Facial Fat Transfer Candidates

Although facial fat transfer is a very beneficial and versatile procedure, it can't correct every facial imperfection, nor is it the ideal procedure for every patient. The information provided below describes the ideal candidate for the fat injection procedure.

Ideal Fat Transfer Candidates

In general, candidates for fat transfer are adults who would like to diminish or eliminate the appearance of wrinkles, creases, furrows, smile lines or frown lines, marionette lines, or depressions in the face. Fat injection may also be used for lip augmentation. Younger patients may be eligible for fat transfer in some cases.

A fat transfer via injection is also often used in patients who have experienced lipoatrophy, which is loss of the layer of fat in the face that forms the contours of the cheeks and jawline. A fat transfer can fill in the hollow areas and restore pleasing contours to the face.

Those suffering from a facial problem that isn't listed above should still talk to a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon about whether fat injection treatment could help, or whether it would work well as a complement to another facial treatment such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, Radiesse™, and CosmoPlast™.

The safety of the autologous fat transfer technique ensures that there are no restrictions associated with allergies. However, at your first appointment, you should be sure to disclose all of your medical history and current habits such as smoking and use of blood-thinners, medications, birth control pills, or supplements, so that your dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon can accurately determine whether you're a good candidate for fat transfer.

What Areas of the Face Can Be Treated with Fat Injections?

The facial areas that can be improved with fat injection treatment include creases in the forehead or in between the eyebrows, and hollows under the eyes. Fat injection can also plump up or improve the contour around the nose, the area between the upper lip and the nose, the jawline, and the temples. Indeed, fat transfer can correct scars, sunken or hollow areas, and any place on the face or neck where fat has been lost.

Some of these facial areas need only one fat injection for noticeable and long-lasting improvement, whereas others will require more than one fat transfer to be adequately corrected.

Fat Injections vs. Other Dermal Fillers

The most important difference between autologous fat injection and other types of dermal fillers is that fat transfer doesn't introduce a foreign material into the body. This aspect of fat transfer is particularly beneficial for people who are allergic or sensitive to products such as collagen or Hylaform® .

Another factor that sets facial fat injection apart from other dermal fillers is the length of time that the volume enhancement provided by a fat transfer lasts. Generally, the effects of fat injection can last from several months to two years or more. In some cases, the effects last indefinitely. By contrast, dermal fillers that contain hyaluronic acid, such as Restylane®, break down and disappear over the course of several months, making additional treatments necessary.

Find a Plastic Surgeon near You

If you have a facial imperfection that could benefit from the volume enhancement provided by fat injection treatment, or if you've experienced lipoatrophy and need extensive fat transfer, use DocShop to find a dermatologist near you with whom you can discuss this safe, natural procedure.