Galleries
|
Page 1 of 3
Fat Injection
When injected beneath the skin, fat injection plumps up creased and sunken areas of the face. It can also add fullness to the lips and cheeks. Injectable fat may be used alone or in conjunction with a resurfacing procedure, such as a laser treatment, or a recontouring procedure, such as a facelift. Injected fat is primarily used to improve the appearance of the skin's texture. It can help fill out deep facial wrinkles, creases and furrows, "sunken" cheeks, skin depressions and some types of scars. It can also be used to add a fuller, more sensuous look to the lips. Alternatively, other dermal fillers can provide a less permanent but but more convenient similar effect. Fat injection is usually not sufficient for severe surface wrinkles on the face, such as the multiple vertical lines that sometimes form around the mouth. Instead or in addition, your plastic surgeon may suggest a resurfacing technique, such as chemical peel, dermabrasion or laser treatments. Rather than filling in facial lines, resurfacing methods strip away the outer layers of the skin to produce a smoother appearance. Deep folds in the face caused by loose skin are called static lines and are more effectively treated with cosmetic surgery, such as a facelift or browlift. Lines due to overactive muscles (called dynamic lines) may include frown lines, crows feet and forehead lines. Keep in mind that your plastic surgeon is a specialist who can offer you the full gamut of the most advanced treatments ranging from cosmetic surgery, refinishing techniques, laser therapy, injectables and the use of other fillers. You and your surgeon will determine a single procedure or combination of procedures which is the best choice for you. If you would like more information on the resurfacing or surgical alternatives mentioned, simply click on that procedure. Results from fat injection are generally very pleasing. Because your own (autologous) tissues are used, the effects should prove permanent. However, such permanency requires that the injected fat "take" successfully as a graft in its new home. Only 40-50% of the injected volume of fat will typically do so, even less in the lips. Either initial over-correction (with considerable swelling for some weeks) or repeated treatments (usually 2 or 3) must be employed, for a good result. Other dermal fillers will undergo progressive degradation and last for between 2 to 12 months, depending upon the product chosen, the injected site, your age and the degree of sun damage sustained. When fat injection is administered by your qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor in nature. Still, individuals vary greatly in their anatomy, their physical reactions and their healing abilities. The outcome of treatment is never completely predictable, largely because the "take" of the injected fat is uncertain. There is still a small risk of infection and other infrequent complications. Over or under augmentation is possible. Repeat treatments may be necessary. Risks associated with injections are minimal. You must have a test patch before proceeding with filler injections as some people may be allergic to the fillers used. Infection is possible with any injection, though extremely rare. |
As we age, our faces begin to show the effects of gravity, sun exposure and years of facial muscle movement, such as smiling, chewing and squinting. The underlying tissues that keep our skin looking youthful and plumped up begin to break down. Soft-tissue fillers, such as injectable fat can help fill in these lines and creases, permanently restoring a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance.
