Facial Fat Grafting and Fat Transfer

 

Baltimore, MD

• The body’s own fat is a natural filler. It’s safer than implants and reduces the risk of complications and adverse reactions
• It has the potential to be permanent with greater longevity than dermal fillers
• It creates a more natural look that helps to restore volume and improves the appearance of your skin simultaneously

The surgery and process will vary from patient to patient. Fat transfer may be performed under local anesthesia, moderate sedation, or general anesthesia depending on the patient and treatment plan. In general, the fat graft used in the procedure is obtained using liposuction in areas of the body that have excess fat, such as the abdomen or thighs. Once the fat is removed, it is purified and then injected into the areas of concern on the face. Using small pinpoint incisions and small, hollow-bore cannulas, the fat is conservatively deposited throughout the areas of volume loss to achieve an overall improved fullness that appears smooth and in balance with your facial features.

Most fat transfer patients elect to have their procedures performed in our on-site surgery center. Our 5-star facility, the Clarkview Surgical Center in Baltimore, was designed with the safety, comfort, privacy, and convenience of our patients in mind. It features state-of-the-art technology and meets the most rigorous safety standards. We are proud to be one of the few outpatient surgical facilities to earn AAAHC accreditation, as well as certifications from Medicare and the state of Maryland. Because safety is our first concern, all surgical procedures are performed with board-certified anesthesiologists and registered nurses.

Following fat transfer surgery, you will be able to rest in the comfort of your own home. If your procedure was performed under anesthesia, you must have someone to drive you home after surgery. It may take several hours for the anesthesia medication to wear off, so expect to be groggy for a while.

You may experience some bruising or swelling in the first few days following surgery, but these typically resolve in 1 to 2 weeks. The treated area of the face will initially appear more full than when it is completely healed, as a small number of transferred fat cells will not survive in the injected sites.

Every patient’s recovery is different and depends upon the extent of their personal treatment plan. Your surgeon will give you thorough instructions that are tailored to your individual case, but in general, patients can expect the following:

• Rest in bed the day of surgery and limit activity for the next 2 days
• Avoid bending or lifting heavy objects for 2 days
• Avoid strenuous activities for 1 week
• Typically, you can return to work within 5 to 7 days

At Belcara Health, our goal is to help you achieve a naturally youthful appearance that is long-lasting. In our experience, a balanced, comprehensive approach helps patients achieve their goals most effectively. Each patient has unique needs and frequently other procedures are combined with fat transfer surgery for a more complete rejuvenation, including the following:

• Injectables such as BOTOX® Cosmetic or fillers can smooth wrinkles or add volume to refine features.
• A face and neck lift procedure, performed at the same time as a fat transfer, can address more advanced sagging skin in the cheeks, jowl line, or neck.
• Follow-up laser resurfacing or chemical peel treatments can improve skin tone and texture around the eyes and face.