Fat Transfer

Comments Dr. Hilinski is "Double Board Certified" in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Featured Case Rhinoplasty Case Example The current Featured Rhinoplasty Case Example was chosen because of the many complexities involved with her surgery. This is an otherwise healthy young lady who desired reshaping of her nose due to several areas of concern. She had no prior surgery on her nose. click here to continue

During the fat transfer procedure, fat is harvested through a small incision from either the neck or the abdomen. The fat is then cleansed and concentrated, after which it is injected into the desired area. In those seeking a natural alternative for treating deep facial wrinkles or simply adding volume to the face, this is an excellent option. There is minimal swelling and rarely any significant bruising. Most patients can return to normal daily activities within a short period of time following the procedure.

Before & After Photos

Good candidates for fat transfer include men and women who are physically healthy, have realistic expectations, and are interested in improving the contour of the face by diminishing lines and/or adding fullness. Areas commonly treated with fat transfer include the lower eyelids, cheeks, nasolabial folds, and the jawline. Most fat transfer procedures are performed in a surgeon’s office-based facility and typically involve local anesthesia on the donor and recipient sites. Some patients may also be given oral sedation. The procedure usually takes less than an hour to complete and is associated with only mild postoperative discomfort. Many patients elect to have fat transfer performed as an adjunct to a more invasive surgery. In this case, the procedures may be performed together in an outpatient surgery setting with deep sedation or general anesthesia.

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Q - What is fat transfer?
Fat transfer, also referred to as autologous fat transfer, fat augmentation, or fat injection, is a procedure which uses a patient’s own natural fat to treat unwanted wrinkles and creases or to provide additional volume and shape to the face. While injectable fillers such as Restylane, Radiesse and Artefill are good options today for replacing lost volume in the face, fat transfer is often preferred in cases where a more significant amount of volume enhancement or replacement is required. Fat transfer is commonly used to treat the lower eyelids, cheeks, nasolabial fold and jawline.

Q - Who is a good candidate for fat transfer?
Men and women who are physically healthy, have realistic expectations, and are looking to improve the contour of the face by diminishing lines and/or adding fullness may be good candidates for fat transfer. Fat transfer is often preferred over injectable fillers like Restylane and Radiesse in cases where a more significant amount of volume enhancement or replacement is necessary. In general, patients who have slightly more body contour and shape to begin with are considered better candidates for fat transfer compared to individuals who are excessively thin. These patients have fat cells that are more robust and plump and, consequently, these fat cells are more likely to provide volume enhancement when placed elsewhere.

Q - Where is the fat transfer procedure performed?
Fat transfer is an office-based procedure when performed on its own. However, many patients elect to have fat transfer done as an adjunct to more invasive surgery performed in the outpatient surgery setting.

Q - What type of anesthesia is used for fat transfer?
Local anesthesia with or without oral sedation is used if fat transfer is performed in the office. Deep sedation or general anesthesia is used if the procedure is performed in the operating room.

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