Fat Injections

Fat injections represent another excellent option for minimally invasive rejuvenation of the face and body. Facial wrinkles and creases are a natural part of the aging process. Wrinkles begin to appear as the underlying collagen and elastin fibres break down and wear out. While this breakdown is a part of the aging process, it can also result from excessive squinting, frowning and smiling. Genetics and sun exposure also play a role.
Injectable collagen, Restylane, Perlane, Artecoll and fat are the most frequently used materials for filling facial wrinkles and frown lines. Fat injections are also an excellent option to fill contour irregularities on any part of the body.

Fat injections plump up facial features with the patient’s own fat and is a popular alternative to other wrinkle treatments. Fat transfer to the face is a safe, natural, non-allergenic procedure designed to recontour your face and can provide definition to your cheeks and chin. It can also be used to correct some facial deformities. With fat transfer, it is possible to have fat removed from one part of the body and then transferred to the area of treatment.

Before Treatment

At your initial consultation, the doctor will review all relevant details including anesthesia, the procedure, incisions, pre/post operative care and results. A second visit will then be arranged to do a general exam and bloodwork and take photographs.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

The best candidates for fat injections are people 18 years of age or older who are in good health and have realistic expectations. They must understand that the goal is to improve their overall appearance. Your age, skin type, ethnicity, degree of skin elasticity, individual healing, and bone structure are important factors. Patients will be advised to avoid smoking, taking aspirin, and other anti-inflammatory medications in the post-operative period.

Treatment

The surgery is performed in our fully equipped surgery center under intravenous sedation and local anesthesia. The patient sleeps comfortably through the procedure, and wakes up in the recovery room without the ill affects of a general anesthetic. Usually, the surgery lasts up to an hour and a half.

Both the area from which the fat is taken and the treatment site are injected with a local anesthetic with intravenous sedation. Using a small needle attached to a syringe, fat is removed from a donor site where your fat is most tightly packed, such as your abdomen or your buttocks. The site of fat removal is then covered with a compression bandage.

Once removed, your fat is processed to remove excess fluids and the re-injected using another needle, which is placed under your skin beneath the wrinkle. This process may be repeated until the desired correction has been achieved.

Harvesting fat cells for re-injection is often performed in conjunction with other procedures, such as liposuction, tummy tuck or cosmetic breast surgery. When fat is harvested during another procedure, it is often possible for your surgeon to harvest a larger amount of fat, then freeze and store your fat for future injections.

After The Surgery

Patients are up and walking immediately following fat injection. Any discomfort following the procedure can be controlled with medication. Swelling and redness at the treatment site may last 4-5 days. There also may be some bruising, which can be covered with make-up. Your initial injection should last 2-3 months. Over the first few months about 65% of the fat is absorbed by your body. The remaining 35% will usually stay in place for years. For results that will last years, patients usually receive 4 treatments over a 1-year period.
Patients are advised to take 5 days off work for the procedure.

The Results

Every year, thousands of patients undergo fat injections to produce a more harmonious and well-contoured appearance. Patients are extremely happy because the results can last up to 2-3 years, is very cost effective, and there is minimal risk of an allergic reaction. If you are interested in fat injection, please contact our office to book a complimentary private physician consultation.