Micro Fat and Nano Fat Transfer

20’S AND OLDER; FACIAL VOLUMIZATION AND REJUVENATION, IMPROVES TEXTURE, ELASTICITY, AND GLOW OF THE SKIN

Fat Transfer Facial Plastic Surgery Beverly Hills 1

As we age, the structure and elasticity of our skin weakens, which forms fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of volume in the face. Microfat and Nanofat transfers or grafting can be effective in skin rejuvenation to increase vascularization, collagen production, and nerve and tissue regeneration. This leaves the skin looking younger, fuller and more hydrated. These transfers, a more advanced and specific process of a fat transfer procedure, can help improve and refine areas with fine lines and wrinkles and add volume to the face like hollowed cheeks and temple areas. The word “nano” or “micro” refers to the very small particles of fat that are emulsified and used for very defined contours of the face like fine lines, wrinkles, temples, tear troughs, or dark circles around the eyes to provide much more refined results than those techniques previously available. Micro and nano fat transfer can also be performed on the nose in the place of fillers for a non-surgical rhinoplasty to correct nasal irregularities.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR FAT TRANSFER?

  • Flattening or hollowing of the cheeks and/or temples

  • Thin lips or lips that have lost volume over time

  • Deep wrinkles around the mouth

  • Volume loss under the eyes causing a tired appearance (dark circles)

  • Nasal irregularities or a hump/bump on the nasal bridge

  • Good physical health

  • Realistic goals and expectations

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION:

Dr. Champagne will review your medical history and perform a physical exam. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past medical conditions. Talk about any medications you are currently taking or have taken recently, as well as any surgeries you have had. It is extremely important to tell us if you are allergic to any medications. To determine your treatment options and candidacy for a nano/microfat transfer, Dr. Champagne will examine and measure areas of your face to determine overall symmetry and balance. In addition, you will take photographs for your medical record. During your consultation, Dr. Champagne will discuss with you your reasons for wanting a transfer procedure and what your expectations are in terms of appearance afterwards. Dr. Champagne then uses your photos combined with computer imaging during your consultation to provide you with a simulation of anticipated results. Nano/Micorfat transfer can be performed both safely and comfortably in either an in-office or operating room setting.  Dr. Champagne will discuss both options with you during your consultation.

PREPARING FOR A FAT TRANSFER PROCEDURE:

Depending on your age and general health, certain preoperative tests may be necessary. We will discuss these with you and be sure that they are performed prior to undergoing surgery. If you are a smoker, Dr. Champagne will recommend that you stop smoking both before surgery and during your recovery period as smoking decreases blood flow in the skin and can slow the healing process. In addition, smoking increases the risk of tissue damage. By stopping smoking, you will improve your ability to heal and optimize your postoperative results. If you need help quitting smoking, we will be happy to assist you. Certain medications will need to be avoided both before and after surgery such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements, which can increase bleeding. We will provide you with a list of all medications to be avoided. For the day of the procedure, you should also make plans for someone to bring you to and from our office or surgical center and stay with you at least the first night afterwards. If a caregiver is not available, or if you prefer to recover in privacy, our office staff will be happy to schedule postoperative care for you with our world-class postoperative care facility.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY?

This procedure is typically performed in conjunction with other procedures such as a facelift but can certainly be performed as a standalone procedure. Facial swelling and bruising usually resolves within two weeks, and any residual bruising can be covered with mineral makeup. Fat is typically taken from the abdomen through a small needle incision hidden within the umbilicus (belly button) or through tiny needle incisions over the side of the hip. Because the incisions are made with small needles, sutures (stitches) are not necessary. Mild to moderate bruising and soreness should be expected over the abdomen or hips which resolves over 7 to 10 days.

OTHER BENEFICIAL PROCEDURES:

Those patients who undergo microfat or nanofat transfer may also benefit from a necklift, blepharoplasty, browlift, and midface lift procedure. Other complementary procedures include Botox injections and laser skin resurfacing.

SCHEDULE A PERSONALIZED, CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION:

Please contact our office to schedule a personalized, confidential consultation with our facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Jason Champagne. During your consultation, Dr. Champagne will address your goals and answer any questions you may have regarding microfat and nanofat transfers or any other procedure we offer.