The remaining fat does not disappear over time like other fillers. Therefore, the surgeon’s skill, experience and aesthetic eye are crucial for a successful outcome. The fat transfer can be repeated if necessary.
Who is facial fat transfer suitable for?
Facial fat transfer can be used to treat changes in the face caused by aging. “Dents” and pits caused by tissue sagging can be filled with small fat transfers. The most common target for correction is the groove between the lower eyelids and cheeks, which deepens with age. Fat transfer can also be used more widely on the face as an alternative to larger “full face” filler treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare for the procedure?
Weeks before the procedure:
· During the consultation with our surgeon, your health and suitability for the procedure will be assessed. Discuss your wishes and expectations with the surgeon. You may be asked to undergo various laboratory tests and other examinations to confirm your health. Discuss with the surgeon about the medications and nutritional supplements you are taking. Certain medications (e.g. blood thinners, aspirin, ibuprofen), and some nutritional supplements (e.g. omega) may increase the risk of bleeding. Their use should be discontinued according to the surgeon’s instructions.
· Smoking impairs blood circulation, slows down wound healing and increases the risk of infection. We recommend that you stop smoking at least 4 weeks before the procedure and continue to be smoke-free after the procedure.
· Eat a varied and healthy diet and exercise regularly. Good general condition promotes recovery.
On the day of the procedure:
· Avoid alcohol at least 24 hours before the procedure as alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding.
· Choose loose and comfortable clothes that are easy to put on and take off.
· Take the medications your surgeon has instructed you to take in the morning.
· If you are given sedatives, you will not be able to drive yourself. So arrange a ride home.
How does the procedure proceed?
During the consultation, you will be given an appointment time for the procedure. Arrive punctually. A nurse will meet you and go through the procedure with you. If necessary, you will receive sedative premedication and pain medication and you will be prepared for the procedure.
Under local anesthesia, fat is usually taken from the thigh or lower abdomen and transferred to the desired area on the face. Swelling and bruising usually disappear within a couple of weeks, and the final result can be seen after a couple of months. Some of the fat will stick to the transferred area and some will disappear. The final result is individual in this regard and cannot be predicted in advance.
After the procedure, you can recover in peace in the recovery room, where the operating room nurse will go over the aftercare instructions with you and schedule a time for a check-up.
What are the aftercare instructions?
After surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions. The surgical area is usually covered with a dressing that is kept in place according to your doctor’s instructions. Minor pain may occur; you can take painkillers if necessary.
Keep the treated area clean by washing your hands carefully before touching the area. You can usually take a shower after 1–2 days, but avoid rubbing and pat the area dry. Saunas, swimming and bathing should be avoided until the wound has healed, for about 1–2 weeks. Punctual wounds at the fat transfer site are closed with dissolvable sutures. Sutures are usually not needed for the fat transfer holes in the face where the needle goes.
It is important to avoid pressure and cold in the transferred area for about 2–4 weeks. Unfortunately, cold baths cannot be used during fat transfer to ensure blood circulation to the fat. Bruising and swelling usually last 1-2 weeks. Most people return to normal life about a week after surgery. To reduce swelling and pain at the fat transfer site, it is a good idea to use compression for about 2 weeks after the procedure.
