When you think of a youthful appearance fat may not be what immediately comes to mind, but one of the hallmarks of youth is a full face. As we age, volume (fat) diminishes in the face and this can create a gaunt or tired appearance. This loss of tissue can also contribute to “sagging” of facial skin.
While in the past surgeons focused mainly on removing excess skin and tightening it, new techniques are now being used to restore volume and provide a more natural look.
Fat grafting involves surgically removing fat from one area of the body and transplanting it to another. This technique can be utilized for many areas of the body and works exceptionally well for the face. This procedure is now frequently combined with facelift procedures and has proven to offer great results to patients.
Dermal fillers can provide volume, but the results are not going to be permanent. Attempting to provide the same result with filler would also be costly, as a great amount of product would be required. For most of us, we have fat in areas we would love to lose.
Conversely, with fat grafting the results can be very long-lasting. In this way, it may actually be more cost effective in the long run.
When it comes to recovery following your procedure, downtime will depend on the amount of fat deposited and whether multiple procedures were combined. One can expect to be bruised and swollen for a few weeks. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments have been shown to help diminish bruising more quickly and is frequently offered to our patients following surgery.
The only downside to fat grafting is that it is more of a “procedure” and may require more anesthesia. Also, though fat is often long-lasting, the general effect of result is different for different individuals. This is why it is important to work with experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons.
If you are considering facial fat grafting or facial rejuvenation with fat grafting, the best thing you can do is schedule an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and wishes.
Facial fat grafting can be a great option for many men and women seeking to restore a more youthful appearance. If you are interested in learning more about your options regarding any type of facial fat grafting, facial rejuvenation with fat grafting, or other facial surgery, it’s best to receive careful consultation of all options to help determine the appropriate course of treatment. Contact us today to meet with one of our skilled and experienced board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss which procedure may be best for you, or give us a call at 757-491-3535.