Autologus Fat Transfer
A patient’s own fat can be harvested, purified, and prepared for reinjection to areas of the face in a procedure known as micro-lipoinjection, autologous fat transfer, or fat grafting. A facial fat transfer can be performed alone, or in conjunction with another cosmetic surgery or synthetic dermal fillers. Restoring volume to the face through this procedure is considered favorable for patients in many ways.
No Rejection of the Material
As stated above, the patient serves as the donor of fat, which is then redistributed via injection to areas that have been depleted of the tissue. This form of dermal filler is considered to be among the safest techniques because there is no risk for the patient’s body to reject the fat as foreign. There is always the chance a patient may be sensitive to synthetic cosmetic injections.
Fat Removal
The fat used in the procedure is typically removed through liposuction from donor sites such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, or buttocks, which can be beneficial to these areas. While a full liposuction procedure is the best option for patients seeking to slim areas of their body, a fat transfer can provide modest slimming to the harvest site, depending on how much fat is required for reinjection. A mini cannula is used to suction the fat, which can then be injected into the face, hands, and depressions that exist in the skin, such as scar sites.
A Natural Look
Fat is a natural source of volume, and when injected into the treatment site it functions as an insulator. Atop the sunken areas of muscle and tissues below the skin, the fat provides a uniform way to plump the skin. While the surgeon may first over-correct the area to ensure a successful transfer, the end results appear youthful and natural.
Long-Term Results
While cosmetic injections such as Restylane® or Radiesse® must be repeated on a semi-annual or annual basis, fat injections integrate with other tissues at the recipient site and form a permanent subdermal cushion. The renewed fat source may deplete naturally over several years, but the procedure allows the patient to delay more invasive surgeries, such as a facelift. There is minimal maintenance associated with fat cosmetic injections.
Minimally Invasive
While a minor surgery is required to harvest the fat, the mini cannula creates less injury to the patient’s body. After undergoing a facial fat transfer, there will be less recovery time than with a more invasive facial plastic surgery. Patients can benefit from excellent results that they enjoy more quickly than if they had undergone other procedures.
About the Doctor
Dr. Rubinstein has remained a sought-after facial plastic surgeon in the Hudson Valley for over a decade-and-a-half, specializing in esthetic laser procedures, facial plastic surgery, nasal, and sinus disorders. The doctor has been able to combine his healing and scientific principles for each patient. The doctor is certified through the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, is a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery, and is an Assistant Professor at New York Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. Call 845-863-1772 today to learn more.
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