Fat Transfer (face)

Overview

Fat transfer is a process in which fat is harvested from one part in the body (usually thighs or tummy) and transferred to other part of the body (for examples the cheek, temple, hand etc.). As the body ages, fat under the skin undergoes atrophy and the volume gradually diminishes. The cheek looks sunken and the temple appears hollow. The remaining fat also migrates downward due to the pull of gravity, causing appearance of various lines and folds such as tear trough, nasolabial fold and marionette line in the face. The face looks haggard and lost the suppleness of a youthful face.

Duration of Procedure

2 -4 hours

Objectives

Fat transfer is performed to achieve the following objectives:

• Restore the lost volume of fat in the face

• To improve contour of the face and make the face more radiant

• To imrove the texture of the facial skin


Note: After the surgery part of the transferred fat may be absorbed by the body during the first 6 months. The percentage of fat absorption depends on the technique used and also the patient’s body response to fat transfer. A second procedure may be required in cases where fat absorption is substantial. The fat that stays after 6 months usually will remain permanently.

Procedure

Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia with or without sedation

When to Go Home after Surgery: Go home the same day

Back to Work: 1-3 days for most cases, 5-7 days for larger volume fat transfer

Technique: Fat Transfer involves 3 steps:


1. Fat Harvesting: fat is harvested by using liposuction technique (usually from abdomen or thighs)

2. Fat Separation and purification: harvested fat is separated from blood, body fluid and other unwanted elements

3. Fat Injection: fat is injected into the desired location by using special fat graft cannula and micro injection technique to optimize survival of fat graft.

Preoperative Preparations

• Treat and stabilize any existing medical conditions.

• Stop smoking at least one week before surgery.

• One week before surgery

  - Stop all supplements that contain vitamin E, ginseng, ginko, garlic, fish oil and other ingredients that cause more bleeding during surgery

  - Stop medicine that cause excessive bleeding during operation such as aspirin, NSAIDs and warfarin. However you may first need to consult the physician who prescribed the medicine

Recovery

• Swelling and bruises may be present for several days

• Incisions for fat harvesting and fat injection are tiny (1-3mm). The wounds usually heal well and the scars hardly noticeable

• Avoid deep massage, laser treatment and radiofrequency treatment of the face for 6 months to avoid damage to the fat graft