Facial Fat Transfer

Consultations offered at our four convenient locations in Calhoun, GA, Chattanooga, TN, Ooltewah, TN and Blueridge, GA

Facial Fat Transfer Southern Surgical Arts

Facial Fat Transfer Facial fat transfer is a surgical procedure that addresses volume loss and other signs of due aging. It can also be used to enhance facial contours in younger patients or to correct contour irregularities that have resulted from an injury or that have been present since birth. (1) The procedure utilizes autologous fat, that is, fat from a patient’s own body. This can be transferred to the face for long-lasting improvements in volume. Autologous fat is considered the ideal filler because it is biocompatible, and looks and feels natural – because it is! Unwanted fat can be removed from common problem areas such as the flanks, abdomen, or thighs via mini liposuction or syringe and transferred into various areas on a patient’s face for a rejuvenated, plump, and smooth appearance.

The surgeons at Southern Surgical Arts help patients to achieve natural-looking, beautifully-contoured results. If you are interested in learning how facial fat transfer can improve both your appearance and confidence, contact us today at one of our four locations in Ooltewah, TN (423-541-6071), Franklin, TN (800-950-0492), Blue Ridge, GA (800-050-0492), or Calhoun, GA (706-629-8574); or through our online contact form. Before & After Photos

About

As we age, our facial structure and the quality skin of our undergo significant changes that impact the way we look. Gravity, genetics, and lifestyle choices can speed along the aging process. With decreased collagen production, our skin becomes thinner and looser, and begins to droop, causing folds and lines. At the same time, the many individual fat pads that give our face its youthful contours begin to atrophy, leading to volume loss that affects the overall shape of our face. Surgical procedures like facelifts and brow lifts are effective ways to eliminate loose skin and reposition underlying tissues. Often, surgeons will alter the location and shape of facial fat as part of these procedures. But if there isn’t sufficient fat, it can be difficult to restore the desired contours, especially in areas like the cheeks. And, for younger patients that aren’t ready for surgical rejuvenation, or people that aren’t willing to commit to an extensive procedure, volume restoration using dermal fillers has become a popular way to create a subtle lift and smooth the skin.(1) However, these are temporary fixes, since, over time, the body reabsorbs the filler. Patients that are looking for a long-term solution to volume loss can put unwanted fat to use, and reap the rewards of this natural and versatile resource! Because the harvested fat is made of living fat cells, once they are injected into the treatment area, the cells are able to graft to the existing tissue and thrive in their new home. As an important additional advantage, fat cells are accompanied by adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). These cells have the ability to transform into healthy new cells that help regenerate damaged tissue, which can strengthen facial tissue, improve the appearance of scars, and reverse sun damage!(2)

Areas that Benefit from Facial Fat Transfer

Adding volume is key to creating a naturally youthful appearance. Not only is fat an ideal filler, but it can be injected precisely where required to address the areas where many of the most common signs of aging appear.

Popular uses for facial fat grafting include:

  • Sculpted, volumized cheeks
  • Reduced tear troughs and hollow-looking under eyes
  • Lip augmentation, and smoothing wrinkles on and around the mouth
  • Diminishing crow’s feet and filling out hollow temples
  • Filling out deep folds and creases such as nasolabial folds

Facial fat transfer results in a well-balanced, harmonious face. Effective results require an expert blend of artistry and highly-skilled precision for transformative results with the least risk possible. It also requires extensive knowledge of facial anatomy and how its various components relate to one another. (1) And, adding volume to strategic areas of the face can create a lifted effect, improving the appearance of jowls, and delaying the need for surgery!

Fat Transfer Procedure

Fat transfer is a three-step process that includes harvesting, purification, and grafting fat tissue. (2)

  • Harvesting: The donor area is injected with a fluid that prevents bleeding, numbs the area, and makes fat easier to remove. Fat is then drawn out of the donor site using a syringe. Common areas for fat harvesting include areas with larger available stores of fat that are rich in adipose-derived stem cells, such as the thighs, abdomen, and flanks.
  • Processing: Fat is filtered, purified using a centrifuge, or strained and rinsed, removing contaminants such as cellular debris, oil, and dead fat cells. Processing preserves only the most viable live fat cells for fat transfer.
  • Grafting: Fat is injected in small amounts called aliquots in various donor sites on the face through small incisions with a tiny cannula. The total amount of fat that is injected is only usually a few tablespoons, and distributed evenly throughout the area being treated. The fat will be placed at specific depths in order to address the patient’s concerns. For example, deeper placement builds volume, while injecting fat more shallowly in the dermis can eliminate lines and wrinkles.(2)

Benefits

Facial fat transfer includes the following benefits:

  • Procedure can be customized to the patient’s anatomy and desires
  • Same-day, outpatient procedure
  • Can be performed with local anesthesia
  • Long lasting, natural-looking and feeling results
  • Little to no risk of allergic reaction
  • Reduced wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage, contour irregularities and skin depressions
  • Rejuvenated appearance and improved self-esteem

Candidates

You may be a candidate for facial fat grafting if:

  • You are generally in good health
  • You have adequate donor fat
  • You’re interested in an alternative to surgery with long-lasting results
  • You carry realistic expectations about the procedure

You may not be a good candidate for the procedure if: (1)

  • You do not have enough fat on the body to harvest and transfer to the face.
  • You’re looking to resolve severe skin laxity or other signs of aging that would be better resolved with a surgical procedure.
  • You have a condition that restricts blood flow or delays healing.

Personal Consultation During your consultation, we will discuss the challenges you currently experience with your complexion, and how facial fat transfer can help. We will also examine your facial structure, areas of concern, and potential donor areas to ensure that you’ll enjoy meaningful results from this procedure. If you are interested in learning more about facial fat transfer, and how it can enhance your looks, contact us today.

Set up a consultation at one of our four locations in Ooltewah, TN (423-541-6071), Franklin, TN (800-950-0492), Blue Ridge, GA (800-050-0492), or Calhoun, GA (706-629-8574); or through our online contact form. We also invite you to check out our blog to learn more about how our other treatments help improve patients’ lives!

Preparation

With careful preparation, you lay the foundation to experience the best results possible from your procedure. To prepare for facial fat transfer, you should:

  • Avoid excessive sun exposure or skin treatments that can promote irritation in the treatment areas.
  • Two weeks prior, avoid blood-thinning medications, supplements, or vitamins such as Vitamin E, ibuprofen, aspirin, and ginkgo Biloba.
  • Inform your doctor of your medical history to prevent complications–this includes including habits such as smoking, prescriptions, or contraceptive use.
  • If you will be receiving lip injections, let us know if you have a history of cold sores. You may need to be prescribed an antiviral medication to prevent an outbreak.

Recovery

Facial fat transfers are fairly quick outpatient procedures, so you’ll be able to return home after we’ve finished. If you’ve opted for IV sedation during your procedure, make sure you have a designated driver to take you home since you will not be in a state to drive yourself. Recovery time for facial fat transfer only takes a few days. Bruising and swelling are normal, and usually resolve the second week after your injections. To reduce swelling, we recommend using a cold compress and keeping your head elevated when sleeping.

Results

Facial Fat Transfer Southern Surgical Arts

Once the transferred fat has successfully grafted in its new location, the results can be enjoyed for many years to come. And, patients can notice gradual improvements in their skin quality thanks to the transferred fat’s inherent regenerative properties. While no cosmetic procedure can stop the aging process, a facial fat transfer can turn back the clock so that you look and feel refreshed and vibrant. We recommend maintaining a stable weight, and taking good care of your skin in order to ensure your results last as long as possible.

How Much Does a Facial Fat Transfer Cost in Chattanooga?

Our fat transfer procedures begin at about $3,000 and can go up to about $5,000. Your all-inclusive quote will cover the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia costs, the facility fee for the operating room, and any supplies that may be needed. Post-operative visits are also included in the total price.

References

  1. Vasavada A, Raggio BS. Autologous Fat Grafting For Facial Rejuvenation. [Updated 2022 Sep 16]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557860/.
  2. Schultz KP, Raghuram A, Davis MJ, Abu-Ghname A, Chamata E, Rohrich RJ. Fat Grafting for Facial Rejuvenation. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2020;34(01):030-037. doi:10.1055/s-0039-3402767