Facial Fat Transfer

Fat transfer as a facial filler has become a popular option for giving renewed plumpness to aging skin. A hallmark of aging is loss of fat and “volume” in in facial areas. Volume loss will be more pronounced around the lips, cheeks, temples and jawline. What’s even better, it is done using your own fat! The fat transfer process can help restore youthful volume by transferring fat from the stomach, thighs, or buttocks to provide a lasting result.

This procedure is intended to provide North Georgia patients with youthful facial fullness without enduring the long recovery period associated with traditional cosmetic surgery procedures like a facelift.  Board-certified dermatologist, Alexander Gross at Georgia Dermatology Center in Cumming, GA, offers the most advanced facial fat transfer techniques to add facial volume to areas on the face all the while delivering lasting results.

About the Facial Fat Transfer Procedure

The procedure is performed under local  anesthesia. Using small syringes, fat is first harvested from one area of the body, typically the lower abdomen, thighs, hips or buttocks. This fat is then decanted and processed in a centrifuge. Using the adipose-derived stem cell fat transfer, the patient’s adult stem cells can be isolated from the harvested fat as well to greatly improve the survival of the transplanted fat and the overall success of the procedure. Once prepared, fat will be injected into the face in very tiny amounts until the desired results are achieved. Only tiny amounts of fat are removed. Therefore, this should not be thought of as traditional liposuction.

Fat transfer can also be used to lessen scars and diminish the look of fine wrinkles. It even helps to increase blood circulation by transferring a concentration of stem cells, so care is taken to extract the fat cells without damaging them to maintain the regenerative cells.

Fat grafting offers long-term results. A small percentage of fat transferred does not survive, but the majority of fat will establish its own permanent blood supply. Final results are visible once the swelling subsides. This can take up to two weeks.

Aftercare and Recovery

Most patients experience some swelling and/or bruising around the treatment areas, which typically dissipates within a week. The amount of post-op swelling depends on the amount of fat grafting performed. To minimize swelling, cool compresses should be applied to the face during the first two days. Sleeping with an elevated head also reduces swelling and bruising.

Downtime is usually no more than a few days, and patients are typically able to return to work when the immediate bruising and swelling diminishes. Full recovery is usually achieved within one to two weeks, depending on the number of areas treated.

Dr. Gross will provide complete post-op instructions prior to the procedure. Discomfort tends to be mild to moderate. If necessary, prescribed oral pain medication can make the recovery process more comfortable.

When Will I See Results?

Results of the procedure may not be visible immediately due to swelling and bruising in the treated areas. You can also expect to feel tightness and soreness at the injection sites. Downtime is usually no more than a few days, and patients are typically able to return to work when the immediate bruising and swelling diminishes. Full recovery is usually achieved within one to two weeks, depending on the number of areas treated.

When performed properly, a large percentage of the injected fat cells will survive and remain, giving your face a rejuvenated look with more volume.  As with any cosmetic procedure, speak to Dr. Alexander Gross and the staff at Georgia Dermatology Center about your expectations and the results you want to achieve so we can create a specific plan for your fat transfer procedure.

Dr. Gross has performed facial fat transfer to patients from Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Marietta, and  many other Atlanta Metro areas. Are you ready to try a more natural facial injectable to give you the youthful look you desire? Call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Alexander Gross 770-781-5077.