Fat Transfer
The gradual development of facial wrinkles, whether fine surface lines or deeper creases and folds, is the classic early sign of accumulated skin damage and inevitable ageing. Premature ageing and wrinkling of the skin may be accelerated by excessive exposure to the sun and other elements, overacting facial expression muscles, smoking, poor nutrition and skin disorders.
How is fat transfer performed?
What can I expect after the procedure?
What are the benefits of fat transfer?
What exactly is autologous fat transfer?
Autologous fat transfer, or micro-lipoinjection, or fat injection corrects wrinkles and plumps up facial features using your own fat and is a popular alternative to other wrinkle treatments. It involves extracting cells from your abdomen, thighs, buttocks or elsewhere and re-injecting them beneath the skin. Fat is most often used to diminish frown lines and laugh lines between the nose and mouth, to correct skin depressions or indentations, to enhance the lips and to provide definition to areas like the cheeks and chin.
How is fat transfer performed?
After both donor and recipient sites are cleansed and treated with local anaesthetic, fat cells are extracted through a small needle attached to a syringe. The fat is then processed to remove excess fluids and is re-injected using another needle in multiple thin strands in the desired area. “Overfilling” is usually necessary as the survival of the transplanted fat is somewhat unpredictable and may vary from 30-80%, and multiple treatments may be required to achieve the desired effect.
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What can I expect after the procedure?
If a large area has been treated you may be advised to cut down on your activities for a couple of days, but most patients are able to resume normal activity immediately. You can expect some swelling and bruising in both the donor and the recipient areas which usually last for 36 to 48 hours and can be covered with make-up.
What are the benefits of fat transfer?
Since one’s own fat is used, there is no risk of an allergic reaction. The amount of fat that survives long-term varies, but successful transfer gives a long-lasting, natural result. Treatments can be repeated as needed to achieve the desired effect. There is minimal discomfort, which can be controlled with medication, and there is little or no downtime.
Pictures (c) ASPS, ASAPS, AAFPRS, ADAM, Allergan
