How Is Facial Fat Transfer Performed?
Areas of the body for fat harvesting may be marked out. The patient is then provided a combination of a local anesthetic and sedation (i.e., oral or light IV sedation). In cases of full facial fat transfer, it may be more advantageous to use IV sedation to ensure optimal fat removal and operative comfort. Sometimes referred to as microlipoinjection, autologous fat grafting, or fat injections, the procedure begins with lipoharvesting areas of excess fat on the patient’s body. This process is performed through the use of a cannula, requiring only a pinpoint incision to access the tissue. While male and female bodies store bulk differently, the doctor can typically harvest this adipose tissue from the patient’s abdomen, thighs, or hips.
After harvesting the fat, the surgeon prepares it for implantation. This preparation method may include rinsing the harvested material and then using centrifugation to separate the weak fat cells from the stronger ones. At the Buckingham Center, surgeons use the more sophisticated Puregraft filter system by Cytori. The Puregraft filter allows more reliable filtering of the unwanted components of the harvested fat. The doctor will then use a smaller cannula (no incisions) to administer the fat to the patient’s facial areas in need of volume restoration.
Facial fat transfer is performed on an outpatient basis. However, patients will not be able to drive themselves home to recover from the procedure; a family member or friend can aid with this. Before the procedure, the doctor will provide any necessary prescriptions that can be filled before the surgery, and patients are encouraged to set up a comfortable recovery area. Pre-made meals, clean and comfortable bedding, as well as activities to cure boredom can all be set up before a patient undergoes the procedure.
