Cosmetic surgery gained early favor for the impressive anti-aging results achieved with a surgical facelift. Yet, over the years, even this successful procedure has undergone many improvements and adaptations. One of more popular and recent improvements uses a patient’s own fat as an alternative to collagen injections and, in some cases, surgical facelifts to achieve facial renewal goals. Dr. Manuel Peña uses your own fat (also known as autologous fat) for this procedure, so there is no chance for rejection or allergic reactions. Dr. Peña has been performing fat grafts to the face longer than any surgeon in this region and has a vast amount of experience and satisfied patients.
Using fat injections alone, Dr. Peña has achieved excellent results in facial contouring. Dr. Peña also uses fat transfers or graft for patients looking to shape their buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift-BBL). The fat can be used to enhance the breast volume either for reconstructive or cosmetic purposes. Often it is an enhancement to an implant to blend the shapes more artistically. This is often referred to as a “hybrid” breast augmentation. The most recent use has been in converting patients with long term implant augmentations in patients requesting implant removal and lifting. The fat grafts can fill some of the voids caused by the implant removal. The fat can also be used for lip augmentation. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Peña to discuss fat transfer procedures.
How is The Fat Transfer/Graft Procedure Performed?
In the facial enhancement procedure Dr. Peña carefully and precisely removes targeted excess fat from the patient’s hips, thighs, or tummy area using liposuction. The area(s) chosen are determined by how much fat is available and the quality of the fat. The fat is purified and compacted, then injected into the areas of the face and neck that have been identified for more facial fullness and renewal.
The additional liposuction and fat preparation make this procedure longer and more complex than for collagen or other dermal filler injections. It involves healing of both the facial injection sites and the liposuction sites. Some patients may experience a little more discomfort and bruising.* Depending upon your body type, fat absorption and other personal factors, the longevity of your enhancement may vary. While “over-grafting” is usually performed to take into account some short term fat graft loss, the rest is living tissue and should last for years.
“Dr Peña is the only one I would trust! He is not only skilled in his practice, he truly is an artist. I am so incredibly happy with my results and would recommend anyone looking for the very best plastic surgeons! And his staff is the BEST!!!!!! 😉😘😘” - Noemi Salinas (Google Review)Read More Reviews
How Do Fat Injections Compare to Collegen or Dermal Fillers?
Other fillers are made from Hylauronic Acid (HA), a natural substance purified from plants or other sources. Other options for filler include Calcium Hydroxylapatite (a bone meal like substance). While most people tolerate these fillers well, a small percentage reject them. Using fat taken from your body reduces rejection issues.
Another important consideration is that fat injections can be transferred in larger volumes than other facial fillers. This is good because your body will reabsorb some of the fat during the healing process. By injecting extra fat Dr. Peña can compensate for the reabsorption and leave enough to get the look intended. When large volumes of facial volume restoration are required fat becomes much more economical over time. Fat grafts also have a rejuvenating effect on the overlying skin due to the large amount of stem cells contained in the grafts!
What Are The Risks Associated With Fat Injections?
Risks associated with fat injections differ primarily because of the additional “invasive” liposuction procedure to obtain the fat. Care must be taken to avoid infection and monitor the healing of two sites rather than just the one being treated.
How Long Do Fat Injections Last
While the fat graft is transferring living tissue the face continues to age and lose more of the existing volume and elasticity. Expect touch up “refills” at 3-5 years.
If you are looking to rejuvenate your facial appearance, ask Dr. Manuel Peña is fat transfer or grafting is the right procedure for you. Contact our office today.
*Individual results may vary. Consult with Dr. Peña to see if you are a candidate.