Facial Fat Grafting
Volume loss of the face is a common sign of aging and restoring the fullness of the face can restore your youthful appearance.
Dermal fillers provide a quick result with little downtime, but the results are not permanent and the cost can limit the amount used.
Using your own fat provides a cost-effective alternative and may provide longer lasting results.
Dr. Samimi has been using fat grafting for over 20 years and has extensive experience using fat injections in different areas of the body.
Body contouring combines liposuction and fat injections.
Fat is harvested using liposuction most commonly from the stomach area but can be obtained from many other areas of the body.
The fat is then treated using special systems to purify the fat cells. The fat can then be injected into the face and other areas utilizing special cannulas.
Following fat injections there may be some bruising and swelling.
How much of the fat grafts take depends on many factors, including location, age and the method used to purify the fat cells.
What is fat grafting?
Fat grafting is using your own fat cells in place of dermal fillers to add volume to the face. It can also be used to add volume to other areas such as the buttocks, or breasts.
How many sessions are required to achieve desired results?
Approximately one third of the fat grafts will take permanently. To achieve a lasting result, repeat injections may be necessary. Most people only have one session as Dr. Samimi tries to add extra volume in anticipation of losing some of the fat cells.
How long for each session?
Dr. Samimi can perform a fat injection in about one hour in the office under local anesthesia.
Most patients combine a fat transfer with liposculpture of another area, modified face lifts, or eyelid surgeries.
At what age can fat grafting be performed?
Fat injections can be done at any age to create natural and long lasting fullness..
With age, less fat cells will take permanently.
How is fat grafting performed?
Dr. Samimi consults with you to determine which area of the body has a little extra fat that can be removed using a modified liposculpture method.
The area is then injected with a local anesthetic. Fat is then harvested using liposuction. The fat is then purified using a special system. Next the fat is injected into the desired areas.
Fat grafting can be added to any liposuction procedure.
What should I expect postoperatively?
You can expect to be swollen and bruised after a fat transfer procedure which usually resolves after 2 weeks. The discomfort will last for about 1-2 days.
No special dressings are required, but applying ice and keeping your head elevated will accelerate the recovery. Most people return to work and regular activities within a week. Makeup can be used to cover the bruising.
Dr. Samimi has experience with planning for the end result and injects the fat with your goals in mind.
When will I be able to see the results?
Final results can be expected 3-4 months after surgery, but may take longer to see.
Fat grafts will increase and decrease in size with weight loss and gain.
What are the risks of fat grafting?
Generally facial fat injections are safe, but any procedure carries risks.
Fat grafts can form lumps which may have to be injected or removed.
The harvest areas may develop slight irregularities.
Fat injections into certain areas of the face carry the risk or arterial embolization. Dr. Samimi will not inject fat in these areas and explain the areas which can be safely injected at your consultation.
Are the results permanent?
About one third of the fat grafts are expected to permanently take, but many factors influence the final result.
Age, medical conditions, location and surgical technique all influence the result.
Dr. Samimi utilizes your own plasma (PRP) in conjunction with fat grafts to improve the results.
Dr. Samimi has over twenty years experience in optimizing the final result of fat grafting.