Who is a candidate for a fat transfer ?

Adult patients looking to decrease wrinkles, smile and frown lines, facial creases, hollow cheeks, and acne scarring are candidates for facial fat transfer. Additionally, fat transfer is commonly done in conjunction with face lift surgery to replace lost facial volume associated with the natural aging process.

What is the recovery time ?

Follow Dr. Vallecillos’ post-operative instructions exactly. Typically, normal activity may resume immediately following the procedure, although discomfort and swelling continue during the immediate post-operative period. The fat grafts develop blood vessels within three to five days, although it takes another few days for these to strengthen. Surgical tape remains on the treatment area for five days. In the first week, you should sleep on your back, elevating your head. Make sure you do not rub your face for the first two weeks, although you may lightly wash it. Also, during this time, do not engage in exercise.

Are there risks or side effects associated with a fat transfer ?

Risks and side effects are minor, although every cosmetic procedure comes with some side effects. These include swelling, hematoma, and scarring.

How long do the results last ?

Length of results varies, although a large percentage of the injected fat cells survive to remain in the treatment area permanently. Two weeks following your procedure, you will have a very good idea how your final, permanent result looks.

Fat Transfer To Face Beverly Hills

Fat transfer to the face involves taking fat from your body, purifying it, and then injecting the purified fat tissues into another area of your body. Facial fat transfer procedures are a preferred technique for Dr. Vallecillos in Beverly Hills to address volume loss issues of the face, and particularly in the tear trough area, the temples and brow, chin, nasolabial folds, and jawline. An additional benefit of the procedure is the effect that fat transfer has on the skin, which, as we know, thins with age. The purified fat injections, which naturally contain stems cells and related growth factors, increase blood circulation and may improve skin tone and texture, giving the patient a glowing, rosy appearance.

Patients often choose autologous fat transfers over other injectables because there is no danger of allergic reaction when the injectable material comes from your own body.

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Procedure Walk-Through

Preparation: To aid healing, cease smoking during the two weeks before and the two weeks after your procedure. Additionally, stop taking all blood-thinning medications and supplements, including NSAIDs, vitamin E, and Gingko biloba. Patients choosing IV sedation require medical clearance from their primary physician.
Anesthesia: Patients commonly choose to undergo the procedure under local anesthesia, although intravenous sedation is an available option. Discuss these options with Dr. Vallecillos during your consultation. Patients choosing IV sedation require medical clearance from their regular physician.
Preoperative Consult: During your consultation, Dr. Vallecillos evaluates your area of complaint, discusses your desired results, and provides guidance on which area or areas to use as the fat donor site. Come prepared with any questions you have as well as your complete medical history. Take note of all of his pre-and post-operative instructions to ensure you follow them exactly.

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Harvesting Fat in Preparation for Facial Transfer

The first step is removing fat cells from the selected donor sites. Common locations include the abdomen, hips, and thighs. Dr. Vallecillos employs a low-suction liposuction method using a thin cannula to ensure the harvested fat cells remain undamaged. Using a centrifuge, the doctor purifies the collected fat. This isolates the fat cells from surrounding liquids. Finally, he injects the purified cells into the treatment site.

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Fat Transfer to Face FAQs

How long does fat transfer to the face last?

Fat transfer results can last from several years to a lifetime. Individual results will vary, and total effects won’t be seen until roughly six months post-procedure. With gentle treatment during and after recovery, clients can reasonably expect to enjoy their results for years.

What are the risks of fat transfer to face?

Fat transfer procedures are safe and effective. Common side effects can include bruising, swelling, tenderness, and discomfort during healing. More serious risks are not common but can include bleeding at the injection site, infection, cellulitis, or asymmetry due to improperly placed fat transfer.

Does fat transfer work for the face?

Fat transfers are a safe and effective way to add volume and contours to your face, restoring a fuller, youthful appearance. Facial fat transfers use your body’s own fat cells to naturally plump aging skin, significantly reducing the chances of post-procedure complications.

Does facial fat transfer look natural?

Facial fat transfers have the most potential for natural-looking results because they use your body’s own fat cells to plump and add volume. Utilizing your own cells reduces the chances of irritation, rejection, and infection. Experienced practitioners can properly place facial fat transfers for the most natural look possible.

What are the disadvantages of fat transfer?

Like all injectable procedures, there are some risks associated with fat transfers. Bruising, swelling, and tenderness are common complications. Rarely blistering, scarring or improperly placed filler can occur. Secondary infections are rare and can be prevented with prescription antibiotics.

Is facial fat transfer better than filler?

Synthetic fillers come with some risk of complications due to allergic reactions to injectable materials. Facial fat transfer procedures use fat cells collected from your own body to create youthful contours and add volume to aging facial features while avoiding the risk of allergic reactions.

Does fat transfer to the face cause lumps?

Skilled providers will properly place fat transfers without lumps or unnatural-looking contours. Synthetic injectables are denser, less flexible than fat, and can appear overly firm after settling. One of the benefits of fat transfers is the softer texture of your natural fat vs synthetic fillers.

How much fat is needed for facial fat transfer?

Each fat transfer procedure will require a different amount of fat depending on the goals of each individual client. The average amount of fat required for fat transfers to facial areas is 30 mL, equivalent to roughly two tablespoons.

Are fat transfers worth it?

Fat transfers are minimally invasive and provide long-lasting results without worrying about complications due to allergic reactions. Studies show that results from fat transfer procedures last longer than synthetic fillers and provide dramatic, more natural-looking results.

How often can you do fat transfer to your face?

Most fat transfers to areas of the face will only require one procedure. However, if the client requests additional volume, a second procedure can be done after three months of healing. To plump especially deep scars or lines, up to four sessions may be required, spaced at least three months apart.