Facial Fat Transfer in Roseville, CA

What Is A Facial Fat Transfer?

 Many people dream of having a face free of wrinkles and other fine lines. A fat transfer to the face is a safe, effective, and popular method to rejuvenate and reduce the visible signs of aging. The procedure is minimally invasive and involves the natural fat transfer from a different part of the body, typically the thighs or abdomen, onto the face.

A fat transfer can restore volume to the cheeks, lips, and jowls, alongside filling lines and wrinkles. As people age, the tissue inside their face starts to lose volume due to a lack of collagen and elastin production. This loss can make a face appear thinner and look older.  Before facial fat transfers became popular, patients could either choose to undergo surgery, like a facelift, or insert dermal fillers into the face. Surgical procedures can be an issue for people who unwilling to experience an invasive procedure or are on a tight budget. In contrast, injectables are cheaper, but their results are temporary since they eventually dissolve into the body.

Transfers are most effective on patients who have creased or sunken areas of the face, are interested in a more long-lasting solution to reverse the signs of aging, and are healthy and willing to improve their aesthetic appearance. Facial plastic surgeons can also take advantage of grafted fat to minimize lines between the nose and mouth and correct other depressions in the skin.

How Does Facial Fat Grafting in Sacramento Work?

The first element in a transfer is to collect fat from a different part of the body via liposuction. This portion of the procedure is advantageous since there are no foreign or synthetic materials injected into the face. Fat from the body reduces the chance of an allergic or adverse reaction. Common locations to take fat from include the stomach, love handles, and thighs. The harvested fat then undergoes purification to remove excess fluid and get rid of any damaged fat cells.

The purification process ensures the concentrated fat is ready for injection and will be effective on the face. Our office usually fills four to six syringes of fat per procedure. The actual injection into targeted areas of the face typically requires fat grafting cannulas. A surgeon strategically injects fat so it can disperse across the face, as inserted fat that pools is often less effective. The plastic surgeon will insert the injection needle in and out of the targeted area to deposit fat in the natural tissue planes of the face.

After insertion, your provider will massage the treated areas to create an appealing contour with the rest of the face. Your body will absorb some of the injected fat, but the vast majority stays in the treated areas for a long time. Some of the increase is permanent.  The plastic surgeon will place a bandage on the grafted areas to facilitate the healing process. Treatment by facial fat transfer is often longer-lasting than traditional dermal fillers. Fat cells will only change size if a patient gains or loses a lot of weight, which is why many plastic surgeons will not agree to do fat transfers or injections unless a patient is near their preferred target weight.

Is Facial Fat Transfer Right For Me?

A facial fat transfer is optimal for patients who are interested in filling in volume-deficient areas. Aside from filling in the cheeks or jowls, the procedure accentuates the size and shape of the lips. Lip enhancements can cover up lip deficiencies that might have been caused by scarring, or they can be an effective tool for women who are interested in fuller lips. Fat transfers are advantageous for people who want to add volume without invasive surgery as the results are entirely safe and long-lasting. However, facial fat transfers do cost more than dermal fillers since the fat takes more time to prepare and transfer to the face.

Risk factors associated with the procedure are minimal but include the slight risk of infection or hematoma/seroma, which is where blood or fluid accumulates under the skin. Following your plastic surgeon’s advice reduces the potential for any complications.

The Recovery Process After A Procedure

 Since a facial fat transfer is not very invasive, the recovery period is relatively short and straightforward. Any incisions on different parts of the body away from the face are very small and can be closed with a few stitches. Any pain or bruising post-procedure is usually very mild and disappears quickly. Incisions are carefully made to ensure scars heal as soon as possible. Cuts are placed in hidden areas of the body to make sure they are not very noticeable. Your face might have some swelling and bruising after a facial fat transfer. In general, these symptoms are relatively mild and should disappear in a short time. Some people choose to take a few days off of work in order to let their face heal after the procedure.

Any after-effects of a transfer should begin healing within a few weeks after a procedure. Careful application of makeup can be helpful if you are looking to go out and are interested in covering up any swelling or bruising. Our office works with all patients during the recovery process to make sure the body is healing properly. We call patients in for check-ups to make sure the results are as expected and that people are comfortable after receiving treatment. Results from an effective facial fat transfer are permanent if the injected fat is able to establish new blood supplies from the body. This gives fat the nutrients it needs to sustain and survive. Occasionally, a touch-up procedure might be necessary if the initial results are different than what was expected.

Preparing for a Facial Fat Transfer in Sacramento

 We work closely with all patients to answer any questions before a procedure. You will receive an extensive set of instructions about what to expect, and we also review each patient’s medical history to ensure they are healthy enough for a transfer. Before a procedure, it is vital to stop smoking at least six weeks in advance. Smoking can inhibit the body’s ability to heal properly. Additionally, patients should stop taking any sort of anti-inflammatory medication (Advil, Motrin), as they can increase the rate of bleeding.

Above all, be sure to hydrate properly before a facial fat transfer and take steps to arrange a driver. We will collaborate with you on any additional postoperative options to ensure a smooth and seamless recovery.

FAQs About Facial Fat Transfer in Sacramento

Where does the grafted fat come from?

Ideal donor sites for fat harvesting come from areas where you might have excess, unwanted fat, including the flanks, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs.

What other similar procedures can I choose from?

For facial enhancement in Sacramento that complements our facial fat grafting, we offer facelift, browlift, blepharoplasty, and nose surgery. Non-surgical treatments include Botox^®, dermal fillers, microneedling, and clinical facials.

Why choose Roseville Facial Plastic Surgery for Facial Fat Grafting in Sacramento?

Drs. Kiener and Sykes are nationally recognized in the medical field and highly respected cosmetic surgeons who teach other surgeons worldwide. They stay abreast of the most advanced techniques and technologies to bring their patients the most comprehensive, safest aesthetic medical care.

How long does a Facial Fat Transfer last?

The amount of fat remaining in the body depends on two factors – individual anatomy and the surgeon’s skill and experience. Usually, one-third to half of the grafted fat will survive and remain in the body. Some patients will benefit from a second session.

Patients have come back to Roseville Plastic Surgery years later with most grafted fat still present.

How much fat does facial fat transfer require?

The amount of harvested fat depends on how much is necessary to fill facial voids and hollows. This amount can range from a few CCs to hundreds. As a rule, expect between 20 to 80 CCs of grafted fat.

What percentage of fat cells will survive the harvesting process?

Many variables play a role in the amount of fat that will survive the fat grafting process. We generally estimate a 20 to 60% survival rate.

How much does a facial fat transfer in Roseville cost?

Though cost is a vital factor in deciding any cosmetic treatment, it’s best to not make it your most paramount priority. When health and aesthetics are at stake, you only want the best medical professionals doing the work. Board-certified plastic surgeons pledge to uphold the highest requirements in training, continuing education, and ethical standards.

Where is the best place to get a lip or undereye fat transfer near me?

Roseville Facial Plastic Surgery has two of the most qualified facial plastic surgeons in America right here in Roseville. Their goal is to ensure your safety, health, and facial beauty. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today for a consultation.

How long does the recovery process take after facial fat transfer?

Recovery time varies among individuals, but most patients can expect mild swelling and bruising for about 1 to 2 weeks. Most are back to work and their regular schedules after this time.

Are there any risks or potential complications associated with facial fat transfer?

Facial fat transfer is generally safe, but like any surgical procedure, there are risks, including infection, bleeding, and asymmetry. Dr. Kiener and Dr. Sykes will discuss these risks during your consultation and explain what they will do to minimize them.

Can facial fat transfer be combined with other cosmetic procedures?

Yes, facial fat transfer can be combined with other procedures such as facelift, browlift, or eyelid surgery for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Combining procedures can provide more dramatic results in a single recovery period.

Will I need touch-up procedures in the future to maintain results from facial fat transfer?

Some patients may benefit from touch-up procedures as the body absorbs some of the grafted fat. Dr. Kiener and Dr. Sykes will assess your results during your follow-up appointments and recommend additional treatments.

How soon can I expect the final results from facial fat transfer?

While initial results can be seen shortly after the swelling subsides, final results typically appear within 3 to 6 months as the transferred fat settles and integrates into the facial tissues. Regular follow-up appointments will monitor your progress and ensure optimal outcomes.

Your Facial Fat Transfer With Roseville Facial Plastic Surgery In Roseville, CA

Do not feel like you have to settle with wrinkles or fine lines in the face. Schedule a consultation with our office in Roseville, CA, to learn more about how a facial fat transfer can give you a rejuvenated look and renewed self-confidence in your looks. We carefully work with all patients to come up with a treatment plan that is in line with their goals and desires. Contact us today so we can help you achieve the youthful appearance you have always dreamed about.

Contact Roseville Facial Plastic Surgery to schedule your consultation for a facial fat transfer in Roseville, CA.