Facial Fat Transfer

The most common treatment area for fat grafting is the face. Fat may be injected into several areas to restore youthful volume and contours, while also rejuvenating the skin. Fat transfer procedures are an emerging trend in the Scottsdale area.

If you view pictures of yourself from years ago or think about areas of your face that you wish were fuller, you have an idea of what this procedure can do. Dr. Shapiro performs fat transfer in Scottsdale to restore volume and rejuvenate the face.

Why Facial Fat Injections?

No upkeep
Unlike fillers, fat injection uses your body’s own fat
Long-lasting, safe and natural results
Minimally invasive procedure restores a more youthful appearance
Results are typically permanent

Facial Fat Transfer Before & After

Patient is a 50-year-old female who wanted to address her upper and lower eyelids. Specifically, she did not like her heavy upper eyes and the puffiness of her lower eyelids that made her appear that she constantly had allergies and was not feeling well.

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Before

After

Areas that commonly benefit from this procedure:

Temples and Forehead

The forehead and temples tend to lose volume over time due to hollowed temples and prominent brows that make bones more prominent. These hollows are common in both men and women after the age of 40, and the change may be very subtle at first.

Hollowed temples can make you appear much older than you are, but injecting fat into these areas can restore a more youthful appearance that matches the rest of the face. This procedure can even lift the brow without surgical intervention.

Under Eyes

Fat may also be injected into the lower and/or upper eye area to correct hollowing or previous cosmetic surgery that removed too much fat. When the eye area begins to lose volume, it makes the bones more prominent and makes the person appear older and more fatigued. It can also worsen dark circles and wrinkles.

This precise procedure injects fat in tiny amounts to fill in hollows and camouflage bones for a more rested appearance.

Cheeks

Full cheeks are a sign of youth, although the cheeks tend to become hollow as we age, creating a gaunt appearance. Fat transfer to the cheeks can restore more youthful volume and contour while improving the quality of the skin.

Are You a Candidate?

As we age, the face in particular begins to lose its youthful volume, creating a gaunt appearance. Candidates for this procedure want to restore volume to the cheeks, lips, temples or under the eyes. It may also be used to fill deep wrinkles such as nasolabial folds. Individuals who want long-lasting results without the upkeep of dermal fillers, or who want to fill larger volumes, may also be a good candidates. Candidates for this procedure should be in good physical health with realistic expectations.

The Fat Grafting Procedure

Fat injections are performed under local or sedation anesthesia. Using small syringes, fat is first harvested from one area of the body, typically the lower abdomen, thighs, hips, or buttocks. This fat is then decanted and processed in a centrifuge. Using the adipose-derived stem cell fat transfer, your own adult stem cells can be isolated from the harvested fat as well to greatly improve the survival of the transplanted fat and the overall success of the procedure.

Once prepared, fat will be injected into the face in very tiny amounts until the desired results are achieved. Scottsdale plastic surgeon Dr. Shapiro has perfected all facial procedures strategies including fat grafting after many years of experience.

Unlike inexperienced surgeons, he will not overcorrect the face in an attempt to make up for fat that may or may not be lost.

Before & After

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Long-Term Results

When performed correctly by a plastic surgeon with extensive experience, such as Dr. Shapiro, fat grafting offers very long-term and permanent results. A small percentage of fat transferred does not survive, but the majority of fat will establish its own permanent blood supply. After swelling has subsided after two weeks, patients will see their final results.

Recovery from Fat Grafting

Dr. Shapiro will provide complete post-op instructions prior to the procedure. Unless it was performed with local anesthesia, you will feel groggy the day of the procedure. Discomfort tends to be mild for most patients, although it can be moderate.

Dr. Shapiro will prescribe oral pain medication to make the recovery process more comfortable. Most patients experience some swelling and/or bruising around the treatment areas, which typically dissipates within a week. The amount of post-op swelling depends on the amount of fat grafting performed. Cool compresses, not ice, may be applied to the face during the first two days to minimize swelling. Sleeping with an elevated head can also reduce swelling and bruising. For additional consultation, come and visit us here in our Scottsdale, Arizona location.

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Meet Dr. Daniel Shapiro

A world-class plastic surgeon in a league of his own.

Dr. Shapiro is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon with nearly three decades of experience in his field. With impressive technical skill and a talent for creating natural-looking results, his practice has become a leading destination for discerning patients throughout the country.

Known for his compassion and honesty, Dr. Shapiro strives to educate his patients so that they are empowered about their care. He carefully explains the procedures, expected results, and techniques in a way that anyone can understand. Additionally, he personally guides his clients every step of the way – from the initial consultation to their post-operative care – to ensure an enjoyable experience and the best possible results.