Facial fat transfer is a procedure that increases volume in the face to restore a youthful appearance. As with any procedure, it is important to know what to expect. Here are important tips to help you prepare for facial fat transfer.
Know the areas it can enhance.
As a person gets older, their skin may start to sag and look drawn. Adding fullness to the face, fat transfers can improve the appearance of cheeks, lips, and fill the hollows around the eyes.
Choose the best doctor for you.
When choosing a doctor for this procedure, take the time to look at their previous experience. You want to find a board-certified surgeon who has specific knowledge on facial fat transfers because they will have the necessary expertise to explain what they are able to achieve and how they can achieve it.
Make the most of your consultation.
Facial fat transfer generally yields high satisfaction amongst patients that get it, but it is still important to go into the procedure with realistic expectations. The best way to do this is to make the most of your consultation prior to the procedure. In doing so, you can have an open conversation with your doctor about the procedural process, what can be accomplished, recovery time, and the results to expect.
Facial fat transfer is different than dermal filler.
Compared to injectable fillers, facial fat transfer requires longer recovery time and final results to appear. This is because fat is first removed from one part of the body and then injected into the face, making it more complicated than dermal fillers.
Expect some bruising.
While less invasive than fat transfers on other parts of the body, facial fat transfer procedures will cause temporary bruising and swelling in both areas of the body where fat was removed and injected. Swelling in the injected area will last 7-10 days while swelling in the donor site can last 10-21 days. Even after the swelling and bruising go away, it takes several weeks to a few months to see final results.
Results are long-lasting.
Once you attain the results you are looking for from a facial fat transfer, they will last for several years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Facial fat transfer can enhance several areas of the face by adding fullness to restore a youthful appearance. It is commonly used to improve the cheeks, lips, and fill the hollows around the eyes, which tend to sag or look drawn with age.
Choosing the best doctor involves finding a board-certified surgeon with specific experience in facial fat transfers. Such a doctor will have the expertise to explain the procedure, what results can be achieved, and how they will be accomplished, ensuring a safe and satisfactory outcome.
During your consultation, it is important to have an open conversation about the procedural process, realistic expectations, recovery time, and the results you can expect. This helps ensure you are well-informed and satisfied with the outcome of the procedure.
Facial fat transfer differs from dermal fillers in that it involves removing fat from one part of the body and injecting it into the face, making it a more complex procedure. It also requires a longer recovery time and takes longer for final results to appear compared to injectable fillers.
You can expect temporary bruising and swelling both at the donor site where fat was removed and the injection site on the face. Swelling in the face typically lasts 7-10 days, while swelling at the donor site can last 10-21 days. Final results may take several weeks to a few months to fully appear.
The results of a facial fat transfer are long-lasting and can maintain the enhanced volume and youthful appearance for several years once the desired outcome is achieved.
