Fat Transfer can Make You More Fabulous

Cosmetic beauty is a matter of symmetry. Most of us were give a little too much bulk in one area and not enough in another, throwing off the balance of our physical proportions. With advances in technologies, plastic surgeons now have the ability to bring two extremes into harmony. One way we can do that is through fat transfer.  

Fat transfer, also called fat grafting, is the process of removing fat cells from an overly-bulky area of the body via liposuction, then using them elsewhere. The fat transfer process first began as a reconstructive method performed to correct irregularities caused by congenital or traumatic abnormalities. Today, plastic surgeons use fat not only for facial rejuvenation but for breast and buttocks augmentation, as well. In our practice, fat grafting is used to restore or build better facial contours. 

Facial Fat Transfer Applications

Fat transfer has somewhat taken the place of traditional facial implants in many cases. Using this technique, the surgeon can repair damaged tissue and restore a more youthful facial profile, all with the added benefit of sculpting another area of the body. One of the most common applications is to use fat transfer to enhance the results of a facelift. According to a poll conducted by The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 85% of the surgeons surveyed reported that they performed fat transfer during facelift procedures. 

The facelift procedure manually repositions deeper planes of tissue to correct ptosis and the widening of the lower region of the face. The addition of fat transfer can accentuate the surgical outcome by improving the volume of the higher cheekbone area or even by contouring the brow area to achieve a more lifted appearance. By rounding out the cheekbones with fat, the lower face gets a more profound lifting effect. Injections of fatty tissue can also reduce the appearance of perioral lines, nasolabial folds, and other unwanted creases. 

New Techniques, Better Results

The loss of facial volume is inevitable. Historically, we have dealt with this loss by injecting dermal fillers into depleted areas. While we are certain that some of the fat cells that are transferred will be absorbed by the body, we also know that the percentage of absorption is relatively small. To maximize the outcome of treatment, the surgeon may inject slightly more fat than is needed, careful to use the safest technique that will not disrupt the natural appearance of the face. Unlike dermal fillers that get fully absorbed over time, the integrated fat stays put indefinitely. 

Facial rejuvenation has become even more appealing thanks to processes like fat transfer. To schedule a consultation to learn more, contact us at 801.776.2220. We’re happy to arrange a visit for you to our Draper or Layton location.