Houston‘s Premiere Facial Fat Transfer Plastic Surgeon
Facial fat grafting is a plastic surgery procedure performed by Dr. Rukmini Rednam in Houston and The Woodlands, Texas, that aims to replace facial volume and youthfulness to the face with fat injections. While aging, many patients experience atrophy of facial fat which leads to the sunken and hollow appearance of the cheeks, temples, and under-eye areas. The loss of facial fat also accentuates sagging and wrinkly skin, as volume is an important component of the firm structure of the face.
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Techniques in facial fat grafting
Aesthetic Surgery Journal
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During facial fat grafting, Dr. Rednam removes fat cells from fat-rich areas of the body, concentrates the stem cells, and places the fat into areas of the face where volume is desired. Though facial fat grafting is not for every patient experiencing volume loss in the face, many appreciate this facial rejuvenation option as an alternative to injectable dermal fillers and facial implants—and surgical procedures such as facelift surgery—as facial fat grafting is a minimally invasive procedure that provides natural-looking long-lasting results.
Benefits of Facial Fat Transfer
- Utilizes patient’s own body fat: Facial fat transfer harnesses the patient’s own body fat, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions or rejection.
- Natural-looking results: Transferred fat blends seamlessly with existing facial tissue, creating a natural and harmonious appearance.
- Addresses multiple concerns: Helps combat facial aging by restoring lost volume, filling in wrinkles and hollows, and improving skin texture and tone.
- Minimally invasive option: Compared to traditional cosmetic surgery procedures, facial fat transfer offers a less invasive alternative with shorter recovery times and reduced scarring.
- Long-lasting results: Transferred fat cells can provide lasting results, contributing to a more youthful appearance for years to come.
Preparing For Facial Fat Transfer
Preparing for facial fat transfer procedures with Dr. Rednam in Houston and The Woodlands, TX, is a detailed process aimed at optimizing outcomes and ensuring a comfortable recovery journey. Patients are encouraged to schedule a comprehensive consultation to discuss their aesthetic goals, medical history, and any concerns they may have. During this appointment, a thorough examination will be conducted, and the procedure will be explained in detail. Preoperative instructions will be provided, which may include discontinuing certain medications, abstaining from smoking, and making lifestyle adjustments to support healing. It’s important for patients to arrange transportation for the day of surgery and plan for postoperative care and support during their recovery period. Our dedicated team is committed to offering individualized care and support at every stage, ensuring a safe and satisfying experience for each patient.
Facial Fat Grafting Procedures For Facial Augmentation
There are many areas where facial fat transfer procedures can be used to combat the signs of aging. Some of the areas and/or procedures include
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Autologous Fat Grafting For Facial Rejuvenation
StatPearls Publishing
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:
- Cheek Augmentation
- Chin Augmentation
- Lip Augmentation
- Fill temporal hollows
- Jawline enhancement
- Improve the appearance of nasolabial folds
- Tear troughs
- Reduce the appearance of marionette lines
- Improve facial asymmetry
The Facial Fat Transfer Procedure
Before a facial fat grafting procedure, Dr. Rednam meticulously plans the fat graft injection sites so that patients can see their desired aesthetic before surgery. Facial fat grafting may be performed while the patient is under local anesthesia or IV sedation depending on preference. Using a cannula, Dr. Rednam liposuctions the patient’s own fat from a donor site on another part of the body, typically the hips, abdomen, or thighs. Dr. Rednam then purifies the fat. Syringes are then prepared with the stem-cell rich fat, and the fat is injected into the preplanned areas of the face, through small unobtrusive incisions. Dr. Rednam carefully places the fat, layer by layer, until the desired look is achieved.
Dr. Rednam utilizes the innovative LipoCube™ Nano™ for facial fat grafting procedures, leveraging its advanced technology to process lipoaspirate into milli, micro, and nano fat grafts tailored to the depth of transfer. This single-use mechanical device operates within a closed sterile system, employing patented structural geometry blades and a specialized flow pattern for partial filtration of fibrous material. By retaining regenerative cells within the processed fat, rapid revascularization occurs upon injection, facilitating excellent graft uptake. The specific size and components of the graft dictate whether it is classified as milli, micro, or nano fat, making it a versatile tool for volume restoration, facial contouring, and enhancing skin quality in facial fat transfer procedures.
Dr. Rednam Discusses Fat Transfer Surgery
Facial Fat Transfer Recovery
Though results are immediately apparent in some cases, others may have to wait to see results until after swelling recedes. Recovery from liposuction typically depends on the amount of fat removed, and the face will likely be bruised, tender, and swollen the first week after surgery, but most patients return to normal activity a week or two after the procedure. Patients are encouraged to avoid direct pressure, stress, or high levels of activity for at least two weeks following their procedure to ensure their results are not negatively affected.
Facial Fat Transfer Results
Results from facial fat grafting are long lasting, however, fluctuations in body weight can affect results. For most, the body will reabsorb some of the injected fat so patients may require one or more touch-ups over time to achieve or maintain their desired look. Final results can generally be seen three months following the initial treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Facial Fat Grafting
There are two main differences between injectable fillers composed of hyaluronic acid and facial fat transfers, composed of the patient’s own fat cells. First, dermal fillers offer immediate results after just one treatment, while fat grafting may require two steps and can take from two to six months to see the full results. Additionally, although long-lasting, dermal fillers are not permanent while fat grafts can last for years upon years once they become established.
Patients should plan to take at least a week off work following facial fat transfer procedures, though many are able to return to desk work within days.
While most patients prefer IV sedation for facial fat grafting, many can comfortably undergo this procedure under local anesthesia with Pronox which allows them to be awake during the procedure and even drive themselves home after a safe amount of time.
Facial fat grafting is a common procedure and while serious
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Autologous Fat Transfer for Facial Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review on Technique, Efficacy, and Satisfaction
PRS Global Open
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risks
are rare, they include scarring and infection. Patients can expect temporary side effects such as bruising and swelling, a lumpy sensation around the treatment site.
Yes, facial fat grafting can often be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures to achieve comprehensive results. For instance, Botox injections can complement fat grafting by targeting dynamic wrinkles and lines, while eyelid surgery can address drooping eyelids and puffiness, enhancing the overall rejuvenation of the eyes and surrounding areas. Additionally, a brow lift can help lift and reshape the brow area, harmonizing with the results of fat grafting. Moreover, a face and neck lift procedure can be combined with fat grafting to address sagging skin and redefine the jawline and neck contours, creating a more youthful and balanced facial profile.
Your Facial Fat Transfer Consultation
Dr. Rukmini Rednam’s facial fat grafting treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s needs and cosmetic goals. As a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in facial treatments and procedures, Dr. Rukmini Rednam is dedicated to achieving beautiful and natural-looking results for her patients. To find out how Dr. Rednam can help provide the youthful facial appearance you’re looking for, please contact us to schedule a consultation.
1 Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Techniques in facial fat grafting. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19083599/. Accessed April 2, 2021.
2 StatPearls Publishing. Autologous Fat Grafting For Facial Rejuvenation. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557860/. Accessed April 2, 2021.
3 PRS Global Open. Autologous Fat Transfer for Facial Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review on Technique, Efficacy, and Satisfaction. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5889440/. Accessed April 2, 2021.
Dr. Rukmini Rednam has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
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