As we age, the skin on our face begins to loosen and sag, leaving men and women looking more depleted, sunken and hollow, especially in areas under the eyes, cheek bones and jawline. This can easily put years on the appearance of an individual and result in a lot of frustration as patients are concerned their tired look makes them appear a lot older then they feel. This loss of vitality and volume in the face can also be caused by recent weight loss or excessive dieting, as well as due to a very physically active lifestyle which can sometimes lend a gaunt or hollow-cheeked look.

Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is an increasingly popular alternative to using dermal fillers. Patients use their own fat from one part of their body as a natural volumizer and filler for areas of their face (and sometimes other areas of the body) to encourage a more youthful appearance and renewed vitality with results that are longer-lasting and natural looking when administered properly. Patients should always seek the expertise of an incredibly experienced and successful expert injector like Dr. Adibfar, who patients often describe as a perfectionist who delivers exceptional results.

The Benefits of Facial Fat Fillers

Facial fat fillers play an integral role as anti-aging tools that restore areas of the face lacking volume in a way that a facelift (although effective) can not address. Some common areas of the face that patients receive fat injections are in the cheeks, areas around the mouth, lips, eyelids and temples. These minimally invasive injections address sunken cheeks, crow’s feet and facial creases, while sharpening the patient’s jawline and adding contour to the face with results that are natural looking and rejuvenating. Patients see improvement immediately, with significantly minimal downtime compared to more invasive procedures. Other benefits include less chance of complication in regards to rejection or allergic reaction, as the fat is naturally derived and removed from the patient’s own body.

The Procedure

Once the patient and cosmetic plastic surgeon decide on an area to extract fat, a procedure (similar to liposuction) is used to suction the fat so that it’s ready for re-injecting into areas of the patient’s face. Areas of the body that typically serve to supply the fat are the buttocks, thighs, hips and/or abdomen.

Once the fat is harvested, it goes through a delicate centrifugation/ purification process to ensure the fat cells survive re-injection. The fat is carefully prepared in syringes to allow for easy application into the areas of the face that lack volume. Dr. Adibfar does this slowly and meticulously to ensure the fat is distributed properly for the most natural looking effect. He regards all injectable procedures as art forms, paying diligent attention to create synergistic harmony between all areas of the face so that untreated and treated areas work well together to create a beautiful, natural-looking profile.

Recovery and Results

Patients are able to return home the same day of the procedure with the help of a trusted relative or close friend. Dr. Adibfar will also prescribe pain medication to counteract any slight facial swelling. Patients should refrain from any strenuous activity for the first few weeks following the procedure, as the grafted area may appear slightly bruised for the first week or two. Results are immediate with full results more apparent after the first few weeks. Facial fat fillers also provide longer-lasting results compared to dermal fillers that are metabolized by the body over time.

If you’re concerned that lost facial volume is making you appear a lot older than you are and feel, and you prefer a more natural and permanent alternative to dermal fillers, then facial fat filler injections are the right choice for you!

Click here to learn more about facial fat fillers or to book a consultation with expert injector and award-winning, board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Adibfar.