Fat Grafting

Fat injections, also commonly referred to as fat grafting is an alternative to synthetic dermal fillers (facial fillers) like Juvederm, Restylane, and Sculptra. Fat is extracted through liposuction from any part of your body that has excess fat. That fat is then injected into your face to add volume that has been lost during the aging process. These two processes are done on the same day as one procedure.

Goals Of Fat Grafting

Candidates For Fat Grafting

What to Expect at your Consultation

Drs. Perrotta and Luppens will devote as much time as necessary to discuss your individual goals and needs with you. After a focused physical examination, your surgeon will provide preliminary recommendations and explain what you can expect from surgery.

Once your surgeon determines his surgical plan, our aesthetic coordinator will produce a written quote, which lists all costs of your proposed surgery so that there are no surprises. At that time, an appointment is set for your pre-op visit.

Pre-Op Visit

Much is covered during your pre-op visit. First, one of our highly trained medical assistants will take pre-op photos. Next, your surgeon will explain the surgical technique to you and thoroughly inform you as to what you can expect, including any potential complications. Note that all procedures involve some risk, but major complications are rare. Dr. Perrotta or Dr. Luppens will then obtain a more complete medical history from you and perform a final pre-op physical examination, including a check of your vital functions to ensure that you are physically fit for surgery. All informed consents for surgery will be filled out at this appointment and final payments are due at this time. You will be notified 24 hours prior to your surgery with your arrival time.

The Fat Grafting Procedure

Dr. Perrotta and Dr. Luppens usually perform this procedure on an outpatient basis. They prefer general anesthesia, heavy IV sedation, or regional blocks. The problem with local injections of anesthesia alone is that directly injecting the anesthetic into the tissues numbs that specific area and distorts the tissue. This renders it difficult to make judgments about the amount of fat to inject. First, the fat is extracted through liposuction from the belly, thigh, or any part of the body with excess fat and easy access. Next, the fat is processed in order to maximize the amount that “takes” when injected. Lastly, the fat is injected into the desired facial areas through tiny cannulas (hollow metal tubes).

Post-Op Recovery

You can go home the same day wearing a compression garment or ace bandage(s) over the fat donor site(s). The injection site usually remains uncovered. Any initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral pain medication. Bruising and swelling usually subside in 2-4 weeks.

After your procedure, you will follow up with us several times so that we can monitor your healing. Over the long term, at least 25% of the injected fat is believed to be reabsorbed by your body. For this reason, you may need to return for periodic refresher treatments.

FAQ’s

Who is a good candidate?

Ideal candidates for fat grafting are individuals with visible signs of facial volume loss, such as dark circles under the eyes, sagging cheeks, or bags under the lower eyelids. It’s also suitable for those who desire enhancement of the lips, cheeks, and other facial areas.

When will I see the results?

Immediately following the procedure, the final appearance appears once swelling and bruising subside, typically within 2-4 weeks. It’s important to note that the body may reabsorb some injected fat over time.

How long do the results last?

The longevity of fat grafting results can vary. While some of the transferred fat establishes a permanent presence, approximately 25% may be reabsorbed by the body. Periodic refresher treatments may be necessary to maintain the desired outcome.

What should I do before and after?

Before the procedure, patients should adhere to their surgeon’s instructions, including fasting and medication management. Post-procedure, wearing a compression garment at the donor site is essential, and it’s crucial to manage swelling with ice and follow all care instructions to optimize fat survival.

Is there any downtime or side effects?

Patients usually go home the same day. Side effects include swelling, bruising, and discomfort at donor and injection sites, which resolve within weeks. Avoid strenuous activities during initial recovery, but normal activities can resume within a few days.

What can I expect?

During the consultation, surgeons discuss desired aesthetic goals and targeted facial areas. Fat is extracted from the belly or thighs, processed, and then injected to restore volume. The procedure requires anesthesia and post-operative care. Multiple follow-ups may be necessary to monitor results and perform touch-ups if needed.

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