Facial fat grafting surgery is a modern fat grafting procedure that restores a youthful look by using fat from one part of the body to enhance another area. This fat transfer procedure involves liposuction to remove fat, followed by a fat injection into areas of the face that need volume. Patients often prefer this option over fillers because it is an autologous fat transfer, meaning it uses your own fat tissue, making the results safe and natural.

At Dr. Zoran Potparic’s Fort Lauderdale plastic surgery center, a board-certified plastic surgeon performs this aesthetic plastic surgery with skill and precision.

Why Choose Fat Grafting Surgery?

Over time, aging skin and shifting fat pads cause hollow cheeks, deep nasolabial folds, and wrinkles that make the face appear older. Fat grafting offers a way to add volume back naturally, smoothing lines and improving facial contour.

The benefits of fat grafting also extend to patients who want to enhance younger features, as small amounts of fat can be used to sharpen structure. Results from fat transfer or fat injections typically last longer than fillers because transferred fat cells integrate into the body. Patients also appreciate that this cosmetic procedure uses fat from one area of your body to improve another area without synthetic materials.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Facial Fat Grafting?

Good candidates for fat grafting surgery include both men and women who want to improve areas of the face with natural volume restoration. The procedure is commonly chosen by patients in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, but it can also benefit younger individuals seeking better facial contour.

This fat grafting technique can be applied to multiple fat sites, including cheeks, chin, lips, and temples, to add volume where it is needed most. It is also used in reconstructive surgery, such as fat grafting for breast reconstruction after breast cancer recurrence, or to repair damage to breast tissue.

Whether fat is used for facial rejuvenation or other fat grafting applications, the best results come from patients who are healthy and have enough excess fat from one area to donate.

How the Fat Grafting Procedure Works

The fat grafting procedure involves extracting fat through liposuction from an area of the body such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. This unwanted fat is then processed fat, purified to remove excess fluids and impurities, and prepared for reinjection.

During surgery, the harvested fat is carefully injected into targeted areas of the face. The fat is then processed into small fat droplet units, allowing grafted fat to survive more effectively. Most patients retain much fat long-term, though fat necrosis or loss of injected fat cells may occur, meaning fat may require touch-ups months after the procedure.

Benefits Compared to Other Facial Cosmetic Surgery Options

Fat grafting surgery offers many advantages over other cosmetic surgery methods. First, the results are longer-lasting than fillers because injected fat cells can survive for years, making this a minimally invasive procedure with lasting impact. Second, patients enjoy the dual effect of body contouring when surgeons remove excess fat from one area and use fat to add volume to their face.

Structural fat grafting also allows precise improvements to areas of the face, giving a natural look. Compared to a breast implant or other cosmetic procedures in Fort Lauderdale, autologous fat transfer is less invasive and does not introduce foreign materials. The benefits of fat extend beyond aesthetics, making fat grafting an important part of both cosmetic and plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Risks and Considerations

While fat grafting surgery is considered safe, patients should understand the potential risks. Some grafted fat may not survive, leading to unevenness or the need for additional procedures. Fat necrosis, swelling, bruising, and temporary changes in contour can occur. Most procedures are done under local anesthesia, though general anesthesia may be recommended for larger cases.

Talking to your plastic surgeon about whether fat grafting is right for you is important, especially when comparing options in facial cosmetic surgery. With a skilled surgeon at a trusted surgery center, risks are minimized, and patients can expect natural-looking results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does facial fat grafting last?

The results from fat injection often last for years, as injected fat cells integrate with your existing fat tissue. Some patients may need follow-up sessions, but fat grafting offers much longer-lasting benefits than fillers.

Is the fat grafting procedure painful?

Most patients experience mild discomfort. The procedure is performed with anesthesia, and if needed, general anesthesia may be used. Recovery usually involves swelling and bruising that fade within weeks.

Can fat grafting be combined with other treatments?

Yes, fat grafting applications often pair well with other aesthetic plastic surgery procedures, such as facelifts or eyelid surgery. It is also known as fat transfer or fat injections, and grafting may be combined with stem cell research approaches in the future for even better survival rates. Your surgeon will explain the benefits of fat grafting and how it may fit with your goals.

Dr. Zoran Is Ready to Help

Facial fat grafting surgery is a proven way to restore volume to your face, smooth wrinkles, and create balance with natural results. By using excess fat from one area of the body, the fat transfer procedure results are long-lasting, safe, and effective.

At Dr. Zoran Potparic’s Fort Lauderdale plastic surgery center, our division of plastic surgery is dedicated to advanced fat grafting techniques for both cosmetic and reconstructive needs. Whether you want to learn more about fat grafting for facial rejuvenation, reconstructive breast tissue repair, or other fat grafting applications, our board-certified plastic surgeon can help. 

Schedule a consultation today to talk to an expert plastic surgeon and explore how aesthetic plastic surgery can restore confidence and harmony to your look. Do you want to learn more about this procedure or others we offer? Our plastic surgery blog offers unbeatable insights from professionals with years of experience.

 

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