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Facial Fat Transfer Dr. Rotemberg

Transferring fat to the face from another part of the body is one of the easiest and most effective ways to create a rejuvenated appearance and reignite a youthful glow. The face says a lot about one’s image, and liking what you see in the mirror can go a long way toward building self-esteem. With modern technology, it is easier than ever to correct facial issues utilizing the facial fat transfer procedure; it is a minimally invasive and straightforward way to plump up facial features and regain a youthful appearance. This is a safe, well-tolerated, long-lasting procedure that provides wonderfully natural-looking results.

If you are interested in facial fat transfer, schedule a consultation with Dr. Silvia Rotemberg today. Dr. Rotemberg is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and her team at Rotemberg Plastic Surgery has a reputation for success in the Miami area. We can help you achieve the results you desire so you can live a life of youth and beauty. If you have any questions about our practice, Dr. Rotemberg, our procedures, or more, please call our South Miami office today at (305) 274-5170.

About Facial Fat Transfer

Fat transplantation is a relatively new procedure in plastic surgery, but doctors worldwide now prefer this method for rejuvenation and enhancement procedures. Many doctors see autologous fat (a patient’s body fat) as the ideal filler material because of its biocompatibility, ready availability, and the added benefit of reducing fat in one area to supplement another. (1)

When liposuction became popular in the 1980s, fat transplantation also found its place in treating a variety of facial deficits. Today, fat transfer is used to address a wide array of problems, including facial scarring, facial rhytids (sagging skin), and lip augmentation, as well as to treat difficult areas such as the glabellar furrows and nasolabial folds (the folds from the corners of your mouth to your nose).

Facial fat transfer goes by many names—microlipoinjection, facial fat rejuvenation, autologous fat grafting or transfer, fat transfer, free fat transfer, and fat injections—but all are a process of removing fat from one part of the body and placing it in another part. The fat can be placed at many sites, including the nasolabial folds (laugh lines), cheeks, lips, marionette lines (lines beside the mouth), and under the eyes.

Over the years, the procedure has been honed and refined, and today we are seeing excellent, lasting results. Many factors can affect how the body accepts filler fat, including how the fat is treated and concentrated, how the doctor removes it, how much you have injected and where, and how quickly your body heals. Dr. Rotemberg is always working to improve existing procedures and discover new techniques for facial fat transfer procedures.

Benefits

Although fat grafting can be performed on numerous facial areas, the most common include the temples, under the eyes, jawline, cheeks chin, lips, tear troughs under the eyes, and the area just above the nose and between the brows. Fat grafting can also help minimize facial scars and correct damage from acne. This simple procedure can naturally augment all of these areas, as long as the graft site has enough blood circulation to enable the injected fat cells to form their blood supply.

Fat transfers will make the recipient sites appear fuller and softer and give you a new refreshed and rejuvenated appearance. Many patients see improvement in their skin texture. Dr. Rotemberg’s patients also experience:

  • Quick Recoveries: Dr. Rotemberg performs facial fat transfer procedures carefully to reduce your recovery time and promote healthy, fast healing.
  • Customizable Procedures: Your facial fat transfer is planned to meet your expectations, no matter how ambitious your goals may be.
  • Eliminated Wrinkles: Increasing the mass beneath your skin with fat transfers will cause your skin to stretch to compensate for added surface area, thus reducing wrinkles and fine lines to give you a younger appearance.
  • Fuller Face: Fat transfers increase the amount of tissue beneath your skin, eliminating an aged, hollow look.
  • Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem: We will help you reverse the effects of aging so you can be proud of your new youthful appearance and live a happy life with confidence and beauty.

Candidates

If you are looking to minimize the appearance of laugh and frown lines, facial depressions, and wrinkles, then you are likely a good candidate for the procedure. If you have been diagnosed with lipoatrophy (loss of fat layer in the face that forms cheek and jaw contours), this could present a way to refill the hollow areas, which can take years off your face.

Patients must be in good health to undergo a facial fat transfer procedure. Ideal candidates do not smoke or are willing to quit, do not have any medical conditions that could cause complications, and follow Dr. Rotemberg’s preparation and recovery instructions closely.

Personal Consultation

If you think fat grafting is for you, schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Rotemberg to talk about the technique and the results you would like to achieve. Please be ready to discuss your personal medical history, including past surgeries, chronic conditions, and any major illnesses you have experienced. Prepare your questions ahead of time so that you can make an informed decision and find the information you need. Dr. Rotemberg will discuss all of your options with you and you will collaborate to create a plan that meets your needs. She will carefully review everything that will take place and address any of your concerns. We will work with you on your aesthetic goals, discuss any risks regarding the procedure, and what you can expect as far as recovery, as well as provide an estimate of the cost.

Preparation

Each patient receives an information packet detailing how to prepare for the procedure. It may include a list of medications you should take before the procedure, as well as those to avoid (usually anything containing ibuprofen or aspirin). Make sure you alert Dr. Rotemberg about all medications you take, including vitamins and herbal supplements. In addition, you will be asked to complete blood tests before the procedure.

Procedure

Dr. Rotemberg collects a few ounces of fat from your abdomen or another donor site via liposuction. Once the fat is properly prepared, she utilizes an instrument called a micro-cannula to artistically inject fat into the targeted facial areas. The stem cells from fat grow in this new area and become a part of the tissue in this new location. (2)

There are two “sites” in a fat transfer procedure; donor and treatment. The donor site is where the fat is taken from, and the treatment is where it is going. Typically, patients do well on an oral sedative and injections of epinephrine, sterile saline, and lidocaine. If you are undergoing liposuction, Dr. Rotemberg will administer intravenous sedation. Popular sites for fat removal (the area will be treated with a local anesthetic) include the abdomen or buttocks.

Recovery

Recovery time takes about two hours after the completion of the procedure, during which time our professional, caring staff will monitor you. Patients do not have too much pain or discomfort, although both the donor and treatment site will likely be very tender.

Most patients report that they are back to work within a week, but sometimes the procedure can require up to two weeks of rest. Strenuous activities should be avoided for a couple of weeks, and patients should closely follow Dr. Rotemberg’s post-treatment instructions. Avoid makeup for a couple of days and try to immobilize the treated area. The more stable you keep it, the better the fat cells can reimplant.

Patients will only need to follow up with Dr. Rotemberg 6-8 weeks after treatment, but Dr. Rotemberg is known for her personalized care and will continue to check on you during this entire period. Above all else, refrain from touching your face as much as possible. Doing so will increase the risk of infection in the treatment sites. It is also important to remember that you will be healing in two locations: your treatment site and your donor graft site. Keep the graft site clean and treat it with topical antibiotic ointment.

Results

Facial Fat Transfer Dr. Rotemberg

The amount of fat that can be absorbed back into the body after this procedure is anywhere from 10-90%. Some patients might need more than one treatment, but typical results of fat grafting can last from 3 months to 3 years depending on the individual. If the injected fat establishes a new blood supply and receives the nourishment it needs for survival, the results may be permanent.

Dr. Rotemberg is an experienced, skilled surgeon with outstanding skills in fat grafting, ensuring that the fat survives and the results are long-lasting. To help improve the results and make them last longer, you should wear sunblock, exercise regularly, stay well-hydrated, get enough sleep, do not smoke, avoid processed foods, and eat a healthy diet.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

We offer a variety of surgical rejuvenation procedures that work well with facial fat transfer, including:

Facelift

Some patients’ skin may require more than what a fat transfer can accomplish. For these patients, we recommend a facelift, also known as rhytidectomy. These procedures reverse the effects of facial aging by removing excess skin and tightening the underlying tissue. With this tightened and reduced skin, patients experience a new, youthful appearance that is long-lasting. (3)

Neck Lift

Facial aging can have effects beyond just the face. As our skin begins to droop, our cheeks, the skin below the chin, and our necks also experience sagging, ptotic skin. Neck lifts are very similar to facelifts and other surgical rejuvenation procedures. Dr. Rotemberg will remove the excess skin below the chin, around the neck, and more, to create a younger appearance that is free of wrinkles, jowls, and skin droop. (4)

Other Facial Rejuvenation Procedures

No matter how the effects of aging have altered your appearance, we have a procedure that can help you reignite a youthful glow and give you a natural, young appearance you can be proud of. Many patients will experience sagging skin around their eyes and on their foreheads. These can be addressed with eyelid surgery and brow lift procedures. Dr. Rotemberg also offers procedures to rejuvenate the body, breasts, and more.

Cost of Facial Fat Transfer in Miami

The price of a facial fat transfer is dependent on the goals of your treatment, how much fat will be transferred, and more. If you incorporate other procedures into your treatment, this will also affect costs. When you meet with Dr. Rotemberg to plan your procedure, you will receive a quote for your treatment. Financing options are available. If you have any questions, please call our office in South Miami at (305) 274-5170.

FAQ

How long do facial fat transfer results last?

The results of facial fat transfer can last for several years, though some initial fat may be absorbed by the body.

Can facial fat transfer replace fillers?

While facial fat transfer can provide longer-lasting results, it may not entirely replace fillers. Some patients still opt for touch-up treatments with fillers for maintenance.

Can I get fat transfer combined with other procedures?

Yes! Many patients combine facial fat transfer with other aesthetic procedures like facelifts or eyelid surgery for enhanced rejuvenation.

How do I know if I have enough fat for the procedure?

A thorough evaluation during your consultation will determine if sufficient fat is available for harvesting. Most patients have adequate donor sites for facial fat transfer.

References

  1. Vasavada A, Raggio BS. Autologous Fat Grafting For Facial Rejuvenation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557860/
  2. Shauly O, Gould DJ, Ghavami A. Fat Grafting: Basic Science, Techniques, and Patient Management. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2022;10(3):e3987. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000003987
  3. Yang AJ, Hohman MH. Rhytidectomy. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564338/
  4. Pérez P, Hohman MH. Neck Rejuvenation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562229/