Fat grafting helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines by restoring volume, particularly in the cheeks, using fat cells instead of dermal fillers.
Facial fat grafting, or autologous fat transfer, is a minimally invasive procedure that enhances volume and contour by transferring fat from one body area to another.
Facial fat grafting, commonly referred to as autologous fat transfer, is a minimally invasive procedure that entails the extraction of adipose tissue from one region of the body for the purpose of enhancing the volume, shape, and contour of another area. While this technique is predominantly employed for aesthetic enhancement, it may also serve reconstructive purposes.
How long does the effect of a facial fat transfer last? In contrast to dermal fillers, which generally require re-injection every 12 to 18 months, a facial fat transfer can yield results that may last for years, decades, or potentially even longer.
Advantages of facial fat grafting include:
-Durability of Outcomes: The effects of fat transfer are characterized by a prolonged duration.
-Natural Composition: The fat transfer procedure employs a natural way to volumize the face.
– Minimally Invasive Technique: This approach is less invasive in comparison to traditional surgical facelift procedures.
– Stem Cell Advantages: Adipose tissue contains stem cells, which may facilitate facial rejuvenation.
-Aesthetic Enhancement of Donor Site: The area from which fat is harvested may present a more slender appearance.
-More technically demanding: Fat transfer requires a skilled injection technique compared to dermal fillers.
-Fat absorption: Some transferred fat may be absorbed, resulting in less noticeable effects.
-Longer recovery: Bruising and swelling can last 7–10 days, with final results taking 6–9 months.
-Higher cost: Fat transfer tends to be pricier than injectables, especially for larger volumes.
-Lumps: Improper placement can lead to lumps.
-Risks: Injecting into a vessel can cause tissue damage or visual impairment.
During the procedure, adipose tissue is typically obtained from regions such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs through the use of liposuction.
Subsequently, the harvested fat is transplanted into the facial area utilizing various techniques, which are determined by the surgeon’s expertise and preference.
The grafted fat integrates with the surrounding facial tissues, resulting in a natural-looking enhancement that demonstrates durability over time.
Following the procedure, it is anticipated that bruising and swelling will occur at both the donor and graft sites. The bruising and swelling in the facial area are expected to diminish within one to two weeks; however, the recovery period for the donor sites may extend up to six months.
A facial fat transfer can yield results that may last for years, decades, or potentially even longer.
Facial fat grafting (AFG) is generally safe with few complications, but risks exist. Choose an experienced plastic surgeon skilled in fat transfer. Minor issues like oil cysts and infections can occur but are typically manageable; serious complications are rare.
The forehead and temporal areas have higher risks for complications, including fat embolism, while the nose, lips, and chin are lower risk. AFG is usually done outpatient with local anesthesia or sedation, minimizing risks compared to general anesthesia.
Expect about 50-60% volume loss, possibly requiring a touch-up, along with common side effects like bruising, swelling, and altered sensation.
The cost of a facial fat grafting procedure may range from $2,500 to $10,000. The final expense associated with facial fat grafting is influenced by various factors, including the geographical location, the qualifications of the board-certified facial plastic surgeon, as well as the duration and complexity of the surgical procedure.
