Restoring Youthful Facial Contours at AW Plastic Surgery
Though some of the visible signs of aging are caused by collagen depletion within the skin, changes in fat distribution and muscle composition also play a role. Facial fat grafting can restore youthful facial contours and smooth out wrinkles by replacing fat lost during the aging process.
The Role of Fat Distribution in Aging
As we get older, fat on the body gradually becomes more centralized. Fat deposits on the face shrink, while the amount of fat located on the abdomen increases. For this reason, mature individuals often notice that they look thinner in the face than they used to. These changes occur even in the absence of weight gain and persist with weight loss.
The way facial fat is structured changes over time, too. When we’re young, fat pads in the cheeks, temples, forehead, and orbital region provide uniform support for the face. As we age, these fat pads slowly slide downwards; in some cases, they also start to clump together. This can create hollows around the eyes and under the cheeks; it also contributes to the presence of jowls and submental fullness (a “double chin”). In areas where fat distribution is sparse, wrinkles and creases appear because there is no longer enough fat to fill out existing skin.
The way facial fat is structured changes over time, too. When we’re young, fat pads in the cheeks, temples, forehead, and orbital region provide uniform support for the face. As we age, these fat pads slowly slide downwards; in some cases, they also start to clump together. This can create hollows around the eyes and under the cheeks; it also contributes to the presence of jowls and submental fullness (a “double chin”). In areas where fat distribution is sparse, wrinkles and creases appear because there is no longer enough fat to fill out existing skin.
The Role of Fat Transfer in Anti-Aging
As a national trainer for Galderma, Dr. Wilson frequently uses injectable dermal fillers (like Juvéderm® and Restylane®) for volume enhancement. However, while these treatments are safe, convenient, and completely noninvasive, some patients desire a more long-lasting solution for facial hollows and wrinkles. Facial fat grafting provides this solution by permanently redistributing fat deposits.
Fat transfer has a number of other unique benefits, too. Fat often contains stem cells, and the growth factors within these cells can increase collagen production. This makes the skin in treated areas firmer, smoother, and more supple. Fat transfer is likewise an excellent choice for those patients who are allergic to dermal fillers as it poses no risk of allergic reaction.
To perform a fat transfer to the face procedure, Harvard-educated plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Wilson uses liposuction to harvest fat from the patient’s body. Patients can choose to have fat removed from an area of the body that they want slimmed, such as the abdomen, flanks, back, or thighs. In this way, facial fat grafting can also serve as a body contouring procedure.
Once Dr. Wilson has removed the patient’s unwanted fat, he processes it in a centrifuge. This purifies the fat without damaging it, readying it for injection into the face. After the fat has been injected into the patient’s facial hollows and creases, it integrates with existing adipose tissue and becomes a permanent part of the patient’s facial anatomy.
Facial fat grafting can be used on its own, or it can be incorporated into facelift surgery. Patients who show signs of advanced skin laxity often benefit greatly from combining these two complementary procedures. When you come in for a consultation, Dr. Wilson will examine your facial structure and help you develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs.
What to Expect During Recovery From Fat Transfer
Most patients feel better just three to five days after having this minimally invasive procedure. Symptoms of residual swelling and bruising can last for two to three weeks. Most patients take about one week off of work after their fat transfer, then use makeup to cover any remaining bruising.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Facial Fat Grafting?
Fat transfer patients must be in good overall health and be willing to give up smoking (if they smoke) for at least three weeks before and after their procedure. Fat transfer patients must also have a healthy percentage of body fat. Very thin individuals may not have enough fat to safely harvest for injection. If this is the case, Dr. Wilson will recommend you instead use dermal fillers, especially Sculptra®, to treat wrinkles, hollows, and creases.
Arrange a Facial Fat Grafting Consultation in Portsmouth
If you would like to learn more about how fat transfer to the face can combat the visible signs of aging, contact AW Plastic Surgery at (603) 294-4526. During your one-on-one consultation, Dr. Wilson will help you understand your options and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Schedule a Consultation
From Breast Augmentation to Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty and everything in-between, Board-Certified plastic surgeon Anthony Wilson, MD, FACS offers a wide range of procedures at his Portsmouth, NH office. If you are interested in booking a procedure, take the next step by scheduling a consultation today.
Meet Dr. Wilson
Anthony Wilson, MD, FACS has vast experience performing facial, body, and reconstructive procedures. After receiving an undergraduate degree from Harvard University and completing training with a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Wilson has continued to improve his technique to ensure the best results possible. Learn More about Anthony Wilson, MD, FACS and why you should choose the Board-Certified plastic surgeon for your next procedure in the Seacoast Region.