Fat Grafting Procedure
Fat Grafting Overview
Fat grafting is a cosmetic procedure that uses your body’s own fat to restore volume and smooth out facial contours. Commonly used for cheeks, chin, and under-eye areas, this natural alternative to synthetic fillers enhances your facial harmony with long-lasting results. It’s a minimally invasive option that helps restore youthful plumpness, reduce deep wrinkles, and even correct minor facial asymmetries. By using fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs, patients also enjoy subtle body contouring benefits in donor areas. At The Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, our experienced providers ensure precise placement for beautiful, natural-looking outcomes.
How Fat Grafting Works
The fat grafting process begins with gentle liposuction from a donor area such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks. The harvested fat is carefully purified to remove impurities and excess fluid. Once processed, the fat is strategically injected into areas of the face that have lost volume due to aging or weight loss. This layered placement technique ensures even distribution and optimal integration with your natural tissues. The transferred fat establishes a new blood supply, which helps it survive long-term. The result is a smoother, fuller, and more youthful facial appearance with minimal downtime.
Benefits of a Fat Grafting
Fat grafting offers numerous benefits for patients seeking a more youthful and refreshed look. Because it uses your own fat, there’s no risk of allergic reaction or rejection. It’s a dual-benefit procedure—providing volume restoration to the face and contouring the donor area. Results are natural-looking and long-lasting, often considered permanent after initial healing. Fat grafting is ideal for filling deep creases, restoring facial symmetry, and even correcting depressions from scars or previous surgeries. At The Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, our expert surgeons personalize each treatment to align with your unique features and goals.
Permanent Filler
Fat grafting is a permanent filler that can be used to fill crease lines, such as nasolabial folds, that deepen as we age. It can also be used to correct facial deformities.
Fat grafting is performed by removing fat from a donor site (typically from the abdomen just below the umbilicus), processing the fat to remove excess fluids, and then reinjecting the fat just under the skin beneath the wrinkle.
Contact us today to learn if fat grafting is right for you.
Before During and After
What to Expect Before a Fat Grafting
Before your fat grafting procedure in Neenah and Plover, you’ll meet with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss your goals and evaluate your facial structure. We’ll determine suitable donor areas and review your health history. You may be advised to stop smoking and avoid medications like aspirin that can increase bleeding. Pre-procedure instructions will be given to prepare you for a smooth experience and optimal results.
What to Expect During a Fat Grafting
Fat grafting is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. First, fat is gently removed from a donor site via liposuction. The fat is then purified and precisely reinjected into targeted facial areas. The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours depending on the areas being treated. You’ll be monitored during recovery and can return home the same day.
What to Expect After a Fat Grafting
After the procedure, you can expect mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness in both the donor and treatment sites. These side effects typically subside within one to two weeks. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days. You’ll notice initial results immediately, with final outcomes becoming more evident over a few months as the fat integrates. Long-lasting, natural-looking results can be expected with proper care.
FAQs
How is the fat harvested for fat grafting procedures?
A small amount of fat is removed from a donor area, such as the abdomen or thighs, using gentle liposuction techniques.
Can fat grafting improve skin texture or quality?
Yes. Fat grafting can improve skin texture over time by enhancing volume and stimulating natural collagen production.
How much fat survives after it is transferred?
Typically, 50-70% of the transferred fat survives long term. The remaining fat is naturally absorbed by the body.
What’s the difference between nanofat and traditional fat grafting?
Nanofat is processed to a finer consistency and used for skin rejuvenation, while traditional fat grafting restores volume and contour.
How does fat grafting compare to dermal fillers?
Fat grafting provides permanent, natural results, whereas dermal fillers are temporary and may require repeated treatments.
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