Facial Fat Transfer in Austin, TX – Dr. Malena Amato and Dr. Marie Somogyi
While changes in skin elasticity are often blamed for the cosmetic effects of facial aging, the loss of facial fat also plays a significant role in the formation of wrinkles, loose skin, and facial hollows. Dermal fillers can temporarily restore lost facial volume, but they aren’t the right choice for everyone. Some people prefer the long-lasting results, as well as the look and feel of natural adipose tissue, offered by face fat grafting. At Eyelid & Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, our expert surgeons offer facial fat transfer in Austin, also known as facial fat grafting or fat transfer to the face, to restore full, youthful facial contours.
Understanding the Role of Fat Loss in Facial Aging
Facial fat loss, like collagen loss, begins early in the aging process. By age 35, most people have already lost about ten percent of the fat in their face, even if they haven’t lost any weight. Another ten percent is typically lost every decade after that, and by age 60, many people have lost half of their facial fat. This occurs because the body stores fat in different ways as we age; instead of proportioning fat evenly across our core and extremities, fat cells begin to centralize around the abdomen.
Though having a slimmer face may sound appealing to some, the results of facial fat loss aren’t always flattering. As we lose facial fat, hollows start to form around the eyes and under the cheeks, giving the face a gaunt look. Remaining fat deposits often clump together and sag, creating undesirable features like heavy jowls. Finally, having less facial fat contributes dramatically to the formation of loose skin; as adipose tissue vanishes, the surface that it used to support sags. This sagging from loss of volume is accentuated by a loss of skin elasticity and gravity, unavoidable side-effects of the aging process.
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How a Facial Fat Transfer Can Help
To perform a facial fat transfer, Dr. Amato and Dr. Somogyi first uses liposuction to remove fat from a donor site on the body. Usually, patients choose to have fat removed from their belly, back, or thighs, as this approach has the added benefit of shaping and slimming common problem areas.
After the fat has been harvested, it’s processed in a device called a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins the fat at high speeds, separating adipose tissue from other components that aren’t suitable for injection, like blood vessels and cellular debris. Finally, this purified fat is carefully injected into areas where facial fat loss is apparent. Because correctly processed fat cells are still healthy and viable, they’ll naturally integrate with the patient’s existing fatty tissue.
Facial fat transfer can be performed as a standalone procedure, or it can be combined with other non-surgical or surgical treatments for even greater overall rejuvenation. Combining facial fat transfer with dermal filler injections in the lips and Botox® injections around the eyes and brows, for example, can sculpt a fuller face while reducing crow’s feet, frown lines, and other creases. Facial fat transfer can be performed during facial surgery including eyelid surgery (upper blepharoplasty or lower blepharoplasty) or brow lift, mid-face lift, or facial laser resurfacing. Facial fat transfer surgery is usually performed under light sedation lasting about an hour. During your consultation, your surgeon will educate you about your options and develop a treatment plan that fits your needs and preferences.
What to Expect during Recovery
Unlike Botox and dermal filler injections, fat injections typically require some post-procedure downtime. Though any discomfort you experience after fat grafting can be comfortably managed with pain relievers provided by Dr. Amato or Dr. Somogyi, pain usually resolves within the first 24 hours. You will see visible swelling and bruising for about one to two weeks after your face fat transfer. In some cases, remnants of this swelling can last longer. Our surgeons generally recommend their patients take at least a week off work after having this procedure, with two weeks being considered ideal.
Immediately after surgery, you may notice that your face looks fuller than you wanted, or asymmetrical. This is a normal—and temporary—part of having a facial fat transfer. Some of this facial fullness is caused by swelling, but it’s also common practice to inject fat generously. This approach is necessary because not all the injected fat cells will integrate with surrounding tissues; about 25% of them will be excreted by the body. Injecting a bit of extra fat compensates for this partial loss of fat cells. You can expect your face to settle into its final shape throughout two to three months, though your results may continue to improve for up to one year. The results of facial fat transfer are generally permanent, though continued aging can sometimes create the need for revision after a decade or longer. In some areas particularly around the mouth and lips, a second fat transfer procedure may be beneficial for ideal long-lasting results as some of the fat will dissolve after treatment.
Eyelid & Facial Plastic Surgery Associates Dr. Amato and Dr. Somogyi provide compassionate, conscientious follow-up care to all their patients. If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, you’ll be able to reach them personally by phone. Our surgeons believe in taking care of their patients and often checks on you at home before your first visit after surgery,
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Facial Fat Grafting in Austin, tx?
Most adults can have a facial fat transfer, provided they are in good overall health. However, people with extremely low body fat percentage aren’t always able to have fat grafting, because they don’t have enough extra fat to permit safe fat harvesting. If you’re slim, dermal fillers may be a better choice for you.
It’s important to understand that while fat transfer surgery is minimally invasive, it’s still a form of surgery, so you’ll need to take the same steps you’d take before having any other procedure. If you smoke, stop smoking at least three weeks before and after your fat transfer. If you take medication, make sure you discuss what you’re taking, including over the counter and supplements, with your surgeon during your consultation. You may need to stop taking certain drugs (as long as you can do so safely) such as blood thinners before surgery to limit the risk of bruising, bleeding, and other complications.
Arrange a Facial Fat Transfer Consultation in Austin, Texas
As Austin’s most experienced female Oculoplastic surgeons, Dr. Malena Amato and Dr. Marie Somogyi can produce excellent fat grafting results, especially when working around the delicate orbital area. To learn more about facial fat transfer surgery, contact us online or by phone to arrange a personal consultation at our Austin, TX plastic surgery practice.
Facial Fat Grafting FAQS in Austin, Texas
Yes, facial fat grafting can be easily paired with additional cosmetic procedures to provide a more thorough facial rejuvenation. Often combined with a facelift, neck lift, or eyelid lift (blepharoplasty), this combination allows for a more harmonious enhancement of facial features. By addressing multiple areas of concern in a single session, patients can enjoy more balanced and youthful results. The synergy between facial fat grafting and these procedures can provide natural-looking volume restoration and contouring, helping to achieve an overall refreshed appearance.
The results of facial fat grafting can be quite long-lasting, often providing rejuvenation effects that endure for five years or more. However, the longevity of the results can vary depending on factors such as age, lifestyle, and the specific technique used during the procedure. The benefits of facial fat grafting can be prolonged when patients adhere to a good skincare regimen and abstaining from harmful behaviors like smoking and excessive sun exposure. This dedication to healthy habits guarantees a longer-lasting and more organic-looking improvement in the volume and contour of the face.
A good candidate for facial fat grafting is someone in overall good health, both physically and mentally, who has realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure. Ideal candidates are typically looking to address concerns such as fine lines and deep wrinkles, fill in sunken or hollow under eyes, have flat or thin lips, are gaunt, or are generally unhappy with their facial symmetry, the quality, and texture of their skin. Patients must have sufficient donor sites and excess body fat to transfer and should be in good overall health, free of medical conditions that could hinder the procedure.
Yes, facial fat grafting can be performed more than once if needed. While the initial procedure often provides satisfactory results, some patients may require additional sessions to achieve their desired outcome. Over time, the body can naturally absorb some of the transferred fat, so follow-up treatments might be necessary to maintain the desired volume and contour. Each additional session can help refine and enhance the results, ensuring a more lasting and natural-looking rejuvenation.
After facial fat grafting, it’s crucial to sleep in a way that minimizes pressure on the treated areas to ensure optimal results. For the first few days, it’s recommended to sleep on your back with your head elevated using two to four pillows. This elevation helps reduce swelling and prevents any undue pressure on your face. It’s best to avoid sleeping on your side or stomach, as this can place pressure on the grafts and potentially affect their survival. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a smoother recovery and better overall outcome.
When deciding between facial fat transfer and dermal fillers, it’s important to consider the unique benefits and drawbacks of each option. Facial fat transfer utilizes your own body fat, offering a more holistic approach, natural appearance, and longer-lasting results. However, this method involves a surgical procedure and requires a longer recovery time. In contrast, dermal fillers are non-surgical, providing immediate results with minimal downtime. Depending on the type of filler used, the effects can last between six months to two years. Consulting with a qualified professional can help you determine the best option based on your individual goals and circumstances.