BALTIMORE, MD

What is Fat Grafting?

Facial volume loss is part of the aging process. Fat grafting can help restore facial volume to achieve a long-lasting youthful, natural look. Facial plastic surgeon Dr. Samuel Hahn of the Maryland Center for Facial Plastic Surgery performs fat grafting for patients throughout Baltimore, Towson, Columbia, and surrounding communities.

As we age, the collagen and elastic fibers in our skin and underlying soft tissue weaken, resulting in visible wrinkles and folds. Additionally, loss of bony support and atrophy of fat and muscles result in deep facial lines and a hollowed appearance to the face. Fat grafting or fat transfer is a cosmetic procedure that takes fat from other areas in the body such as the abdomen or thighs, purifies the fat, and injects the fat in areas of volume loss or deepened folds to augment and rejuvenate the face.

This cosmetic surgery can be used to smoothen the deep lines around the mouth and cheeks such as the nasolabial folds or fill in hollowed areas around the eyes, cheeks, or temples. Additionally, fat grafts can add subtle volume around the lips, jawline, chin, and other areas of the face to provide a smoother, youthful appearance. Many patients choose fat grafting surgery as a more permanent alternative to injectable fillers, and it is recommended for areas of larger volume loss.

In addition to filling out wrinkles in the face, the purified fat injections are rich with stem cells that enhance the blood circulation in the tissues resulting in the rejuvenation of the skin in the recipient sites and decreased pigment irregularities caused by sun exposure and the aging process.

The facial fat grafting procedure involves using a liposuction cannula to extract from a donor site (typically the abdomen or other area rich with fat tissues) and the treatment site on the face. The fatty tissue is removed from the donor site via liposuction, and then processed to remove excess fluid and concentrate the stem-cell-rich fat cells.

The purified fat cells are then carefully injected into the designated treatment areas in thin layers. When performed this way, results look more natural and last longer. The amounts of fat will depend on the desired result from the fat transfer procedure or any contour deformities you may have.

It is important to note that the results of fat grafting are not immediately apparent. Some of the fat transferred may be reabsorbed by the body in the weeks following the procedure. However, the remaining fat cells that successfully establish blood supply in the treatment area will provide long-lasting results. As the swelling subsides and the transferred fat settles, you will gradually notice the desired improvements in volume and contour.

Downtime & Recovery

After fat grafting, you can expect some downtime and a recovery period, however, you will be able to continue normal activities after because it is an outpatient procedure.

The extent of downtime will vary depending on the individual and the specific areas treated. It is common to experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort at the donor and treatment sites. These side effects typically subside within a week or two.

During the initial days following the procedure, it is important to take proper care of the treated areas to ensure optimal healing. You will be provided specific instructions on how to clean and care for the incision sites, as well as any medications or creams that may aid in the healing process.