Restore facial volume loss
Facial fat grafting involves harvesting your own fat via liposuction techniques, with the extract containing fat cells and nutrients purified and injected carefully as microfat or nanofat into the different regions and planes of the face.
This helps to replenish volume, subtly change structure, and reverse ageing in the face. Used appropriately, fat grafting has also been shown to improve scarring as well as skin quality and pigmentation.
Ideal candidates
The key considerations when it comes to facial fat transfer are:
1. The indications: This procedure can be done to contour areas of volume loss through ageing of other causes, rejuvenate skin as well as complement other surgical procedures.
2. Fat transfer primarily helps to volumize and replenish. It does not help greatly with loose skin.
3. Donor sites: There should be sufficient fat for harvest and transfer. The fat is harvested using liposuction techniques and tiny, well-hidden incisions.
Fat transfer to the face can be performed on the majority of individuals safely and successfully. Candidates for this procedure should have sufficient fat for the transfer (in the face, often 15-20ml of fat is enough), are generally healthy, and understand the alternatives, as well as the limitations.
Individuals who have autoimmune diseases or other chronic debilitating conditions may not be suitable. If patients are on Accutane, they should stop the medications for at least 3 months before the procedure.
Other treatments that can be performed as adjuncts to facial fat transfer include minimally invasive procedures such as filler injections or surgical procedures such as mini or full facelifting.
The areas of the face where fat is commonly injected include the forehead, the temples, the upper and lower eyelids (see periorbital fat grafting), the cheek, the nose, the lips, and the chin.
Depending on requirements, fat can be injected into almost any area of the face, with a trained plastic surgeon knowing where the danger zones are and to avoid them.
Fat is usually harvested from the abdomen or thighs, as these are the areas which usually contain the most amount of excess fat. However, depending on your requirements, fat can be harvested from other areas such as the back, the buttocks, and the upper arms.
The polaris Grafting Technique
During your consultation and assessment with one of our doctors, the areas that require re-volumization will be marked, and the area for fat harvest will be discussed.
Local anaesthesia solution is injected into the area where fat is to be harvested from. Using small, well-hidden incisions, the appropriate amount of fat is harvested for the transfer utilizing liposuction techniques. The added benefit of fat transfer is the ability to contour the donor site, though the total amount removed is small.
The harvested fat is then processed and purified to remove excess oil, blood, and other non-essential components, leaving pure fat and fat-derived cells behind. This final component is then injected into the facial recipient site, using techniques such as cross-hatching to ensure an even improvement of contour.
Besides ensuring the best possible aesthetic outcome, your surgical team will put your safety and comfort as the utmost priority.
You will be monitored for a period of time in the day surgery centre to ensure you are well prior to discharge. The fat graft harvest and injection sites usually require just topical antibiotic ointment or small dressings for protection.
*General anaesthesia available upon request. We recommend local anaesthesia for lower downtime.
You're in good hands
Downtime from facial fat grafting is generally short. In the first week, there will be swelling at the sites of injection, and possibly some bruising from the areas of fat harvest. After the first week, the swelling and bruising will subside significantly.
In terms of aftercare, the fat harvest and injection sites heal well with imperceptible scars. The incision site will be cleaned and dressed after the procedure. You will be given some oral anti-inflammatory and antibiotic ointment to apply two to three times a day.
The final aesthetic result can be seen at about 3 months after the procedure once any fat resorption (reduction in volume due to absorption by the body) has occurred. Beyond this, if you gain or lose weight, the fat that has been transferred will undergo similar changes.
patient-centric plastic surgery practice
Conveniently located in three locations, and a qualified team dedicated to give you personalised care.
On top of your safety and well-being, every step is taken with the end results in mind.
Our team will work with you to achieve satisfactory outcomes.
3 Mount Elizabeth, #08-05 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
1 Orchard Boulevard #10-08 Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649
6 Napier Rd, #08-01 Gleneagles Medical Center, Singapore 258499
Tel: +65 6737 4565 | Mobile: +65 8828 4565
Email: clinic@polarisplasticsurgery.com
Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm | Sat: 9am - 1pm | Sun / PH: Closed
Fat that is transferred and survives will last a long time. However, any weight loss as well as the natural ageing process can reduce the amount of fat at the site of transfer.
The procedure is generally well-tolerated under local anaesthesia (LA). There will be mild discomfort at the area of fat harvest as the LA is being infiltrated. Sedation can be performed to maximize patient comfort.
Limitations to the amount of fat that can be transferred include the native recipient site volume and the amount of fat available for injection. In the face, seldom are more than 1 fat transfer session required due to the subtle changes required.
Risks of fat grafting are rare, but include fat embolism, nerve damage and risks of liposuction. Some of these can lead to a misshapen contour due to overcorrection, or permanent damage. To minimize these risks, it is best to seek treatment from a certified plastic surgeon.
The advantages of fat grafting are numerous. It is a natural, long-lasting volumizing material which is your own, thus there is no risk of rejection and a lower risk of infection compared to artificial filler materials. The components contained in the aspirate have beneficial effects that help the fat cells to survive while also regenerating tissue and diminishing skin damage, reversing the appearance and effects of ageing.
Fillers are temporary volumizing agents, and as they are foreign materials, have a slightly higher risk of infection and rejection. However, fillers can also be performed in the first instance to give you an idea of how a permanent fat transfer would look like.
Most facial contouring and volumization procedures are performed with either fat grafts or implants. In select cases, fat grafting can be performed as an adjunct to facial implants.
Have more questions? WhatsApp us at 8828 4565.