Facial Fat Grafting
As we age, our faces undergo significant changes, often becoming less youthful and vibrant. One of the primary reasons for this is the loss of collagen and facial volume. The good news is that there are treatments available, such as facial fat grafting.
Here are five key things to know about facial fat grafting:
What is Facial Fat Grafting?
1. Understanding Facial Volume Loss and Aging
As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and firmness due to decreased collagen production. Additionally, the fat pads that provide youthful volume to the face diminish, leading to a sunken appearance.
This combination of reduced collagen and lost fat contributes to the development of wrinkles and sagging.
2. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers vs Fat Grafting
A popular method to address facial volume loss is through hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. HA fillers add volume when injected into targeted areas. While HA fillers are effective and offer fast results, they typically need to be replenished every 8-12 months, which translates to multiple vials of HA filler.
Facial Fat grafting, also known as autologous fat transfer, uses your own fat to restore volume. This method involves harvesting fat from areas of excess on the body — such as the love handles, outer thighs, or abdomen. Once the fat is collected, it is processed and concentrated before being injected into the face. Fat grafting often provides longer-lasting results compared to temporary fillers.
3. The Fat Harvesting and Concentration Process
Fat grafting starts with liposuction to collect fat from donor areas from the body. This procedure is generally performed under local anaesthesia to minimise discomfort and facilitate faster recovery. Once the fat is harvested, it undergoes a concentration process to refine it. This step removes excess fluids and impurities, resulting in a concentrated fat mixture with a higher density of active fat cells.
These concentrated fat cells are crucial for the success of the fat grafting procedure. They promote the regeneration of new cells and enhance the renewal of skin cells. This process not only helps to restore lost facial volume but also improves the quality and elasticity of the skin.
4. The Procedure and Survival Rate of Fat Cells
Once the concentrated fat is ready, it is carefully injected into specific areas of the face, such as the cheeks, under-eye area, temples, and forehead. This procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, making it relatively comfortable and minimises downtime.
It’s important to note that not all injected fat cells will survive the transfer. The survival rate of fat cells varies, generally ranging from 50 to 80 percent. This means that while some of the transplanted fat may be absorbed by the body, the surviving fat cells will integrate into the surrounding tissue and provide long-term volume renewal.
Once the fat cells have established themselves, they can persist for many years. Most patients find they may only need a follow-up session every four to five years to maintain their results. This longevity is one of the key advantages of facial fat grafting over temporary fillers.
5. Additional Benefits of Fat Grafting
In addition to rebuilding lost facial volume, facial fat grafting offers several other benefits. The presence of regenerative cells within the fat can improve skin quality. This means that, alongside enhancing volume, fat grafting can make the face appear fresher and more vibrant, addressing both volume loss and skin aging in one procedure.
Overall, fat grafting to the face is a versatile and effective treatment for those looking to rejuvenate their appearance. By utilising the body’s own fat, this procedure not only restores lost volume but also enhances skin quality and supports long-term results. If you are considering fat grafting, consult a qualified aesthetics doctor to discuss your goals and determine if this treatment is right for you.
