As we age, the collagen in our faces breaks down and disappears, creating the appearance of sagging skin, wrinkles and fine lines. Injections such as synthetic dermal fillers are often used to reduce these signs, but some patients would rather have a more natural solution.
Fat injections utilize the patient's own tissue to create a younger, fuller look.
Who should consider fat injections?
Fat transfers are a common procedure that many people use to solve a number of aesthetic issues. Commonly, patients who get fat injections want to look more youthful by filling out sunken or sagging areas of the face. However, the procedure isn't limited to just one area of the body. In fact, a plastic surgeon may use fat injections in tandem with other cosmetic procedures, such as breast lifts or body contouring.
For example, patients may want to use fat injections during breast augmentation surgery to craft a more natural look. By transferring fat from one area of the body to another, plastic surgeons can reduce the appearance of scars and indentations. Buttock augmentation is another common use for fat transfer, combined with liposuction for ideal contouring.
Fat injections help patients regain a youthful look, naturally.
What is the procedure like?
The procedure is minimally invasive and involves a three-step process. After your consultation, your surgeon will harvest some of your body fat using liposuction. Once the fat has been removed, the surgical team will wash and purify it. The fat is then carefully injected into the target area for a natural appearance.
How long is the recovery period?
As with any surgery, there will be some swelling and bruising after the procedure. These issues will fade within the first week and become nonexistent over time. The harvest area will be discreet, and the liposuction scarring should fade over time. Some patients may return to work after a week, though you may see some minor swelling persist for a few more weeks. Generally, patients are fully recovered by week three – though everyone recovers at a different pace. The more rest patients get, the quicker the recovery period.
Dr. Marotta is a dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon. He is committed to delivering the best experience possible to his clients. Schedule a consultation today to see how Dr. Marotta and his team can help you decide which facial rejuvenation options are right for you.
