Why consider a fat transfer to the face ?
We know that there are layers of the face, such as skin, fatty fibrous tissues, muscle, ligaments and finally bone. All layers of the face are affected by the ageing process in different ways. As we age, we can lose volume in our faces. This is due to bony resorption – a decrease in bone mass and bone density, so our facial skeleton becomes smaller and thinner. Soft tissue and fat also atrophy, which is usually the result of hormonal changes as well as the natural and inevitable decrease in collagen and elastin in the ageing process. For these reasons, sometime we notice that a face may look thin, or even slightly sunken. There are different options available to address volume depletion in the face, such as with volumising wrinkle reduction treatment, which is a temporary solution, and fat transfer, which is more permanent.
What is a fat transfer to the face ?
Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is a surgical procedure that can provide more volume to the face and help to correct contour or asymmetry.
How is a fat transfer to the face performed ?
Fat is first removed from the donor site. The donor site may be an area of your choice, that you wish to take fat away from, be it the abdomen, thighs, or knees. Small incisions are made in order for the fat to be removed by liposuction from these areas. The fat is then processed and made into smaller droplets, and it is finally injected into the soft tissue areas of the face, such as the cheeks, chin, lips and temples.
An added benefit of fat transfer is that fat cells have growth factors and stem cells accompanying them, which may result in an improvement in the overlying skin quality.
How long will my results from a fat transfer last ?
Your final result will be visible between 6-12 months after your procedure. This final result should be permanent. It is important to keep in mind however, that the fat grafted is much like fat in any other area, if you lose a significant amount of weight, there will be changes in your face also.
One of the main complications of a fat transfer is that this procedure is unpredictable. There are many variables involved in fat transfer to the face, such as the quality and quantity of viable fat that you have on your body for collection, and the way in which your body responds to the fat in the new location, as well as other patient factors such as overall health, age, if you smoke, how well you manage the recovery process and manage to limit big movements of the face.
The viability of the fat used, is also influenced by surgical technique ie. how the fat is harvested, how long the fat remains outside of the body and how the fat is injected.
It is impossible to predict how much of the transferred fat will develop a new blood supply in its new location and remain there permanently. Over the next few weeks to several months after your procedure, some of the fat may be reabsorbed. Research has demonstrated that usually around 50-80% of the fat cells that are grafted will survive in the new location. If some of the fat dies, it can be reabsorbed into the body and look as if it has ‘disappeared’ or it can liquify, forming a collection of fluid which may need to be drained , or it can die and become fat necrosis, which are firm lumps which potentially would need to be removed surgically.
Recovery
Sometimes directly after fat grafting to the face, your face may be quite swollen. This is an expected outcome from the process, as fat has now been placed in a new location. Furthermore, fluid will have accumulated, which will slowly drain over the coming days.
During the healing process, It’s important to limit facial movement, not massage your face and avoid sleeping on your face. You can usually wear make-up after a few days, however apply make -up very gently to avoid disturbing the newly grafted fat.
One week later
After one week there will usually be swelling, bruising and soreness in the area where the fat was taken and where the fat has been newly placed. Swelling gradually reduces day by day, however during the next four to six weeks the fat will still be in the settling down process as we determine how much of the fat has survived, or will remain. Dr Wetton will monitor your progress in person and be available should you have any questions or concerns.
Complications
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Contour irregularities
- Damage to underlying structures
- Fat necrosis resulting in loss of volume, fluid cysts, or firm nodules
- Poor scaring
- Fat embolism
- Persistent swelling
How much will my surgery cost ?
It is difficult to estimate a fee for fat grafting to the face, because the fee will need to include the cost for liposuction of the donor site and fat grafting to the recipient site, as well as processing of the fat.
Generally this procedure costs $4,000- $12,000 depending on the amount of fat and the areas to be addressed.
This procedure is based on your anatomy, and so the procedure will be designed specifically for you.
This fee does not include the Hospital or the Anaesthetic Fee.
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