How can you obtain smooth facial lines and wrinkles? What is the best way to create fuller lips?
Researchers have invented several new generations of filler injections, such as collagen and hylaform (Restylane). However, these injectable fillers all suffer from the same problem; they are quickly absorbed by the body and are not permanent. They also carry the risk of allergic reactions. Some surgeons have tried using synthetic materials, such as Gortex, as a solution. However, these synthetic materials are associated with a whole host of potential problems, most notably a rejection reaction by the body. Board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Warren Lent, has known for years that the best solution is always to use the patient’s own tissue. Fat cells are the most readily available material.
How Do Fat Transfers Work?
A plastic surgeon can transfer fat cells from one part of the body to the other. Fat is living tissue just like any other part of the body such as skin and muscle. Just as surgeons transfer skin from one location of the body to another as a skin graft, so too with fat cells. As with a skin graft, new tiny blood vessels, capillaries, will grow and attach to the living fat cells, thus keeping them alive. The transplanted fat can therefore be a permanent and natural solution for the treatment of facial lines and thin lips.
Fat grafting procedures offer patients great versatility. A plastic surgeon can use fat transfers to treat the:
- Nasolabial folds
- The deep lines around the mouth
- Marionette lines
- The deep lines that form at the corners of the mouth
- Deep wrinkles that develop between the eyebrows
- Sunken cheeks
- Thin lips
- Just about any other location of concern
The Fat Transfer Procedure
Surgeons can usually perform a fat transfer in an office setting. The doctor will conduct a small surgical procedure to harvest the fat cells. This can be done by first numbing the area with local anesthesia. With the fat cells removed, they are allowed to separate from the bodies other fluids. They are then injected just under the lines needing correction. Patients should understand that they will likely need multiple treatments as with each treatment a significant portion of the fat will be absorbed by the body prior to the attachment of the new capillaries. The average patient requires two to three treatment sessions to achieve a permanent result.
Fat transfer is an excellent method for restoring facial youthfulness. A surgeon can perform the procedure quickly with little or no down time, no loss of work, and no need to reschedule social activities. Patients also do not need to worry about allergic reactions as, unlike other injectable fillers, this is from the patient’s own body. Fat injections are considered safe. However, like all medical procedures there is some risks, such as bleeding, infection, bruising, lumpiness, or dimpling at the donor site.
Fat grafting can be the perfect compliment to many plastic surgical procedures done for the treatment of facial aging. Fat grafting can be performed in conjunction with a facelift, with a forehead/brow lift, with laser eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), with laser skin resurfacing, and with facial implants. Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Dr. Warren Lent, has performed thousands of these procedures with great success. To best understand all of your options, a full consultation with Dr. Warren Lent is recommended.
Here at Dr. Warren Lent’s office, we show care for each patient from the initial consultation to the final post-surgery call. We look forward to hearing from you. For more information about fat transfers or any other type of wrinkle filler, please contact us at:
150 North Robertson Blvd. Suite 140
Beverly Hills, Ca 90211