What is Facial Fat Transfer?
Facial fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or facial fat injection, is a cosmetic procedure that enhances facial fullness, smooths wrinkles, and restores a youthful appearance by transferring fat from one part of the body to the face. At Cultura Dermatology and Plastic Surgery in Washington, DC, Dr. Kelly Bolden, MD, FACS utilizes this technique to provide natural-looking results without synthetic fillers or implants.
20+ years
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culturally aware doctors
The benefits of Facial Fat Grafting
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Natural Enhancement
Uses the patient's fat, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and achieving natural-feeling results.
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Long-Lasting Results
Offers more permanent results compared to synthetic fillers.
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Improves Facial Contours
Can restore volume to the cheeks, lips, and under-eyes.
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Customizable
Less invasive than a surgical facelift and offers a shorter recovery time.
Good Candidates for Facial Fat Transfer
Ideal candidates for facial fat transfer are those looking to enhance facial volume and smoothness without synthetic implants or fillers. Candidates should have sufficient fat deposits in an area of the body, such as the stomach or thighs, and be in good overall health. Facial fat transfer typically treats areas such as:
- Sunken cheeks or temples
- Thin lips
- Deep facial wrinkles and creases
- Hollow under-eye areas
Preparing for Facial Fat Transfer
During a consultation, Dr. Bolden guides patients on how to prepare for facial fat transfer. This includes detailed guidelines on diet, smoking cessation, and avoiding certain medications that may affect the procedure’s outcome. Dr. Bolden will thoroughly assess the donor sites and the facial areas to plan the procedure.
Facial Fat Transfer Procedure
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Harvesting
Fat is gently liposuctioned from a donor area, such as the abdomen or thighs.
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Purification
The extracted fat is then purified to prepare it for injection.
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Injection
The purified fat is carefully injected into specific facial areas to achieve desired contouring and volume enhancement.
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Recovery from facial fat transfer is generally mild, with some swelling and bruising expected in both the donor and recipient areas. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days, though recovery times can vary based on the extent of the procedure.
Results are immediately noticeable, with final results becoming more apparent as swelling subsides over several weeks. The transferred fat integrates with the existing facial tissues, providing lasting volume and rejuvenation.
As with any fat transfer procedure, risks include infection, asymmetry, and the potential for fat loss after injection. However, at Cultura Plastic Surgery, Dr. Bolden takes comprehensive steps to minimize these risks and ensure safety and will discuss this at length during a consultation.
What to Expect From a Facial Fat Transfer Consultation
During the consultation, Dr. Bolden thoroughly discusses the patient’s aesthetic goals, evaluates potential donor and recipient sites, and explains the procedure in detail. This session ensures that patients are well-informed about the benefits and details of the procedure and can make a confident decision to proceed.
Cost of Facial Fat Transfer
The cost of facial fat transfer at Cultura Plastic Surgery varies depending on the amount of fat transferred and the complexity of the procedure. Dr. Bolden provides a complete cost estimate during consultations and offers financing options.
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