Fat Transfer
Conveniently located to serve St. George and Ivins, Utah
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What is Fat Transfer?
As we age, multiple factors contribute to the changes in our faces. In addition to gravity effects and laxity of facial ligaments and skin changes, the loss of fat volume plays a major role.
To correct this, fat can be harvested from an unwanted part of the body, such as the abdomen or thigh, and injected into the cheeks, chin, under-eye area, or lips. This volume will give a healthy and youthful appearance.
What Areas of the Face Can Be Treated?
The following areas of the face can be improved through the use of fat transfer:
- Loss of Volume in the cheeks
- Hollows under the eyes
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines and turned down corners of the mouth
- Jawline and Jowls
- Creases on the forehead
- Creases between the eyebrows
- Nasal asymmetries or irregularities
Some areas will only require a single fat injection for long-lasting results while others may require multiple sessions to achieve the results you are looking for.
Who is a Candidate for Fat Transfer?
Healthy men and women who want to rejuvenate specific portions of their faces using fat from another area of their body, such as their abdomen or thighs, are the best candidates.
Fat transfer cannot be performed on thin patients who have little or no fat for transfer. Individuals who have a positive attitude and realistic expectations about the procedure are good candidates.
Adults with wrinkles, creases, furrows, smile lines, or frown lines, may be candidates for this procedure. In rare cases, young patients may also be approved.
What to Expect During Fat Transfer Consultation:
During the consultation in St. George or Ivins, Dr. Gardner will talk in detail about the fat transfer surgery, including what you need to do to get ready, any possible complications, and how long healing will take.
He will also go through your medical history with you. You will be asked about any current prescription drugs. It is critical that you use the appointment to ask any questions you may have about the procedure.
Dr. Gardner will evaluate your overall health, examine your potential donor areas, and discuss the potential outcome with you before scheduling a date for your fat transfer treatment.
What to expect from Fat Transfer Procedure:
The process of using your body’s own fat to plump up an area on your face is called autologous fat transfer. There are three steps to this procedure.
Fat Removal
First, excess fat is removed through liposuction. The fat can be removed from an area it is unwanted, such as the jowls, abdomens, thighs, or buttocks. Local anesthesia is typically all that is needed for this procedure; your doctor may offer you an oral sedative.
Isolation of Fat Cells
Next, the fat cells are isolated and cleaned. The fat cells are separated from the liquid that is also removed during the liposuction; any damaged cells are also removed. This ensures that only whole, undamaged, and cleansed fat cells are used for fat transfer.
Re-Injection of the Fat Cells
The third and final step involves the injection of the fat cells into the targeted facial areas. A hypodermic syringe is used to inject the fat cells at the depth needed to achieve your desired look.
Fat Transfer Recovery and Risks:
Most patients will have some swelling and bruising at the site of injections. The swelling will go away in a few days to a week or more depending on the extent of the procedure. Bruising is variable and the pain is generally very manageable. The results from the fat transfer are immediately apparent and they typically last much longer than other dermal fillers. Touch-up repeat fat injections are not uncommon.
How Much Does Fat Transfer Cost?
The overall price of fat transfer surgery in St. George and Ivins, Utah is determined by parameters such as the size of the areas to be treated and the volume of fat grafting. The total cost can be affected by factors like the anesthesia fee, post-surgery garments, prescriptions, and the surgeon’s fee.
Contact Our Office
Dr. Kent Gardner is a board-certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who is dedicated to providing stunning results his patients can carry with confidence. If you’re interested in learning more about fat transfer treatment in St. George, UT, Call Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery at (435) 628-1704 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
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