Fat Transfer

30’s and older; replaces areas of volume loss like cheekbones and under-eyes with your own body fat to create a more youthful appearance

Fat Transfer Facial Plastic Surgery Beverly Hills 1

Aging can cause portions of the face to atrophy allowing them to sag and seem deflated. As an alternative to injectable fillers, your own body fat can be used to smooth and plump areas of the face giving you a rejuvenated, more youthful appearance. Body fat can be removed from the abdomen and hips and transferred to areas that have lost volume over time such as the cheeks and temples.

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

  • Excess fat in abdomen or hips

  • 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 fat 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 fat 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. Fat 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 surgery, 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 incision hidden within the umbilicus (belly button) or through tiny incisions over the side of the hip. Dissolvable sutures are used to close the incisions, and therefore, do not need to be removed. 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 fat transfer may also benefit from a lower facelift, blepharoplasty, browlift and midface lift procedure. Other complementary procedures include Botox injections and laser skin resurfacing.

SCHEDULE A PERSONALIZED, CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION:

Please contact Dr. Jason Champagne 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 fat transfer or any other procedure we offer.