What is a Fat Injection?
Facial aging is the result of several factors including loss of facial soft tissue volume. As we age, we often develop a hollowing of the face and experience deflation of the apples of our cheeks. Fat injections can be used to restore this fullness and soften wrinkles to truly refine the face and set back the clock. As soft tissue fillers have become more commonly used, many patients have sought a more permanent solution. By using their own tissue, the portion of the fat that “takes” is permanent. Another advantage of using fat to restore facial volume is that the fat is removed from places you don’t want it. Areas of concern throughout the body can be treated with liposuction to harvest the fat which is then carefully prepared and injected into the face. What could be better than a beautiful face and a smaller waist all with one procedure? Facial fat grafting can also be used as the perfect complement to a facelift or other facial aesthetic procedures.
Dr. Shaddix and Shelley are great! They are very laid back. Dr. Shaddix has a fantastic \"bedside manner.\" As with any procedure, I was very nervous but Dr. Shaddix takes his time and makes sure all your questions are answered and concerns addressed. I am very pleased with my results. Highly recommend!”
Read Patient ReviewsYour Customized Fat Injection
The placement of your injections and the number of injections that you need will depend on your concerns and where you’re at in the aging process. For folds and wrinkles, several injections will be placed to evenly fill in wrinkles and create a smoother, younger appearance. Fat injections can also be placed in the lips, around the eyes, or in the cheek area to give a more defined appearance. Your treatment plan will include customizations depending on your facial structure, signs of aging, and aesthetic goals. The fat injection can also be added to another procedure like the facelift for optimal results.
The Procedure
You will be able to go home the same day as your facial fat injections unless performed with other procedures such as a facelift. The procedure is done in two steps. First, the troublesome fat is removed from the body part of your choosing, typically the abdomen or thighs, using liposuction techniques. A highly specialized technique is used to harvest the fat to preserve the integrity of the fat cells and allow them to survive once transplanted to the face. In the second stage, the fat is prepared and purified. Then, it is strategically injected precisely into the areas of the face where volume is needed. Dr. Shaddix takes great care to ensure that the new facial contour is natural and doesn’t appear “done.” The fat is injected through very small incisions completely hidden within the base of the nose and corners of the mouth.
Recovery After Fat Injection
The recovery after liposuction for fat injection is generally quick and comfortable. A week of rest is advised, though you may return to work within a few days. There will likely be some bruising of both the face and the areas where the fat was harvested which resolves over the course of a few days. You may need to wear a compression garment to get the best result from the area of the body that underwent liposuction. You will have mild discomfort after surgery which can be well controlled with the medication prescribed by Dr. Shaddix. As with all surgery at Shaddix Plastic Surgery, you will be given detailed before-and-after surgery instructions, and Dr. Shaddix will be available to answer questions and guide you along the way.
