Fat Transfer Options for the Face

Have you ever wanted more voluptuous lips or rounder, more youthful looking cheeks? By reshaping facial features to add soft contours, Dr. Constance Barone can enhance your appearance. To add volume to various aspects of the face, we often use fat transfer injections. In some cases, facial fat injections, called microlipoinjections or autologous fat transfers, can replace the need for facial plastic surgery. Dr. Barone can help you decide which type of fat transfer is best suited for your needs, during your personal consultation and exam. To learn more about the fat transfer options for the face, contact our San Antonio, TX practice today.

About the Fat Transfer Procedure

Most often, the fat transfer procedure is performed in the clinician’s office as a day surgery, with local anesthetic for patient comfort. The prefix “auto” in “autologous” means self - thus, the fat we use for this procedure comes from the patient’s body, not a bank or artificial material. We begin with liposuction to acquire autologous fat tissue from a plump area, such as the buttocks or abdomen. Collected fat cells must then be separated in a centrifuge to isolate complete, healthy cells.

Dr. Barone will then inject your fat cells into the target areas of the face. Cells will be placed at various depths beneath the skin to create the desired shape and contours. In some cases, fat transfer to the face may be combined with BOTOX® Cosmetic or Radiesse™ injections for optimal results.

For lip injections, Dr. Barone will make a small, inconspicuous incisions in the corner of the mouth. She places injections into the upper and lower lips through the tiny entry point.

Both the liposuction site and the injection site may be slightly sore. Expect some swelling and bruising for a few days, and use the recommended pain medication to alleviate soreness. Also be certain to follow the postoperative instructions, and call our office if you have any questions. Patients can often resume work and play a few days after their appointment.

Benefits of Fat Transfer

Analogous fat transfer does not introduce new material into the body, thus there are no allergy concerns, as there may be with collagen. Patients who are not eligible for dermal fillers, like Juvederm®, may find an analogous fat transfer to be the best, most long lasting alternative. In some cases, patients enjoy permanent results.

The following cosmetic issues may be addressed with fat transfers:

• Thin lips - Fat transfer can create plumper lips
• Crow’s feet - Fat transfer can remove wrinkles around the eyes
• Smile lines or laugh lines - Fat transfer can minimize wrinkles around the mouth
• Marionette lines - Fat transfer can reduce the lines that run from corners of lips to chin
• Forehead lines - Fat transfer can address lines that are horizontal or vertical (between the eyes)
• Sunken eyes, cheeks - Fat transfer can plump the areas around eyes and cheeks
• Facial depressions - Fat transfer can address indentations that occur naturally or due to aging

• Contact Our Surgery Center to Learn More

Would you like a more youthful appearance, but you aren’t sure about a facelift? Fat transfer for the face is a safe, allergy-free, long lasting solution to add volume to the facial features. In some cases, Dr. Barone suggests combining fat transfer with BOTOX® Cosmetic, chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or other treatments to produce the desired outcome. Contact our office today to learn more about fat transfer options for the face.