Fat Transfer

FAT TRANSFER

(Micro-lipoinjection)

Understanding Fat Transfer

Fat transfer is designed to plump up facial features with a patient’s own fat. This procedure is a natural alternative to other wrinkle treatments such as collagen injections. Because a patient’s own fat cells are used in the procedure, there should be no allergic reaction. In addition to minimizing wrinkles and frown lines, fat transfer can recontour facial features. It provides definition to cheeks and chins as well as correcting minor facial deformities.

Who Is A Candidate For Fat Transfer?

The ideal candidate is someone who wants to minimize the signs of aging that result from the loss of fat around the eyes, cheeks or in the mouth area. Other persons who may benefit from fat transfer are those who desire more definition in the cheek or chin area of the face or who have minor facial deformities.

Fat Transfer

Facial wrinkles and creases begin to appear as underlying tissues break down. This break down is a part of the aging process but may also occur as a result of excessive frowning, smiling and squinting. Fat transfer simply removes fat cells from one area of the body and injects them into another. The fat is removed with a cannula attached to a syringe from a donor site such as the abdomen or buttocks. Once it is removed, the fat is processed to remove fluids and then injected in the desired site. This procedure should be repeated over time until the desired effect is achieved.

Before the Procedure

During the consultation, Dr. Coley discusses expectations and analyzes the patient’s skin to determine whether fat transfer is suitable. He also considers facial features and may recommend other procedures such as facial liposuction and cheek or chin implants to achieve better facial harmony.

During the Procedure

Fat transfer is performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure is carried out with a local anesthetic in both the donor area and treatment site.

Understanding the Recovery

There is little recovery involved following the fat transfer procedure. Some temporary swelling may occur and any discomfort is controlled with oral medication. There may be some bruising, which can be covered with make-up. 

Understanding the Results

Fat transfer results thus far indicate a 50-60% long term success rate, however each patient is different and may require additional fat transfer in the future.