Fat Transfer to the Face
Fat can be transfered to certain parts of the body and face to achieve fullness. Areas where fat transfer can be performed:
- Cheek-lip lines
- Forehead
- Chin
- Buttocks
- LegsFace
Fat transfer is performed under local anesthesia. It is a type of intervention performed according to the patient’s request. In some cases, local anesthesia will not be enough as the procedure may require a surgical operation. For instance, during facelift, fat is transferred to the cheeks to ensure fullness. Harvested fat is first processed. After these processes (washing and centrifugation), fat is transferred to suitable syringes and is injected to the transfer area. These procedures do not leave any scars as they do not require an incision. For this procedure, fat is grafted from the abdomen, waist and buttocks area. Fat transfer, which is growing in popularity lately, can also be applied to the face. Fat transfer to the face can be applied in cases of progressive age-related tissue loss. Fat transfer can be considered for individuals who are past middle age. In addition, facial contour of individuals with sunken middle face and weak jawlines can be restored with a fat transfer. Facial fat transfer is often applied to the area around the eyes, to temples, upper eyelids, under-eye area, cheekbones, nasolabial lines, mandible and chin. It helps to get rid of wrinkles by giving volume to the targeted area. The procedure applied varies by the targeted area. The amount of fat to be grafted is determined depending on the depth and thickness of the targeted area. Over time, some of the fat tissue might be absorbed and the effects might wear off. Absorption usually occurs in 6 months. Therefore, one session may not be enough for this procedure.
How is Fat Transfer to the Face Performed?
Fat transfer is primarily applied to areas with reduced tissue volume. When applied in this way, it gives more natural, safe and long-lasting results for the skin. It is performed by injecting fat tissues. The tissue to be transfered is harvested from a certain part of the body, and is then processed and transferred. This process can be repeated several times. Incompatibility is not possible in this procedure as the patient’s own fat tissue is used. It is important to have a consultation before the operation. The surgeon should absolutely be informed of the medications the patient takes. The patient is advised to stop taking these medications before the procedure. The procedure to be applied may vary depending on the targeted area. When applied on a small area, it is performed under local anesthesia, however for the larger areas, it is performed with general anesthesia. The fat to be transfered is usually harvested from the waist and abdomen. Fat tissue grafted from this area is then processed and is injected to the sides of the nose, cheekbone area, and corners of the lips with the help of special tips. The fat transfer can be applied as a standalone procedure or can be combined with other operations. The operative time may vary depending on the targeted area and the type of the procedure. It can take up to 2 hours. Fat transfer is a painless procedure. Only swelling and bruising occurs after the procedure. And depending on the patient’s health condition, they can be discharged on the same day. In a more severe case of swelling and bruising, they may need to stay overnight in the hospital. Patients may experience pain in the first two days. However, it can be addressed with painkillers. Patients should protect themselves from the sunlight for 3 months after surgery.
Post-operative Care After Fat Transfer to the Face
There are some instructions to be followed after surgery.
- Patients should be mindful of their sleep positions.
- They should avoid sleeping face down and should sleep on their back or their sides.
- In the case of post-op pain, the medications prescribed by the doctor should be taken.
- Female patients are advised to wait at least 1 day before putting on makeup.
- Skin care products containing glycolic acid should be avoided.
- Patients should refrain from making facial expressions in the operated area for 3 to 4 days.
- Blood thinners should be avoided.
- After the procedure, patients should avoid sport activities and strenuous exercises for 1 week.
Should something unexpected occurs apart from the above-mentioned situations, patients should seek the help of their doctor.