Dermal fillers are a popular way to add and restore facial volume. However, they aren’t your only treatment option. Fat grafting is a great alternative that outlasts leading injectables.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ronald Schuster performs all fat grafting procedures at our Baltimore office. He draws on his extensive experience to deliver natural and flattering results. Schedule a consultation at 410-902-9800 to learn how fat grafting can help you look your best.
On this page, we discuss:
- What Is Facial Fat Grafting?
- What Cosmetic Conditions Can Facial Fat Grafting Improve?
- Who Is An Ideal Candidate For Facial Fat Transfer?
- How Does The Fat Grafting Procedure Work?
- What Is The Recovery Like After Fat Injections?
- Are There Any Risks From Fat Grafting?
- When Will I Notice the Results of My Facial Fat Grafting Procedure?
- How Long Will the Results Last?
- Facial Fat Grafting Vs. Dermal Fillers: Which Is Better?
- Schedule a Fat Grafting Consultation in Baltimore
What Is Facial Fat Grafting?
Facial fat grafting is a minimally invasive procedure that uses excess fat from your stomach, thighs, hips, and other parts of your body to add or restore volume to areas of your face.
Also known as fat transfer, fat injection, or lipofilling, facial fat grafting enhances your natural features and helps combat visible signs of aging. Fat is also a rich source of stem cells and growth factors. When injected, it can stimulate collagen growth, a protein linked to healthy skin.
What Cosmetic Conditions Can Facial Fat Grafting Improve?
Over time, your face loses volume and structural support. The fat that sits below your skin shifts downward, flattens out, and slowly fades away. These changes will impact most of our features.
Fat grafting is an ideal treatment to replenish facial volume. It can address sunken under-eyes, hollow temples, and deflated cheeks. It can also smooth marionette lines and nasolabial folds. In some cases, facial fat transfer can even improve the appearance of depressed acne scars.
Who Is An Ideal Candidate For Facial Fat Transfer?
Facial fat transfer is a good choice for patients who want long-lasting improvements in facial volume. Ideal candidates have enough excess body fat to extract and use for the procedure.
Fat grafting might be right for you if:
- You are in good health
- You want a long-lasting alternative to fillers
- You can accommodate the short recovery
- You are willing to wait several months for your final results
- You have realistic expectations for the minimally-invasive surgery
How Does The Fat Grafting Procedure Work?
You and our surgeon will select a donor area where the fat will be removed using liposuction. While it can vary based on the patient, this area will likely be your thighs, hips, or abdomen.
You’ll be given anesthesia to ensure that you remain comfortable through the procedure. Then, our surgeon will extract the fat via liposuction, purify and prepare it, and carefully reinject it into the areas that are being volumized. The fat is transferred in small droplets using a tiny cannula.
What Is the Recovery Like After Fat Injections?
Facial fat injections usually involve a relatively short and manageable recovery period. You can expect some swelling, bruising, and soreness at the injection sites. It’s also normal to feel sore or achy at the donor site where liposuction was performed. These effects typically resolve within a few weeks.
The transferred fat will need to develop a new blood supply after surgery. Some of the fat cells won’t survive this process. The ones that do will remain in the treated area and provide a long lasting, if not permanent, improvement. The ones that don’t will slowly dissolve over the next six months.
To maximize fat survival after transfer, you will need to keep the treated area "quiet" during the initial healing phase. This means that you should try to limit your facial movements. It also means that you shouldn't put pressure on the site of the transfer. Side sleepers and stomach sleepers will need to sleep on their back so their face doesn't press against their pillow. In fact, pillows designed to promote back sleeping can be very helpful during this time. They are marketed as anti-aging pillows because overnight pressure on the face can cause wrinkles.
Don't massage your face during this time. Popular self-care practices such as gua sha and lymphatic drainage are off-limits because they involve both movement and pressure.
Lastly, don't use an ice compress to deal with swelling. It temporarily shrinks the small blood vessels in the face and diminishes circulation.
These aftercare measures will allow the fine blood vessels to nourish and bring blood flow to the transferred fat cells. Usually, at least half the fat survives this process. It’s best to wait until around the nine-month mark to judge your results. At that point, your final outcome from facial fat transfer should be visible, and you can schedule follow-up treatments if needed.
Are There Any Risks From Fat Grafting?
Facial fat grafting is generally considered a low-risk procedure. There’s almost no chance of experiencing an allergic reaction because the procedure uses your own fat to add facial volume instead of synthetic dermal fillers. Common side effects include temporary bruising and swelling.
The main risk of facial fat transfer is that it can be hard to predict how much fat will survive. You may need to undergo a second procedure to touch up the results and achieve your desired look.
Our surgeon will discuss additional risks associated with fat grafting during your consultation.
When Will I Notice the Results of My Facial Fat Grafting Procedure?
Results from facial fat grafting are not always immediate. It can take about three to four months for the injected fat and surviving fat to settle and adapt to your face. During this time, you will begin to notice a gradual plumping of your face in areas where fat was injected. Some patients may notice their results within a few months, while others may notice their faces gradually adjusting and changing along with the new fat for up to nine months. The final results from your facial fat grafting procedure should be noticeable around this time, and although it takes a bit of patience to see your full results, many patients report that its long-lasting effects are worthwhile.
How Long Will the Results Last?
Facial fat grafting can give patients a newly improved, plumped, and youthful-looking face for several years. Even though they are made to be semi-permanent, the results from facial fat grafting are still long-lasting and typically do not require follow-up treatments for years.
Some patients are able to enjoy their results for over five years, while others may see a gradual decrease in volume in their faces. This all depends on your skin, lifestyle habits, and maintenance. To optimize the effects of your facial fat grafting procedure, it’s important that patients stick with the following:
- Maintain a healthy diet with balanced nutrition to help your body adapt and remain harmonious with the newly transferred fat. Healthy foods to eat that can aid your body in healing after a facial fat grafting procedure are avocados, salmon, and other nutrient-dense foods.
- Always wear sunscreen. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Avoid smoking to ensure a successful fat graft survival rate.
- Commit to an exercise routine that allows you to maintain a stable weight, as significant weight loss or weight gain may affect the appearance of your face.
Facial Fat Grafting Vs. Dermal Fillers: Which Is Better?
Facial fat grafting is considered to be a form of permanent filler, as fat is injected into areas of the face where volume needs to be restored. However, this procedure is very different from dermal facial fillers for a number of reasons.
While both facial fat grafting and dermal fillers can restore volume in sunken areas of the face, facial fat grafting is a more complex procedure than simply injecting filler into areas of the face. Because of its in-depth process, facial fat grafting does require a longer recovery time than dermal fillers do, but it will also provide longer-lasting results. Most dermal fillers need to be re-done within three to six months, while facial fat grafting results can last for several years. If you are looking for a more permanent, low-maintenance solution to achieving facial volume in the face for a longer period of time, facial fat grafting will be the most beneficial option for you.
How Long Does Facial Fat Grafting Take?
Facial fat grafting takes about 1 to 2 hours on average. The treatment length can vary based on the specific area or areas addressed.
How Do I Prepare for a Facial Fat Grafting Procedure?
Preparation for facial fat grafting involves several key steps. Dr. Schuster advises patients to:
- Schedule a Consultation: During the consultation, you will discuss your goals, medical history, and medications. This is crucial for creating a personalized treatment plan.
- Adjust Medications: Avoid certain medications and supplements that can increase bleeding. Examples include aspirin, ibuprofen, and herbal supplements like ginseng and turmeric.
- Break Bad Habits: Stop smoking at least two weeks before and after the procedure because smoking can impair healing. Also, limit alcohol consumption leading up to the surgery. Lastly, steer clear of unhealthy foods, focusing instead on a diet that gives your body the nutrients it will need to recover from the procedure.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
The number of sessions needed for facial fat grafting can vary. The exact amount depends on the individual's goals and the extent of volume loss.
Some patients see their desired outcomes with just one session. However, in some cases, additional sessions are needed to refine the results or to address more significant volume loss.
During your consultation, Dr. Schuster will assess your needs and goals. He will then provide a customized plan that outlines the expected number of sessions.
How Do I Care for the Donor Area After Fat Extraction?
Caring for the donor area after fat extraction allows for proper healing and prevents complications. Here are some essential steps to follow:
- Keep the Area Clean: Clean the donor area as directed by Dr. Schuster. Use mild soap and water when you are cleared to remove the bandages and shower.
- Wear Compression Garments: If recommended, wear compression garments. This will help reduce swelling and support the healing process.
- Avoid Strenuous Activities: Heavy lifting or strenuous activities could strain the donor site. Light walking can help to promote circulation.
- Follow Medication Instructions: Take prescribed medications as directed. This will help you prevent infection and manage discomfort.
- Watch for Complications: Look for rare signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or drainage. Contact Dr. Schuster immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.
How Soon Can I Return To Work After the Procedure?
Recovery times can vary. However, most patients can expect to return to work within 14 days after facial fat grafting. It is mostly dependent on the amount of bruising and swelling that occurs.
Dr. Schuster will provide personalized post-operative care instructions. He will also help you determine the appropriate time to resume your daily activities.
Why Choose Ronald H. Schuster, MD
Dr. Ronald H. Schuster is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is the immediate Past Chief of the Plastic Surgery Division at Northwest Hospital Center. He is an active member of prestigious organizations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Schuster's excellence is further validated by his repeated recognition as a Top Doctor by Baltimore Magazine and his induction into the RealSelf Hall of Fame. His practice boasts over 150 five-star reviews from satisfied patients. With these accolades and a proven track record of success, Dr. Schuster is the premier choice for facial fat grafting in Maryland. He and his team work hard to provide patients with confidence and outstanding aesthetic outcomes.
Schedule a Fat Grafting Consultation in Baltimore
To learn more about long-lasting facial rejuvenation using fat grafting, call 410-902-9800 for a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ronald Schuster. Our office serves patients from Baltimore, Lutherville-Timonium, and the surrounding areas of Maryland.
