Fat grafting
Fat grafting (FG) to the face is performed to rejuvenate it and improve skin quality.
This method has recently became very popular in correction of wrinkles, groves, creases and scars on the face. It is particularly helpful in treatment of prominent noso-labial groves, “tear trough” deformity as well as augmentation of lips and zygomatic eminences. FG is frequently combined with other rejuvenation procedures such as facelift or blepharoplasty.
Fat is harvested from patient’s donor areas such as lower abdomen, thighs, back and after sterile processing it is injected in desired areas. Although FG is currently regarded as a best method of volume enhancement and its effect last longer than other fillers its result is not permanent. Due to partial (30-40%) absorption of transplanted fat, additional procedure may be required within 3-6 months.
If FG to face is performed in local anesthesia with sedation, patient may be discharged home 3h after the surgery. If it is performed in general anesthesia as a component of complex face rejuvenation combined with face lifting, patient stays in the facility overnight.
Recovery period depends on extend of FG but return to normal activity is usually possible after 7-10 days. Final aesthetic result is revaluated after 3 months. Significant weight changes and hormones may effect obtained result.
| Duration | 90 min |
| Anesthesia | local or general |
| Stay in the facility | 3-6 h |
| Recovery | 7-10 d |
| Sutures | no sutures |
| Contraindications | untreated mental illnesses, blood clotting disorders, uncontrolled hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, uncontrolled diabetes, active infections, autoimmune diseases, cancer, pregnancy, menstruation, premenstrual period |
| Recommendations before the procedure | fatgrafting pre-op.pdf |
| Recommendations after the procedure | fatgrafting post-op.pdf |
This short information doesn’t replace medical consultation in the office.