Fat Grafting Procedure and Recovery

Before surgery, a thorough medical evaluation is conducted to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate. This includes discussing medical history, current medications, and any previous surgeries. Patients may be advised to stop certain medications, such as blood thinners, and to refrain from smoking, which can impede the healing process. Dr. Moore will also discuss your personal aesthetic goals and expectations.

Dr. Moore and the patient will choose the location of the body where fat will be harvested (the donor site) and then discuss the areas where fat will be grafted to enhance facial volume and contours. Dr. Moore will also take photos of the patient’s face before fat grafting surgery.

• The procedure typically begins with the administration of intravenous sedation to ensure patient comfort. Local anesthetic is also injected into the donor site and areas of the face where fat will be grafted.
• Next, fat cells are extracted from the donor site. This is done with liposuction, which involves inserting a thin, hollow tube called a cannula through small incisions in the skin. Tumescent liposuction involves infusing the donor site with a solution of saline, local anesthesia, and epinephrine to minimize bleeding and discomfort.
• The harvested fat is then processed to remove excess fluids, oils, and dead cells. This purification process involves filtration to ensure that the highest quality fat cells are used for injection.
• The purified fat is then carefully injected into the targeted areas of the face with small cannulas. Common areas for facial fat grafting include the cheeks, jawline, temples, and under the eyes. Dr. Moore will meticulously layer the fat to achieve the desired contours and volume, often overfilling slightly to account for some resorption of fat cells over time. 

1. Immediately after the procedure, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in both the donor and recipient sites. The symptoms are managed with pain medication and cold compresses. Most swelling usually subsides within two weeks of the procedure.
2. Moore will provide post-op instructions, including how to care for incision sites and when to schedule follow-up visits. Most patients are able to resume normal daily activities within several days but should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for two to three weeks to ensure proper healing.
3. Once the swelling begins to diminish, initial results can be seen. However, the final results can take several months to become fully apparent as the fat cells integrate with the surrounding tissues. Some transferred fat cells may not survive the transfer, so Dr. Moore will initially overfill the recipient sites. Additional fat grafting sessions may sometimes be needed to achieve the desired outcome.
4. The results of facial fat grafting are generally long-lasting. Fat cells become a permanent part of the facial tissues as they establish a blood supply. However, significant weight fluctuations and the natural aging process can affect the longevity of the results.

Cosmetic fat grafting for facial rejuvenation offers a natural and effective way to restore youthful contours and volume to the face. It is a versatile procedure that can address various aesthetic concerns, providing a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance.

Fat grafting for undereye hollows and bags can help you look younger and less tired. It can also enhance the shape and fullness of the cheeks and temples. Using your fat can reduce the need for dermal fillers. Dermal fillers can be associated with acute and delayed allergic reactions; this risk is minimized when a patient’s own fat is used instead.