Facial Rejuvination (Fat Transfers)

WHAT IS A FAT TRANSFER FACIAL REJUVENATION PROCEDURE?

Fat transfers to the face are quickly becoming the #1 treatment to restore volume and fullness to the face that is lost during the aging process. Fat transfers are toted as being the most natural filler as the fat is harvest from your own body and offers results to treat:

• Facial lines, creases and wrinkles
• Loss of facial volume especially in the cheeks
• Diminishing jawline
• Droopy eyelids
• Thinning lips

A fat transfer treatment is a two-step procedure performed simultaneously. Dr. Lazzaro first removes unwanted fat from the designated area, most often the hips, thighs, abdomen or buttocks. He then contours this donor site(s) through liposculpture to the desired aesthetic outcome. The harvested fat is then processed to obtain the purest fat rich in growth factor stem cells. This processed fat is then injected in small quantities to allow the fat to vascularize. The procedure can range anywhere from 1 hour to 4 hours depending on the area(s) to be treated.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A FAT TRANSFER FACIAL REJUVENATION PROCEDURE?

Adding a filler that comes from your own body (autologous) while removing it from unwanted body contours (abdomen, hips, thighs) is the ideal solution. There are no potential rejection side effects since you are utilizing your own fat. And although the initial down time is longer than off the shelf fillers, AFT can provide for a more permanent correction than temporary fillers. This procedure can be used to permanently rebuild bone deterioration that occurs as we age, fat loss, and restore lost volume.

The best candidates are those with good to fair skin tone who have experienced the signs of aging including loss of facial volume, wrinkling, furrows in the face or neck, deep creases and/or sagging jowls. It is important that the candidate not have circulation problems, either from a medical condition or smoking.

ARE THERE RISKS INVOLVED?

Your fat transfer facial rejuvenation procedure will be performed in our AAAASF certified surgical center. The procedure can range from 1 hour to 4 hours depending on the area(s) to be treated and can be performed under local, sedation, or general anesthetic depending on the patient’s medical history and volume of transfer.

As with any surgical procedure, you must be careful as to not let marketing outpace the science. Promises of everything are tempting but can result in less than satisfactory results and sometimes downright detrimental. Be careful! The FDA often is subjected to criticism because their processes to approve things are slow and laborious as compared to other countries. However, safety is paramount. Be sure the treatment you are receiving is within present FDA guidelines. Autologous Fat Transfers (AFT) has minimal risks. Autologous by definition means taken from your own body so the fat transfers eliminate your chance to develop an allergy or rejecting the material. Results are incredible and they are natural and safe.

HOW DO I PLAN FOR A FAT TRANSFER FACIAL REJUVENATION PROCEDURE?

The first step towards a fat transfer is to schedule a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Lazzaro that addresses your goals and desires. We are all unique – physically and mentally so the treatment must be customized specifically to you. It is best to know all of your options ranging from dermal fillers up to Autologous Fat Transfers. As always, there are pros and cons with any procedure. While dermal fillers are less costly, have minimal down time, and readily available pre-packaged, they are only temporary and must be repeated every 4-6 months (depending on type of filler). The Autologous Fat Transfers are more costly initially and do require some town time. Occasionally, you may need more than one session to achieve your desired result (especially in the buttock or breast area). The pros are that you use your own body fat so no allergy testing is required and the results are incredible. ATF is a safe permanent way to restore volume while removing fat from a donor site – areas you want to improve.

HOW LONG IS RECOVERY AFTER A FAT TRANSFER FACIAL REJUVENATION PROCEDURE?*

Recovery can vary from person to person but generally you can expect swelling and bruising during the first two weeks. Pain medication will be prescribed to help with any discomfort you may experience, which is usually minimal. Swelling and/or discoloration could potentially last one to two weeks depending on the area(s) enhanced. You will want to limit your activities for the first several days. You will return to our office in about five to seven days for the doctor to assess your healing process.

This 33 year old complained of a deflated, tired look making her look older then she was.  Dr Lazzaro used fat from her thighs and did a fat transfer to the under eye/tear trough area.

AGE  33       HEIGHT   5’ 7”      WEIGHT   127

PROCEDURES   Fat transfer to under eye area

This 63 year old complained of redundant skin of the upper eyelids interfering with her vision and bagginess of lower eyelids.  Dr Lazzaro used fat from her abdomen and did a fat transfer to lower lids, midface and nasolabial folds as well as performing an upper lid blepharoplasty and phenol peel to the lower lids and around her mouth.

AGE  63       HEIGHT   5’ 2”      WEIGHT   132

PROCEDURES   Fat transfer to lower lids, midface, nasolabial folds, Upper lid blepharoplasty, Phenol peel lower lids & perioral

This 54 year old complained of a tired look around her eyes, heavy eyelids and wrinkling around her mouth.  Dr Lazzaro used fat from her abdomen and did a fat transfer to lower lids, midface and perioral and lips as well as performing an upper lid blepharoplasty.

AGE  54      HEIGHT   5’ 6”      WEIGHT   132

PROCEDURES   Fat transfer to lower lids, midface, perioral, lips and, Upper lid blepharoplasty

This 61 year old displeased with the appearance of her cheek folds, jowls, and neck and also complains of a tired look around her eyes.  She had a previous facelift and eyelid surgery years before but was unhappy with the results.  Dr Lazzaro used fat from her abdomen and did a fat transfer to lower lids, midface and did a phenol peel around her mouth as well as a full facelift.

AGE  61      HEIGHT   5’ 6”      WEIGHT   132

PROCEDURES   Fat transfer to lower lids, midface, Facelift, Phenol Peel perioral