What is facial fat transfer?

By Dr. José Villamarín.

In this series of blogs on facial fat transfer that we started today, we present a series of frequently asked questions and answers about facial fat transfer or facial lipofilling so that you no longer have doubts. Know and understand this rejuvenation procedure that Dr. Villamarín uses alone or in combination with face lifts, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or other facial procedures.

Why do you need facial fat transfer?

If you have ever thought about “my cheekbones are sinking” or “my lips are no longer what they were” or “my eyes are sadder” or “I can’t handle the wrinkles anymore every time I put on makeup,” you are in the right place: you need urgent and effective action, such as FACIAL FAT TRANSFER.

But what is facial fat transfer?

Facial lipofilling, facial lipotransfer or facial fat transfer, is a procedure in which fat is extracted from one area of the body (thighs, abdomen or other sites) and then injected into another area, such as the face, neck or hands.

Why does our face change and perhaps we need facial fat transfer?

There are many reasons why the face loses its smoothness and freshness. It is usually the result of the passage of time, but it can also occur due to rapid weight changes, illnesses, accidents, diet, alcohol consumption, tobacco or exposure to the sun.

What are the benefits of facial fat transfer?

Injecting autologous fat (that is, your own fat) has several advantages.

Firstly, the risk of rejection is minimal because the patient’s own fat, their own fat cells or adipocytes are used to add volume.

On the other hand, the presence of a select group of cells in the extraction, called stem cells from the fat itself, favors the regeneration, shine and smoothness of the skin.

The procedure is quick and usually without complications.

It can be personalized according to the patient’s wishes or needs and choose the areas to treat or avoid.

In the extraction phase, the area of origin of the fat can also be treated.

It can be performed alone or combined with other procedures that Dr. Villamarín performs on the face.

The postoperative period is comfortable, simple and painless.

The results obtained are long-lasting, more persistent than with artificial substances used in aesthetic medicine.

Why is preoperative assessment so important in facial fat transfer?

Dr. Villamarín evaluates each case individually. Based on his experience and current technology, he decides together with the patient the anesthesia to be used, the volume necessary to inject, the areas that require intervention, as well as the type of fat to be injected among the several that Dr. Villamarín processes, purifies or enriches. In addition, all doubts, benefits, risks, alternatives, complementary or main procedures to be combined, the patient’s expectations and realistic objectives to be achieved are discussed in depth.

What steps does facial fat transfer have?

There is a phase of extraction from the area chosen as the source of the fat, another phase of processing the fat and a final phase of transfer to the place chosen as the destination of the fat. It is usually performed under local anesthesia, with or without sedation.

How is surgery performed?

First, a specific local anesthesia for fat transfer is applied to the patient, with or without sedation, depending on each case.

Next comes the extraction phase, in which the fat is extracted from the area of the body chosen in the preoperative evaluation. To do this, Dr. Villamarín and his team use different personalized technologies for each patient. In general, special cannulas are used that avoid destroying and minimize damage to fat cells, and special aspiration mechanisms that are minimally invasive for the patient and safe for the fat that is extracted.

Then Dr. Villamarín processes and purifies the fat with the best procedures and thus obtain different optimized products, to move on to the last step, which is the injection through microcannulas in the chosen areas.

How long does facial fat transfer surgery last?

Depending on the size of the area to be treated, the procedure can last between one and two hours.

What is the postoperative period for facial fat transfer like?

As the needles used are quite fine, there are usually no visible scars.

It is normal for the injected area to have bruises in the days following the intervention. On the other hand, in the area where the fat was extracted, it is recommended to wear a compression garment.

When are the results seen in facial fat transfer?

After a week after the treatment you will begin to see the results. However, the definitive effect will be seen after six months. After this time the surgeon can evaluate whether it is necessary to perform another intervention or not.

Are there marks or scars after facial fat transfer?

When small thickness cannulas are used, there are no visible scars in either the donor area or the recipient area.

Are the results of facial fat transfer definitive?

Although the body absorbs some of the fat, the results are quite long-lasting (years). However, it depends on the patient’s habits and characteristics whether these are definitive or not. The results after facial fat transfer may vary depending on factors such as rapid weight changes, type of diet, alcohol consumption or tobacco.

Do you want to know more about facial fat transfer?

In the next blogs about facial fat transfer we will go into details and answer more questions about the exciting world of facial lipofilling. See you soon!

If you directly want more information, do not hesitate to contact Dr. José Villamarín for an appointment in person or through his online consultation. Thank you.