What is Facial Fat Grafting?
Facial fat grafting, or facial fat transfer, is an effective way to sculpt the facial profile by removing isolated deposits of fat from one area and transferring them to another by injection. Donor sites may be other areas of the face, like the neck and chin area, or body areas like the hips, thighs, and waistline. The procedure is performed in three basic steps that include removal of fat deposits via a liposuction procedure, harvesting of the fat cells, and injection of the purified fat cells into an area of the face in need of additional volume. Dr. Kovanda proudly serves the Minneapolis region and offers all three steps of the facial fat grafting process in a single treatment session at his Minneapolis office.
Facial Fat Transfer Benefits
Facial fat transfer is a versatile procedure that can be used to restore volume to many different areas of the face. Popular areas for injection include the cheeks, under eye area, jawline and lips. Injections work in a similar fashion to soft tissue fillers, although fat transfer uses cells from the patient’s own body and tends to be longer-lasting than any of the dermal fillers currently on the market.
The second benefit of facial fat grafting is the removal of isolated pockets of fat from other areas for a more dramatic result to face and body sculpting. Depending on the amount of fat needed for injection, patients may choose to remove fat from the neck and jawline that has created an aged look and loss of definition to the chin and lower face. More fat can be taken from body areas that have not responded well to diet and exercise, such as the abdomen, hips, back and thighs. Dr. Kovanda will help you select the area for fat reduction that will create the most attractive body contour.
Facial Fat Transfer Procedure
Before the facial fat transfer can beging, liposuction is used for the fat removal process. Dr. Kovanda uses a special liposuction procedure called Power Assisted Liposuction, which removes fat deposits with less trauma and bruising than traditional liposuction. The device uses mechanical agitation to gently loosen fat tissue so it is easier to eliminate from the body. Power Assisted Liposuction is a good option for patients that want to address smaller areas of fat, such as those around the face and neck.
After the fat is removed, it is purified and prepared for injection. Injections are strategically placed in the area of the face needing additional volume, using very fine needles that cause little or no discomfort for the patient. The injection part of the procedure usually takes just a few minutes to complete and can be done without any type of anesthesia.
Facial Fat Grafting Recovery
Recovery from liposuction usually makes up the majority of recovery time after facial fat grafting. Tiny incisions are used to provide entry for the small cannula that eliminates the fat from the body. While these incisions do not typically require any type of sutures, there can be mild swelling or bruising around the incisions that typically subsides within a week or two. Compression garments may also be recommended after some liposuction procedures to minimize swelling and encourage healthy blood flow. Recovery from the injections of fat is generally minimal, and patients experience little swelling or discomfort after this part of the procedure.
Facial Fat Grafting Results
Results from the facial fat transfer can usually be seen right away. The results may last many years before any type of touch-up procedure is required.
Schedule a Consultation
Facial fat grafting is a relatively new procedure, but Dr. Kovanda already has ample experience in both the liposuction and fat injection processes. Contact Dr. Kovanda’s Minneapolis office to learn more about this procedure or call (612) 335-9032 to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Kovanda.
