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Ready for a Facial Fat Transfer? Join Us at Aesthetica!4 min read

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Faces lose volume and structure as we age, creating a tired, unhappy look. There are several ways to remedy this, both surgical and non-surgical. Fillers can provide temporary fullness, but many people want something more permanent. Facial fat transfer is a great option and can provide fullness for years. In addition, there are fewer risks than chemical products for people sensitive to changes.

What is Facial Fat Transfer?

A plastic surgeon removes fat from another body area via liposuction, which is then processed and refined so that only pure fat is left. This fat is then injected into specific areas of the face to provide fullness. The areas of the face where a facial fat transfer is commonly done are: 

  • The lips; 
  • The area under the eye; 
  • The folds between the mouth and nose; 
  • The cheeks.

Facial fat transfer is regularly performed with mini facelifts, facelifts, and eyelid surgeries. It is a permanent filler and has a high success rate, although sometimes the fat may not survive the process. Choosing to have PRP at the same time will help with the retention of fat.

Who is a Good Candidate for Facial Fat Transfer?

Anyone who is noticing signs of aging — volume loss, thinning of the skin, loss of skin elasticity, wrinkles, and hollowing of the eye area — is a candidate for a facial fat transfer. Aging is a typical process and can be accelerated by lifestyle, nutrition, and wellness choices. Younger patients have a higher success rate as there are fewer signs of aging. In older patients, it is important to be subtle to avoid overfilling, which is difficult to correct. You also need to have enough fat on your body to harvest the fat for the transfer. As with any surgery, you need to be in good health and be honest about your medical history and if you smoke.

What to Expect after a Facial Fat Transfer?

You may have some bruising, swelling, and pain in both the area the fat was taken from and the area it was injected into. Fortunately, the side effects will subside within a few weeks, and your doctor will prescribe pain relief for the immediate days following the procedure. The swelling should be gone by four weeks after the procedure. Be gentle with the area during the first few weeks; give the fat time to settle and establish.

You may be given some compression bandaging to wear following the facial fat transfer. These should be worn constantly (except while showering) until advised by the doctor to remove them. Try to avoid physical activity for two weeks post-procedure to give your body time to recover. Most people return to work within a week, depending on the type of surgery.

After How Long Should You Expect to See Results?

Most people overlook that sunscreen is a daily necessity in keeping your skin healthy. Harmful UV rays can damage your skin, resulting in lines, wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin. Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of skin damage, and habitually applying sunscreen can keep your skin looking young and healthy in the long run! 

It’s also important to consider which type of sunscreen is the best for you and your skin type. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is a great option since it protects your skin against UVA and UVB rays. The main difference between UVA and UVB sunscreen is that UVB sunscreen generally allows you to stay under the sun for extended periods without sunburn. In contrast, UVA sunscreen protects you from the harmful damage of UVA rays that causes aging and can penetrate your skin on a deeper level. So ideally, it’s best to stick to sunscreen that protects your skin from both of these rays.

Undergo Your Facial Fat Transfer at Aesthetica!

Ready for your facial fat transfer? Come meet with us at 19500 Sandridge Way, Suite 350, Leesburg, VA 20176, or call us at (703) 574-4342 for a complimentary consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Phillip Chang before moving forward with your procedure! If everything matches up, our team will help you navigate the entire process, from beginning to end! Also, don’t forget to check out our blog and social media for more information on plastic surgery and plastic surgery trends!

Let Us Help You!

Our office can provide you with helpful information, schedule a free consultation, and walk you through the many services and procedures we provide.

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