If you have noticed that with the natural aging process, there are certain areas of your face that have sunken, scarred, wrinkled, or have developed a number of folds, you may want to consider facial fat grafting treatment. This cosmetic surgery procedure uses your own natural fat to help reverse these imperfections and signs of aging. Facial fat grafting is most successful for correcting sunken cheeks, as re-injected fat lasts the longest in areas of non-movement.
What to Expect with Facial Fat Grafting
A facial fat grafting procedure includes three important steps. First, your plastic surgeon will remove fat from one part of your body with a needle. This fat is then cleaned so that only whole, undamaged fat cells are used. After that, the fat cells are injected into the targeted areas. Recovery takes about two hours. The following conditions can be corrected with a fat transfer procedure:
- Thin lips
- Recessed scars
- Sunken cheeks
- Laugh lines
- Facial folds and creases
It is natural for people’s facial features to lose their fullness as they age. Facial fat grafting is a low-risk procedure that can help people improve their confidence and project this confidence onto the world.
Recovering from Facial Fat Graft Surgery
Your cosmetic surgeon may prescribe pain medication for a few days after the procedure. You may also be advised to stay still for a few days following the procedure. There may be some bruising, and you will likely experience swelling as well. Both generally heal within a few days, and the swelling should be completely gone within four weeks. If you notice any of the following concerns, we recommend contacting your cosmetic surgeon or visiting the emergency room:
- Increased swelling or bruising
- Persistent swelling and redness after a few days
- Increased redness at injection sites
- Severe or increased pain not relieved by medication
- Medication side effects including rash, nausea, or headaches
- Fever, bleeding, loss of feeling, or loss of motion
- Yellowish or greenish drainage from the incisions or a foul odor
Can Facial Fat Grafting Be Performed Alongside Other Procedures?
This procedure of harvesting fat cells and using them for re-injection can be performed in conjunction with a number of other procedures, such as liposuction. Performed on an outpatient basis, you will be given a local anesthetic before the fat transfer takes place. First, we will remove the fat safely before processing it and re-inject it into the desired facial location. Because fat tends to re-absorb into the body, you may need to come in for a follow-up appointment so your surgeon can examine the results of the procedure.
What Should My Activity Level Be After Surgery?
We do not recommend driving until you are no longer taking any pain medications (narcotics). It is best to start walking as soon as possible, as this helps to reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots. At the same time, we recommend limiting strenuous activities and lifting heavy items.
Make An Appointment For Facial Fat Grafting Treatment
At Sacramento Surgical Arts, our main goal is to ensure that you receive the best possible care from our cosmetic surgeons and staff. When you come in to meet with us, we will go to great lengths to make you feel comfortable and at ease. Make an appointment for a private and confidential consultation where we can determine if facial fat grafting is the right cosmetic surgery procedure for you! You can count on us to provide you with a pleasant experience and work towards achieving a positive result. Ready for your cosmetic surgery in Sacramento? We’re here for you. Call 866.930.5837 today to speak with a member of our team.