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Facial Fat Grafting

Offered at Our Convenient Location in Birmingham, Alabama

Facial Fat Grafting

known as fat injection or fat transfer

Facial fat grafting, also known as a fat injection or fat transfer, is a cosmetic procedure in which fat is removed from one area of the body and then injected into the face to add volume and contour to certain areas. The procedure typically adds fullness to the cheeks, lips, and under-eye area. It can also soften facial wrinkles and creases or restore volume to areas that have become hollow or sunken due to aging. The procedure may be performed using local or general anesthesia, and the results can last for several years.

Dr. Grady Core, Alabama's premiere board-certified plastic surgeon, believes patients should have a choice in surgeon and procedure. He is happy to offer the best procedures and the skills needed to execute them. He creates each client's results based on their unique anatomy, lifestyle, and goals, and his patients have been thrilled with their results for over 20 years. Find out what Dr. Core can do for your face by calling Core Plastic Surgery at (205) 397-2100 or get in touch via our online form.

All About
Facial Fat Grafting

Popular donor fat areas include:

  • Thighs
  • Buttocks
  • Abdomen
  • Upper arms

The best area for fat harvesting will depend on the individual patient and their specific needs and goals. Dr. Core will typically choose the area that will provide the most satisfactory results based on the patient's unique anatomy and the specific area being treated.

Birmingham Facial Fat Grafting Model with black hair

What are the Benefits of Facial Fat Grafting?

At Core Plastic Surgery in Birmingham Facial Fat Grafting has several benefits, including the fact that the procedure can produce long-lasting, natural-looking results with little to no scarring in the treated facial areas. Furthermore, patients will experience the following benefits:

  • Improving scars
  • Minimal scarring
  • Minimal downtime
  • Natural-looking results
  • A more youthful appearance
  • Softening wrinkles and creases
  • Adding volume and fullness to the face
  • Restoring volume to hollow or sunken areas

Who is the Ideal Candidate
for Facial Fat Grafting?

The ideal candidate for facial fat grafting is typically someone who is in good overall health and has a face affected by aging or other volume-depleting factors, such as sun damage, weight loss, or genetics. Patients should have realistic expectations for the procedure, including what the procedure can and cannot accomplish.

Personal Consultation

A consultation is a meeting between a patient and a healthcare provider, during which the provider

  • Performs a physical examination
  • Evaluates the patient’s medical history
  • Discusses the patient’s goals and expectations for the procedure

The consultation is an important opportunity for the patient to ask questions, learn more about the procedure, and discuss any concerns they may have.

Birmingham Facial Fat Grafting Model wearing a flower dress

Preparation

Dr. Core and his team will give the patient specific instructions, such as avoiding certain medications or stopping smoking before the procedure. Patients must follow these instructions to ensure the best possible outcome and safety. Patients should arrange transportation to and from the procedure, as they cannot drive home after the procedure. The recovery time can vary, after facial fat grafting Birmingham patients should plan to take at least a few days off work to allow for sufficient healing.

The Facial Fat Grafting Procedure

Facial fat grafting involves the removal of fat from the body using liposuction. During the liposuction procedure, a small incision is made in the skin, and a thin, hollow tube called a cannula is inserted. The tumescent technique is used as in liposuction procedures, including facial fat grafting. It involves the infusion of a large volume of a salt solution and a local anesthetic solution with epinephrine into the fatty tissue to be removed.

This solution helps to loosen the fatty tissue, making it easier to remove by suction. The use of epinephrine also helps to minimize blood loss and reduce postoperative pain. Overall, the tumescent technique can help to extract larger amounts of fat with less bleeding and discomfort. After the fat is removed, it is processed to separate it from other fluids. The fat is then ready to be injected into the desired area. The amount of fat that can be removed and injected during a single procedure will depend on the patient's specific goals and Dr. Core's recommendations.

Recovery After
Facial Fat Grafting

The recovery time after facial fat grafting can vary from patient to patient, and depends on the extent of fat removal that was performed. During the initial healing period, swelling will gradually subside, and the final results will become apparent. Although the recovery period is generally mild, patients need to allow enough time to heal properly. Rushing your recovery can set you back, and we want you healthy so you can face the world with your revitalized appearance! Patients are encouraged to call Core Plastic Surgery if they have questions or concerns during the healing process. We are here to help you in every step of your journey.

What are the Results
of Facial Fat Grafting?

The final results of facial fat grafting are usually visible after about six months, although improvement should start to be noticeable within a few days after surgery. You will look younger because a youthful face has a healthy volume. You may see:

  • Volumized lips
  • A fuller face contour
  • Incredibly lifted cheeks

Patients love how they look after facial fat grafting; the results last!

What is the Cost of Facial Fat Grafting in Birmingham?

Dr. Core will be happy to discuss the cost of your treatment(s) during your consultation. Call (205) 397-2100 today or fill out our online form to start your journey to a youthful face.

Facial Fat Grafting Vs. Dermal Filler

Dr. Core offers fat grafting and many popular dermal fillers to his patients, but how do you know which is right for you? Let's take a look at the two.

Dermal fillers are made of various materials, such as hyaluronic acid, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microspheres, and poly-L-lactic (PLLA) acid, to name a few. Dermal fillers are injected directly into the skin and work by physically filling in wrinkles and adding volume to the treated area.

The results of dermal fillers can last for several months to a few years, depending on the specific product used and the patient's individual factors. For example, hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm typically last 6-12 months, while PLLA fillers such as Sculptra can last up to two years.

Fat grafting, on the other hand, takes fat from the patient's own body, so there is no risk of an allergic reaction. [1] The results of fat grafting can last for several years.

Overall, dermal fillers and fat grafting are both effective options for adding volume and improving the appearance of the face. They work in different ways and are used to address different concerns. The patient's specific needs and goals will determine which procedure is best for them.

References

  1. Guyuron B, Majzoub RK. Facial Augmentation with Core Fat Graft: A Preliminary Report. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2007;120(1):295-302. doi:10.1097/01.prs.0000264399.40701.71
  2. Del Vecchio D, Rohrich RJ. A Classification of Clinical Fat Grafting. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2012;130(3):511-522. doi:10.1097/prs.0b013e31825dbf8a

We are happy to answer any questions you may have and get you on your way to beautiful, natural-looking results. Contact us.

3595 Grandview Parkway, #150, Birmingham, AL 35243

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