What Is Fat Transfer (Fat Grafting)?
Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or fat injection, is an ideal way to increase volume in the face to gain a younger, more rejuvenated appearance. The fat transfer process involves harvesting fat cells from one part of your body and transferring them into another, usually to restore volume in the mid-face, under the eyes, lips, chin, or cheeks.
Because this is an advanced, modern procedure, it is imperative that an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon performs the surgery. If surgery is performed incorrectly, patients can develop uneven and unsatisfactory results, such as lumps and bumps, scars, or other undesirable outcomes.
What are the Benefits of Fat Transfer Over Other Facial Fillers?
Facial volume restoration has previously relied solely on artificial fillers that were grown and harvested in pharmaceutical labs. These types of fillers have a well-established place in helping to restore volume to facial structures; however, they have their disadvantages. They are often reabsorbed by the body over time, necessitating frequent repeat injections. They are also expensive, often don’t feel natural to touch, and are sometimes visible through the skin.
The fat transfer technique has several benefits over artificial fillers:
- Longer-lasting results than lab-grown fillers
- Results look and feel more natural
- Fat transfer is invisible underneath the skin
- Minimally invasive procedure
The Aesthetic Artistry of Fat Transfer
Fat transfer or fat grafting for facial volume restoration boasts many benefits. However, it is an advanced procedure that requires the skill and experience of a highly adept plastic surgeon. To achieve the best possible results, your surgeon will examine your current facial structure and explore all surgical and non-surgical options with you.
If you have previously had a facelift or facial fillers and do not wish to undergo another surgical procedure, non-surgical facial rejuvenation may be a good option for you. The procedure will be completely customized, as you may also require facial sculpting or fat removal from specific areas to create a balanced, youthful look.
Cells Make Fat Transfer the Ideal Filler
An additional benefit of fat transfer is that your body’s fatty tissue contains an abundance of powerful cells — naturally occurring cells that self-renew and have a special ability to transform themselves into specialized cell types to rejuvenate the skin. As part of your fat transfer procedure, you may elect to use your own cells.
"I realized that the way that I had become comfortable in my skin started to become attractive to others."
Watch success stories
“When I meet people, they implicitly gender me female. I never imagined I would get there.”
Watch success stories
“Now I am finally in a place where I am me.”
Watch success stories
Am I a Good Candidate for Fat Transfer?
If you have moderate facial aging or you have had a facelift previously and do not wish to undergo another surgical procedure, then fat transfer is an ideal form of non-surgical facial rejuvenation. The procedure will be completely customized based on your own individual requirements. You may also require facial sculpting or fat removal from specific areas to create a balanced contour, depending on your desired result.
Why Would I Need To Revise a Previous Plastic Surgeon’s Fat Transfer Surgery?
There can be any number of reasons for needing a revision, such as returning with an unsatisfying result, choosing a less experienced or less skilled plastic surgeon, or choosing a surgeon based on a less expensive procedure.
The use of synthetic or non-organic facial fillers may also contribute to the need to revise a previous surgeon’s work. Previously, synthetic fillers were commonly used in facial volume rejuvenation surgery. While these fillers may offer good results in the short term, over time, they are often reabsorbed by the body and must be reinjected. Plus, they can be expensive and may give one’s face an unnatural appearance. Some non-organic facial fillers can even be visible through the skin, which is not desirable.
Fat grafting revision surgery can improve a previous botched fat transfer procedure. Revision surgery works to correct any poorly-applied fat transfer or synthetic facial filler, and delivers a more natural, favorable result.
Facial Feminization Surgery: The Journey to Gender Affirmation
Dr. Deschamps-Braly’s book “Facial Feminization Surgery: The Journey to Gender Affirmation” is back and available now. This second edition covers advances in facial feminization, as well as helpful patient stories, and is a great resource for FFS patients and their loved ones.
Order Copy On Amazon
