fine lines, scars, wrinkles, and other deformities
• Adds volume to the eyes, temples, lips, chin, and cheeks
• Long-lasting, effective results
• No scarring

One of the biggest benefits of this procedure, aside from being all natural, is that it is a dual process. Patients are able to effectively contour their body, while also rejuvenating their facial appearance.

Can Fat Injections Be Combined With Other Procedures?

This procedure can be performed by itself or in addition to another procedure such as a facelift or eyelid surgery. Fat grafting can also be performed to rejuvenate or add volume to other areas of the body, such as the hands.

Risks of Facial Fat Transplantation

Facial fat grafting is considered to be a generally safe procedure to undergo. However, no procedure is without its associated risks. Side effects and risks of fat transfer include:

• Bleeding
• Scarring
• Nerve damage
• Asymmetry
• Infection

Complications of fat grafting are rare. However, if you are experiencing these side effects after the initial healing period, you should contact your doctor immediately.

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