Fat Transfer to the Face
Fat transfer, also called fat grafting, fat injections or lipofilling, is a cosmetic procedure that uses a person’s own fat to fill in irregularities and grooves in the facial area.
Dr. Cat Begovic is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, California. She is a three-time winner of Best of Beverly Hills Award in the cosmetic surgeons category.
What is Fat Transfer to the Face
Fat Transfer to the Face, also called Fat Grafting to the Face is a cosmetic surgery procedure that uses a person’s own fat to restore youthful volume to the face, fill out hollowing that results from aging or weight loss, and to fill in deep grooves. Fat Transfer to the Face is often combined with Facelift to create an overall more youthful and restored appearance. For younger patients, fat transfer to the face can be used as a filler to accentuate the cheekbones or the midface to create a different shape. Because these are live cells from your body, fat transfer lasts longer than those achieved through the use of traditional fillers like Juvederm, Perlane and Restylane injections. Also because it is your own tissues, the results are softer and more natural looking.
Fat is harvested from a discrete area of the body (belly, thigh, flank) and then transferred to the face through a meticulous layering technique. Because these are live cells from your body, fat transfer lasts longer than those achieved through the use of traditional fillers like Juvederm, Perlane and Restylane injections. Also because it is your own tissues, the results are softer and more natural looking.
Good To Know Before Fat Transfer to the Face Procedure
In your consultation, I will take the time to understand what you hope to achieve as well as do a detailed facial evaluation. As every person’s face is different, we will work together as a team to develop a customized plan to achieve your desired results. As it is important for the face to match the neck, eyes and forehead, we will discuss a comprehensive plan so your entire look is balanced and harmonious.
I will do a detailed consultation, take a complete medical history and conduct a careful examination and develop a customized plan based on your anatomy as well as your aesthetic goals. I consider age, overall health, emotional well being, as well as expectations for surgery when evaluating a candidate for this procedure. Patients who smoke have a significantly higher risk of wound healing problems. I require patients to have stopped smoking for anywhere from 2 months to a year depending on their smoking history before having surgery. To minimize the possibility of excess bleeding, you will need to avoid taking drugs containing aspirin, anti-inflammatories, alcohol, or herbal medications two weeks before surgery. You will receive a complete list of medications to avoid and detailed instructions before surgery. I consider the preparation before surgery and your understanding of how to take care of yourself critical to having the best possible results so myself and my staff will walk you through each part of the process every step of the way.
What Happens During Fat Transfer to the Face
For your comfort and safety, I recommend having fat transfer to the face surgery performed under general anesthesia. It can also be performed under local anesthesia but is much less comfortable for patients. I have developed a special multi-stage technique that creates ideal fat grafts for grafting and produces natural and long lasting results. Fat is harvested through my technique from one or more discrete areas of the body, and then transferred to the face through a meticulous layering technique through well hidden tiny incisions. If it is combined with a facelift, the fat is placed through the facelift incisions so there are no additional incisions necessary. All incisions are meticulously and precisely closed with small sutures and results in a nearly invisible scar. I take extreme pride in my attention to detail with every single step of this surgery.
I believe that every part of the surgical team is essential to having a perfect and smooth surgery so every part of my extended team is focused during surgery, and pays attention to every detail. We will all ensure that as you enter the operating room and are gently placed under anesthesia you will feel relaxed and calm and excited. During the operation we will all be focused on keeping you warm, comfortable, and cared for. During the surgery, I am gentle and and respectful and ensure a positive and calm environment around you. I will also place a numbing solution in your face so you will not feel pain even though you are under anesthesia.
The procedure may take up to 2-4 hours depending on the number of liposuction areas harvested.
Fat Transfer to the Face Recovery & Results: What To Expect
I have developed a special technique that has minimal pain and a quick recovery. If you do have discomfort, tylenol is usually all that’s needed. You will have swelling of your face as well as some bruising but it is usually very minimal. Most of the swelling and bruising resolves in a week and it will take about a month to see the final result. For the areas that were liposuction, the recovery depends on the extent and number of areas that were liposuctioned. Most people resume their normal activities within a week or two. Moderate exercise such as walking or stationary biking is allowed after two week. Vigorous exercise such as jogging or aerobics may be resumed in 4 weeks. You will most likely be able to return to work after 2 weeks, but you will need to avoid any strenuous activity for at least a couple of weeks.
Scars take about a year to completely fade but they will be nearly invisible even in a few weeks. They are extremely small, only a few millimeters. You will start scar treatments at around 2 weeks after surgery. I will discuss scar care in detail with you and also provide you with scar medications and products. You should avoid the sun for months after surgery!
The healing process is fast and relatively easy after this procedure. I pride myself on creating natural looking results that enhance the way you look, but do not create abnormal or obvious changes. You will still look like yourself, just refreshed.
About Dr. Cat
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Cat Begovic is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California. She graduated from Harvard University with Honors in Molecular and Cellular biology. From there she was awarded her medical degree at UCLA, where she also finished two surgical residencies. Dr. Cat has been in private practice since June 2010.
Dr. Cat’s passion for plastic surgery and for women’s transformation, her meticulous attention to detail, and her unique skills have positioned her as a leader in the field of cosmetic surgery.
