Fat Grafting – Monterey, CA
A lot of people think that when our faces age, the only change is that the skin sags and droops. However, there is more that occurs in facial aging. The skin loses its youthful elastic quality and becomes thinner. Our faces also lose volume and fat. The temple region may look indented and hollowed out. The cheeks will have lost their youthful contour and droops, which exaggerates the laugh lines. Lips (especially the upper lip) become thinner and appear less voluptuous than they used to.
As a result of all these changes, the face will begin to look unbalanced and deflated. In general, a youthful face typically has an oval shape, like an upside-down egg. When we get older, the loss of fat in certain areas and redistribution of facial fat can create a more square-shaped face. These changes, however, can be reversed with an innovative procedure known as fat grafting.
What is Fat Grafting?
Fat grafting is a cosmetic procedure that involves taking fat from one area of the body and using it to improve another area. It can provide substantial aesthetic benefits without the need for a highly invasive procedure like the facelift. Replacing the fat in the face restores a more youthful appearance. A beneficial byproduct of fat grafting is the lifting effect of sagging tissues, which helps to reduce laugh lines, jowls, and wrinkles around the mouth. Another benefit of fat grafting is the transfer of stem cells within the fat to the face. It
As a result, the rejuvenation is long-lasting. Typically, approximately 50 – 60 % of the fat grafts are long-lasting.* If a large volume of “filler” is necessary, fat grafting may be a better option than manufactured injectables as it is more cost-effective for the patients.
Fat grafting surgery can be performed at the same time as a facelift to give more youthful and optimal results in certain patients.* Fat grafts can also be injected into the hands, breasts, scars, or areas of the body that have indentations.
What To Expect During the Fat Grafting Procedure
Fat grafting surgery is an outpatient procedure where you will go home the same day. This procedure is performed in the office procedure room or at a surgery center. A special solution with pain medication (local anesthesia) and epinephrine (a medication that decreases blood loss) is injected into the areas of the body where fat will be removed.
Fat is reduced from the abdominal area or thighs with a small amount of liposuction. Under sterile conditions, the fat is then processed. In the meantime, a numbing cream is applied to the face to make the injections more comfortable. The purified fat grafts are then injected precisely in little droplet quantities throughout the areas of the face. This technique increases the amount of blood supply to the fat grafts, which can make them last longer.*
Recovering From the Fat Grafting Procedure
There is relatively little downtime following this procedure. You will be instructed to not sleep completely flat. Sleeping on a few pillows helps to keep the swelling down. You are recommended to walk after surgery and can usually engage in normal daily activities within the first 2 days. Dr. Wong will see you within the first week after your surgery. You may have some bruising that improves within the first week.
Contact Our Office
Call and schedule an appointment to learn more about fat grafting with Dr. Wong today! Every patient has different anatomy and goals. She will discuss the details and risks of the surgery and provide you with a highly individualized treatment plan. She looks forward to meeting you!