Facial/Face Fat Transfer (Microlipoinjection)

If you have considered undergoing a facial rejuvenation procedure but don't think you're ready for a facelift and are tired of fillers you may want to consider facial fat transfer. This injection method of facial fat sculpting, also called microlipoinjection, can restore attractive contours to your cheeks, chin, eyebrow area are and temples. If you have loss of volume to your face this is a more permanent way to improve your facial contours with out the worry of developing a rejection to foreign fillers like silicone and PMMA.

What Is Facial Microlipoinjection/Autologous Fat Transfer?

Microlipoinjection, also called autologous fat transfer, is a procedure in which an individual's own body fat is used to plump up sunken or emaciated areas of the face or to add volume where desired. The word "autologous" simply refers to the use of one's own tissues or fat. Because the patient's own fat is used, autologous fat transfer requires three steps. The first step involves the gentle liposuction some excess fat (such as that found in the jowls, abdomen, thighs, or buttocks). The second step involves the isolation and cleansing of the fat cells. The third and final step involves the injection of the fat cells into the targeted facial areas (i.e., the fat cell transplantation).

Am I a Candidate for Facial Fat Injections?

Facial fat injections can eliminate aspects of facial volume loss that often appear with age, such as sunken cheeks, wasting at the temples, scars, wrinkles and furrows, and hollows in the face (such as under the eyes or under the cheekbones). The procedure is performed under local anesthesia in our AAAHC accredited facility located in our building. Expect that you will require 2-3 treatments to get the results that you like. The reason for the multiple treatments is that the fat cells are about 60-80% viable after injection so that you may expect a small volume decrease in the amount of fat that is injected. If you are satisfied with your appearance after the first treatment we can stop right there!

Risks of Fat Transfer

Facial fat sculpting offers several major benefits. In addition to correcting problems of the aging face, autologous fat transfer is natural. The material used is not from an animal, or a cadaver, or a synthetic product. It's also versatile; the fat can be used for many facial imperfections, including scars and depressions in the skin. The effects of facial fat sculpting are very long-lasting - facial fat injections last significantly longer than cosmetic injectables and facial fat sculpting is safe, since there are no allergic reactions or abscess formations to worry about, because the fat transplantation is from your own body.

Microlipoinjection is also an excellent complement to facial resurfacing procedures, such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, Botox, Thermage and Lipodissolve. The risks of fat transfer/fat injection are few and minimal. Soreness and swelling are possible, but they're not commonly experienced. The donor site may be sore and slightly bruised. We will go over all these issues thoroughly during consultation.

Further Questions?

If you have further questions about facial fat transfer, such as whether it's appropriate for your unique facial rejuvenation needs, or how it compares with other facial filler procedures, please come in for a consultation. Call us at 516 801 1106.