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Fat Transfer

Facial volume loss is a natural part of the aging process that can give you a tired appearance. With a facial fat transfer, Dr. Gilpin can help you restore volume loss caused by aging or other factors, giving you a rejuvenated appearance. A facial fat transfer involves taking your natural fat cells from one area of the body and injecting it into specific parts of your facial skin, giving you a more natural alternative to fillers or implants.

DR. GILPIN’S APPROACH TO FACIAL FAT TRANSFER

Dr. Gilpin focuses on holistic facial rejuvenation, giving him the refined skills and experience needed for an effective, satisfying facial fat grafting procedure. The goal of the procedure is to achieve subtle rejuvenation with the use of your own natural fat cells. A facial fat transfer procedure can offer the following benefits:

  • Smoothed out wrinkles and folds (including “smokers’ lines” and “crow’s feet”)
  • Brightened, fuller under-eye area
  • Defined cheekbones
  • Enhanced lips
  • An overall rejuvenated appearance

WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR FACIAL FAT TRANSFER?

Ideal candidates for facial fat transfer in Nashville are those who are looking for minimally invasive yet long-lasting facial rejuvenation. Volume loss is a natural part of the aging process and can be sped up by sun exposure, smoking, and other factors. Fat injections can restore this volume loss for smoother, younger-looking skin.

Those who have undergone volume loss in the face after a dramatic weight loss also make for good candidates for facial fat transfer. The treatment can also benefit those who want to enhance naturally thin lips or poorly defined cheekbones. Facial fat transfer is an effective solution for those who are allergic to dermal filler formulas.

The most successful candidates will have excess fat in another area of the body like the abdomen or thighs that can be used for the transfer. People should be generally healthy and not have too much excess skin, which can affect how the transferred fat provides results.

Before and after

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Understanding Your Procedure

Liposuction

The first part of your facial fat transfer will involve liposuction on another area of the body to obtain excess fat cells. Liposuction is performed using local anesthesia for your comfort. Tiny incisions are made over the decided donor area. A cannula device is then inserted to break up and remove the fat cells. Once enough fat cells are obtained, they will be processed and purified.

FAT INJECTION

The next step of the autologous fat grafting process is placing it in the face. The harvested fat cells will be carefully injected under the skin where volume loss has occurred until the desired volume is reached. Dr. Gilpin will make several small injections to ensure even distribution and natural-looking results throughout your treatment area.

WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE?

While the placement of fat to the face is minimally invasive, you will have some recovery to the donor site. This will involve several days of rest with some swelling, bruising, and general discomfort. This can be managed with the use of pain medication, and you may want to plan to take a few days off work. The injection sites in the face may also appear red and swollen for the first day or two but this will subside with time.

HOW LONG WILL THE RESULTS LAST?

The results of a facial fat transfer can be noticed right away for added volume. As swelling and redness continue to diminish, you can enjoy your final results for enhanced lips, smoothed wrinkles, or an overall more youthful appearance. While some fat cells will be reabsorbed by the body, the remaining, undamaged fat cells can provide long-lasting, and sometimes permanent results.

Facial Fat Transfer in Nashville

To learn more about facial fat transfer or to get started on your treatment in Nashville, contact our office and schedule your consultation with Dr. Gilpin. He’ll recommend the right procedure for your skin quality, age, and amount of volume loss, whether with fat grafting, dermal fillers, or another specialized procedure to help you restore lost volume and have a smoother complexion.

FAQs

What are the side effects of fat transfer?

It’s common to experience surgical side effects like bruising and swelling after fat transfer, but this usually subsides within a few weeks. There can also be temporary numbness as well as oozing at the incision sights. The best way to mitigate these side effects is by following your plastic surgeon’s aftercare instructions.

Do fat transfers work?

Fat transfer is very safe and effective when performed by a board certified plastic surgeon. It comes with the benefits of long-term results, low risk of allergic reaction, and natural results.

How much fat do you need to do a fat transfer?

This can depend on your overall goals for fat transfer – your degree of augmentation will be proportional to how much fat you have available for use. If you have low body fat or simply not enough for your fat transfer goals, your plastic surgeon can discuss your best options.

How long does it take to heal from fat grafting?

Your face will look full in the first 1-4 weeks following the procedure and will slowly decrease in fullness over time. Although most swelling subsides within a week, you should avoid extensive activity for about one month. Generally, you can return to office-based work after one week. It is not uncommon to experience swelling with increased activity.

Are you awake during fat transfer?

Fat transfer can be performed using local anesthetic, depending on your treatment plan.

Does fat transfer cause lumps?

Lumps or bumps after a fat transfer procedure is a sign of complication and should be assessed by your plastic surgeon right away. Fat transfer results should feel just like normal fatty tissue.

How do you sleep after fat transfer?

This will depend on your unique treatment area. Generally, you should sleep with your head elevated and avoid putting pressure on the treatment area. This means you may need to sleep on your back. You will receive detailed instructions based on your surgical plan.

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