Fat Grafting Delivers Big Benefits to Patients

Getting older isn’t fun for anyone, especially while watching how drastically the body and face can change. Men and women alike often complain about the shifting of fat pads from the upper portion of the face, collecting down around the jaw and chin as jowls or turkey wattle. Such changes can unbalance the entire face, leaving the forehead and cheeks too thin and the lower face too full. Luckily, medical science has an answer for these unwanted aging effects: fat grafting. This simple, effective procedure can reverse many other common aging signs as well.

What Is Fat Grafting?

Fat grafting is a long-standing cosmetic surgery procedure that has grown in popularity once more during recent years. Today, plastic surgeons can offer a high success rate and very satisfactory results to their patients. The procedure itself begins with the harvesting of donor fat cells from one part of the patient’s body, often the thighs, abdomen, or buttocks. These fat cells are then purified through a centrifuge, prepared in a syringe, and injected directly into the treatment area.

The fat grafting procedure offers the most successful and long-lasting results in areas that have low mobility, where the fat won’t be creased and shifted around often. These areas may include the cheeks, temples, beneath the eyes, and the chin. Following the treatment, fat grafting patients will notice a diminished appearance of frown lines, crow’s feet, certain types of scars, and lines around the nose and mouth. Some types of facial deformities can also be treated with fat grafting, so talk to your plastic surgeon if you have specific concerns to address.

What Does a Fat Grafting Procedure Involve?

Simply put, fat grafting allows the surgeon to take fat cells from an area where they are abundant and transfer them to another location on the face or body where they are needed. The procedure often begins with the administering of a local anesthetic to numb the treatment areas; sedation is an option in some patient cases. Fat cells are taken from a larger area of the body and injected to a smaller area where fat has been depleted by one means or another. A syringe is used to collect the fat cells and then transfer them to the treatment area, making fat grafting a minimally invasive treatment option.

Typically, your plastic surgeon may overfill the treatment area in order to ensure the proper volume after the body has adjusted. It is normal for the body to absorb or break down some of these fat cells in the first few days, so your face will look more natural as it heals. The final result will be a look that is smoother and more youthful.

Benefit #1 – Short and Easy Recovery Time

Fat grafting is minimally invasive and quick to perform. As a result, patients are not required to spend any downtime recovering after the procedure. Any pain or discomfort they may experience will only be minimal, as there are no incisions to heal. It is typical for patients to see a little swelling, redness, or bruising around the area but these symptoms will subside within a few days. Plus, as an added bonus, your fat grafting procedure won’t leave any incision scars behind when all is said and done.

Benefit #2 – Long-Lasting Results

Fat grafting is a procedure that uses your own body’s fat cells in another way, making it one of the most natural ways to achieve better volume where it is needed. Because these fat cells are completely biocompatible with your body, there’s no chance of them being rejected by the surrounding tissues. Once these transferred fat cells are in place, they will integrate into the existing tissue at the treatment site. Results from fat grafting tend to be very long-lasting if not permanent.

Benefit #3 – No Allergic Reactions

Fat cells from your own body are as natural as it gets, as we’ve discussed. Because they contain no chemicals, synthetic substances, dyes, fragrance, or other potential allergens, these fat cells are guaranteed not to trigger an allergic reaction. Some other fillers can be problematic for patients with sensitivities or allergies. When you’re using your body’s fat to fill new areas, anyone can be a good candidate.

Benefit #4 – Treating More Than Lost Volume

Initially, your fat grafting procedure will be performed in order to increase the volume of a specific treatment area or areas. However, once your cheeks or forehead have been filled, you will likely notice other anti-aging changes as a result. Many patients are pleased to see the gentle blurring of their fine lines and wrinkles. Their creases and scars may be filled in; their sagging skin may get a little boost. By working with a board certified plastic surgeon to design your fat grafting procedure, you could find a way to reverse the hands of time.

Benefit #5 – Versatility of Fat Grafts

The fat grafting procedure is simple, safe, and straightforward enough to be about as versatile as it gets in the cosmetic surgery field. Many patients can receive fat grafts in their hands, cheeks, lips, chin, eye areas, foreheads, brows, ear lobes, jaws, and necks. Talk to your plastic surgeon about appropriate treatment areas that will help you achieve your desired results.

Benefit #6 – Stimulating Growth After Injection

Fat cells naturally contain stem cells and other stimulatory growth agents. By injecting healthy fat cells into areas with depleted volume, your treatment will slowly improve the collagen production in the surrounding tissue. As this occurs, your skin will appear more supple, some elasticity can be regained, and you’ll achieve a more youthful glow, all with totally natural ingredients.

Benefit #7 – An Easy Post-Surgery Add-On

Fat grafts offer patients a safe and effective way to enhance the results of a facial plastic surgery, such as a facelift or brow lift. These surgeries don’t always include the replenishment of volume so a fat graft can come in handy under the right circumstances. Patients can have fat grafting performed along with their facial surgery or come back after they have healed for a separate treatment.

How Do I Plan a Fat Grafting Treatment?

If the benefits of fat grafting appeal to you, you may be a good candidate for the procedure. Meet with a plastic surgeon experienced in facial surgeries and fat graftingto get your very best results. Frederick G. Weniger, M.D., F.A.C.S. provides his patients with years of experience and knowledge during one-on-one consultations regarding the surgeries and nonsurgical treatments available at his practice. Dr.Weniger is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He believes good information lies at the heart of success in all of his surgeries and interactions with his patients.

To schedule a consultation for any aesthetic service or other procedures, contact the office of Weniger Plastic Surgery today at (843) 757-0123. The practice is located at 350 Fording Island Road, Suite 200, in Bluffton, South Carolina.