3 Types of Fat Grafting
1. Facial Fat Grafting
For years patients have undergone traditional facelifts that primarily consisted of pulling the skin up and outward, cutting away the “excess” skin, and suturing it. Patients fear that traditional facelifts may result in a “different” facial personality and with repeated surgery a “skeletal” look.
A new paradigm of facial aging is now better understood. Our faces lose volume of fat as we age. So like a deflating beach ball we develop loose skin that drapes over our facial bone structures. The key to re-establishing a natural, refreshed, more youthful look is to replace this volume. A 3 Dimensional approach by transplanting “living” fat cells from another part of the body to the face results in a restoration of facial volume. The result is a more vibrant, healthy appearance.
“Fat Bags” under the eyes is often misunderstood as the increased growth of fat. In many cases the culprit is actually the loss of a more superficial layer of fat from the upper cheek area (Malar Fat Pad) that unmasks the underlying fat pad just below the eyes. Facial Fat 3-D Grafting of the superficial layer of fat just under the eyes as well as beneath the upper eyebrow region can result in a more natural open awake look for the patient as opposed to a “surprised” look that may accompany more traditional surgery.
At the time of consultation Dr. Tom will evaluate the areas of concern and as well as where the fat cells will be recovered. 3-D Facial Fat Grafting is performed completely under local anesthesia without scalpels. Through small needle puncture sites fat cells will be suctioned from the donor site (i.e. Abdomen, flanks, or thigh areas). The recovered fat cells will then be placed through a thin blunt needle into the appropriate areas to restore the 3-dimensional architecture of the face.
It may take several injection sessions to achieve a long lasting effect. Facial fat graft transfers have been reported to achieve effects from three to eight years from the initial procedure.
The above before and after photo documents the natural, more refreshed look that can be achieved with 3-D Facial Fat Grafting. An example of patient evaluation with a photo from 20 years prior, then before and after photos over a period of time post 3-D Facial Fat Grafting. If you are interested in facial fat grafting, please call our office for a FREE consult or more information: (808) 445-6800
2. Brazilian Butt Lift Fat Grafting
Increasingly popular is fat transfer to the buttocks known as the Brazilian Butt Lift. The key to the Brazilian Butt Lift to sculpt the area around the buttocks by performing liposuction of the flanks (“Love Handles”, “Muffin Top”), and the outside of the thighs (“Saddle Bags”).
These maneuvers delineate the buttock contours in an aesthetically pleasing shape. One additional area to be sculpted is the low back area just above the buttock “cleavage” that will give the “Brazilian” look so desired.
Then in order to enhance the roundness or fullness of the buttock fat is transferred resulting in a more beautiful shape. This technique was initially popular among Latinas and Blacks. It is now popular with Asian and Caucasian women as well where one has lost volume in the buttock due to aging or because the patient wants more curves! If you are interested in our Brazilian Butt Lift please call our office for a FREE consult or more information: (808) 445-6800
3. Natural Breast Augmentation Fat Grafting
Many women would like to have breast augmentation but only want a modest, natural enhancement. Breast enhancement may also be an additional area of cosmetic improvement for a patient undergoing liposuction body contouring. As with the Brazilian Butt Lift, undesirable fat is harvested under local anesthesia and then transferred to the breasts. The results look natural. One can expect approximately a ½ cup size or more improvement depending on the shape of the breasts and the amount of fat available to harvest. If you are interested in natural breast augmentation please call our office for a FREE consult or more information: (808) 445-6800