Facial Fat Grafting

Facial fat grafting, also known as autologous fat transfer, is a cosmetic procedure that involves removing fat from one part of the body, usually from the abdomen or thighs, and injecting it into the face to add volume, improve contours, and restore a youthful appearance. The procedure can treat facial issues, such as sunken cheeks, thin lips, deep creases and wrinkles, and hollow areas around the eyes. Facial fat grafting is often performed as an alternative to synthetic fillers, as using the patient’s fat can provide natural-looking and longer-lasting results.

Dr. Wendie Grunberg and Dr. Edward Gronet of Alluring Aesthetics in San Antonio, TX, are widely recognized for their expertise in facial rejuvenation and body contouring procedures. They have extensive training in facial fat grafting, having performed the procedure on numerous patients with outstanding results. They are known for their meticulous attention to detail and ability to create natural-looking results that enhance their patients’ unique features. If you are considering facial fat grafting or any other cosmetic procedure, Dr. Grunberg and Dr. Gronet can provide the guidance and care you need to achieve your desired outcome. Call (210) 714-5390 or complete our contact form to reach our scheduling coordinator.

The Alluring Aesthetics blog offers insight into the cosmetic improvements patients can look forward to.

Before and After Photos

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About Facial Fat Grafting

Autologous fat transfer has been performed for many years, but it has become increasingly popular as a cosmetic procedure in recent decades. The technique was first used in the 19th century to treat facial defects caused by injuries or surgeries. ^[1] However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that facial fat grafting gained popularity as a cosmetic procedure to enhance the appearance of the face.

As we age, the face tends to lose fat, which can result in a sunken, hollowed-out look. Skin laxity, deep creases, and wrinkles can also develop, contributing to an aged appearance. Fat grafting can help to address these issues by restoring volumized, youthful contours to the face.

Facial fat grafting involves harvesting fat from one part of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, and transferring it to the face. The fat is purified and processed before being injected into the targeted areas using small, specialized cannulas. The procedure can be used to treat a variety of facial issues, including:

Sunken Cheeks

As we age, the fat pads in our cheeks can shrink, resulting in a depleted or gaunt appearance. Fat grafting can plump the cheeks and give a more vibrant, rejuvenated look.

Thin Lips

Some people naturally have thin lips, while others may experience volume loss in the lips as they age. Fat grafting can augment the lips and give them a fuller, more defined shape.

Deep Creases and Wrinkles

As we age, deep creases and wrinkles can develop around the mouth, nose, and eyes. Fat grafting can plump up the affected areas, creating a more supple and refreshed appearance.

Hollow Areas Around the Eyes

Dark circles and hollows around the eyes can make patients look tired and aged. Fat grafting can add fullness and brighten the appearance.

Compared to synthetic fillers, which typically require repeated injections to maintain their effects, fat grafting can provide natural-looking and longer-lasting results. Additionally, because the procedure uses the patient’s tissue, there is a lower risk of allergic reactions or rejection.

What are the Benefits of Facial Fat Grafting?

Facial fat grafting can offer patients an array of advantages when it comes to enhancing the appearance of the face. Here are some of the benefits that patients can look forward to:

The use of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in fat grafting is an area of ongoing research. These cells may have regenerative properties that can enhance the survival of transplanted fat and improve skin quality. ^[2]

Ideal Candidates

Facial fat grafting may be an appropriate treatment option for individuals who desire to improve the appearance of their face and have enough fat deposits in their bodies for transplantation. Ideal candidates for facial fat grafting are those who:

It is essential to consult with a qualified and experienced surgeon to evaluate whether facial fat grafting is a suitable treatment option.

Personal Consultation

If you are considering facial fat grafting, it is crucial to have a personal consultation with Dr. Grunberg or Dr. Gronet in San Antonio, TX. During the consultation, they will assess your overall health, examine your facial features, and discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure. They will also explain the facial fat grafting process so you feel empowered in your decision.

Dr. Grunberg or Dr. Gronet will take the time to answer all of your questions and address any concerns you may have to ensure that you are fully informed and comfortable with the procedure. They may also recommend alternative treatments or a combination of procedures to achieve the best possible results.

Ready to get started? Call (210) 714-5390 today!

Preparation

If the patient is deemed a suitable candidate, they will be provided with pre-operative instructions, which may include stopping certain medications, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and refraining from eating or drinking anything for a certain amount of time before the procedure. Dr. Grunberg may also order some medical tests to ensure the patient is healthy enough to undergo the surgery.

Patients must follow these instructions carefully to ensure the procedure’s success and reduce the risk of complications.

The Facial Fat Procedure

The first step of the procedure is to identify the donor site from which to harvest the fat. The abdomen, thighs, or buttocks are typically donor sites, but surgeons can draw fat from multiple areas should the patient be low-weight. Once the site is chosen, the area is anesthetized, and a small incision is made to access the fat.

The fat is then harvested using a gentle liposuction technique to avoid damaging the fat cells. The harvested fat is processed to remove any blood, oil, or other impurities before being injected into the targeted area.

One of the unique aspects of structural fat grafting is that it involves injecting the fat into multiple layers of tissue to create a more permanent result. The fat is injected in small amounts at a time, and Dr. Grunberg and Dr. Gronet use a combination of gentle pressure and massage to ensure that the fat is evenly distributed and properly integrated with the surrounding tissue.

Recovery

We recommend patients take it easy a few days after the procedure and avoid strenuous activity for several weeks for proper healing. Swelling and bruising are common in the treated areas and may last several weeks, but patients can typically resume normal activities within a week.

Patients should avoid sleeping on their faces to avoid putting pressure on the treated areas and avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat for a few weeks. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions tailored to each patient’s lifestyle.

Results

After facial fat grafting, patients can expect to see natural-looking, long-lasting results that improve their skin’s texture and overall appearance. Some studies show that up to 50% of the transferred fat can survive over five years. ^[2]

With minimal scarring and a low risk of complications, patients can enjoy a more youthful and refreshed look with enhanced facial volume that can contour and highlight their features. The results of facial fat grafting are not only noticeable but also empowering, boosting patients’ confidence and self-esteem.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

Fat grafting can also be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as facelifts and blepharoplasty, to achieve more comprehensive results. Fat transfer can also enhance the appearance of other body areas, such as the buttocks and breasts. In a buttock augmentation procedure called Brazilian Butt Lift, patients can enjoy added volume and improved shape. Fat grafting can also be used with breast implants to provide additional fullness and improve cleavage. These procedures can provide natural-looking results without needing implants and help contour these areas.

What is the Cost of Facial Fat Grafting in San Antonio, TX?

The cost of facial fat grafting at Alluring Aesthetics in San Antonio, TX, can vary depending on several factors. During a personal consultation, patients can discuss their specific needs and receive an accurate cost estimate for the procedure—call (210) 714-5390 today.

References

1. Raj S, Abu-Ghname A, Davis MJ, Izaddoost SA, Winocour SJ. Safety and Regulation of Fat Grafting. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2020;34(01):059-064. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0039-3401037
2. Coleman, Sydney R. M.D.. Structural Fat Grafting.. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 115(6):p 1777-1778, May 2005. | DOI: 10.1097/01.PRS.0000166915.63531.1B