Facial Fat Transfer in Walnut Creek, CA

Whether from age, biology, or lifestyle, many women and men notice volume loss as well as the development of fine lines and wrinkles on their faces. These issues can make the face look older and more worn down than it is, which can cause many individuals to feel self-conscious about their facial appearance. Since the face is the most visible and exposed part of your body, you want to make sure that others are seeing you the way you want to be seen.

One of the most trusted ways of correcting issues on your face is through facial fat transfer, a minimally invasive and long-lasting way to achieve the rejuvenated facial appearance you’ve been desiring.

Facial fat transfer (also known as facial fat injections or facial fat grafting) is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure in which fat is harvested from your body, purified, and then injected into target areas on your face to give you a healthier, more refreshed facial appearance.

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What Is Achieved With Facial Fat Transfer?

Facial Volume

One of the most common frustrations with the appearance of the face is the presence of facial hollows. Most commonly found in the cheeks, between the nose and mouth, and under the eyes, these areas of lost facial volume can make you look tired and older than you are. Fortunately, facial fat transfer improves volume in your face to give you a fuller, more vibrant and youthful appearance.

Smooth Facial Skin

A tell-tale sign of aging is the development of fine lines and wrinkles, especially on the face. These lines may be due to the tissue loss beneath the skin. Because facial fat transfer restores lost facial fat beneath the skin, these skin blemishes can be lessened if not entirely smoothed. In addition to the instantaneous volume enhancement, fat transfer also stimulates collagen production, which helps your skin remain elastic, taut, and healthy over time.

Long-Lasting Confidence

Many men and women who are frustrated with their facial appearance hide under hats, sunglasses, and makeup. But after your facial fat transfer procedure, you will have improved confidence in the way you look. And, unlike some other volume restoration treatments, results have the ability to last for many years without needing touch-ups or repeated injections.

How Is Facial Fat Transfer Performed?

Step 1: Consultation

At your consultation, you will be able to share your facial appearance goals with Dr. Kim, who will evaluate your facial skin concerns to decide if facial fat transfer is the right procedure for you.

Once she confirms that you are a candidate for facial fat transfer, Dr. Kim will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. She will also give you any necessary pre and postoperative instructions.

Step 2: Liposuction

Facial fat transfer is usually completed under local anesthesia with sedation.

After the anesthesia is administered, fat will be taken from an area of your body (most commonly the belly or inner and outer thighs).

This fat is removed with the use of liposuction surgery, which requires small incisions to be made in the area where the fat will be extracted. A cannula (a thin, hollow tube) is inserted through this incision, and subcutaneous fat is loosened and suctioned out of the body through the cannula.

Step 3: Purification

The extracted fat is put through a purifying process, which removes impurities and damaged fat cells. To do this, the fat is placed in a centrifuge, which spins and separates the usable fat from the unusable fat.

Step 4: Fat Injection

The purified fat is placed in small syringes and then injected into targeted areas of the face. These injections are made in multiple areas and at various depths of the face to give optimal results.

The injected fat fills in areas of lost volume and helps stimulate collagen production to tighten skin and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

What Are Common Concerns About Facial Fat Transfer Procedures?

Recovery

How Long Is My Recovery After Facial Fat Transfer?

The length of your recovery depends on how much fat is extracted and injected into your face and whether it is combined with other procedures. Facial fat transfer is commonly combined with removal of lower eyelid bags.

You will experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, though these should dissipate within a week or two. Any pain you may have can be alleviated with medication. Cool compresses are used to help control swelling.

Most patients are able to resume their normal, daily activities after five to seven days.

It is important to adhere to Dr. Kim’s postoperative instructions so that your facial fat transfer recovery can be as quick and successful as possible.

Cost

How Much Is Facial Fat Transfer?

Like other plastic surgery procedures, facial fat transfer cost varies from patient to patient and is dependent on several factors, including how much fat is harvested and injected as well as whether the fat transfer procedure is being combined with any other cosmetic procedures.

Pain

Is Facial Fat Transfer Painful?

Because anesthesia is used, you will not feel any pain or discomfort during the actual procedure. However, most patients experience some soreness in the donor and injection sites during the week after the procedure.

Results

When Will I See My Fat Transfer Results?

You will begin to notice smoother skin and a fuller, more voluminous face immediately after your facial fat transfer procedure. Over the next few months, some of the injected fat will be absorbed back into your body, while the rest will settle in for your final results.

Along with healthier, more supple skin, you should hopefully feel more confident and comfortable with your facial appearance.

Are My Facial Fat Transfer Results Permanent?

Your facial fat transfer results are long lasting, and for many patients can be permanent, especially if a healthy lifestyle is maintained, which includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a good skincare routine.

It is important to remember that plastic surgery cannot keep the natural effects of aging away. Volume loss will continue with age; however, the harsher effects of this natural process are lessened with a facial fat transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long will my facial fat transfer procedure take?

Most facial fat transfer procedures take about two hours to complete.

Q. Is fat transfer or dermal fillers better for me?

Both facial fat grafting and dermal fillers restore lost volume; however, they go about this very differently. While dermal fillers are entirely non-surgical and do not require the multi-step process of fat grafting, results from these injectables are only known to last a couple of months (up to two years). This is much shorter than the results of fat grafting, which can be permanent.

While dermal fillers, like JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, RADIESSE®, and Sculptra® Aesthetic, can be repeated as necessary, they do require more touch-up treatments, which can lead to a greater financial cost long-term.

Q. How much fat is needed for my facial fat transfer?

Even though Dr. Kim will inject a greater volume of fat into the face initially (to account for some fat absorption), the amount of fat needed is not overly significant. Therefore, you should not expect to see a major difference in the look or tone of your donor site.

Q. What procedures can I combine with my facial fat transfer?

Many patients choose to combine their facial fat transfer with other procedures to attain a more complete and transformative appearance.

Some of these procedures include:

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106 La Casa Via, Suite #200

Walnut Creek, CA 94598

(925) 891-4135

Before and After Photos - Individual results may vary. Some images may be models.