Facial Fat Transfer
- It’s all about your face. Multiple factors contribute to an aged appearance. One primary cause of the aging process is the loss of facial volume, which leads to wrinkles, folds, and a change in the overall shape of the face. Facial fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is used to add volume and rejuvenate the face.
Remarkable Care, Exceptional Results
“I felt my cheeks needed something but wasn’t ready for a surgical procedure. Dr. K injected my cheeks which gave me the fullness and lifting vision I was looking for. The procedure was quick, pain free and results where immediate.”
The Anti-Aging Benefits of Volume using Fat Transfer
The top aesthetic destination of the south, Carolina Facial Plastics, is led by double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Kulbersh. With his team of cosmetic experts, a fully accredited surgery center, and a private recovery retreat all located in the heart of SouthPark, Carolina Facial Plastics is known for unparalleled and natural-looking results exclusively for the face.
What is fat grafting?
There are many options to refill the face after it has lost volume. Using your own body’s fat is a great option to rebuild the face. Facial fat transfer, also known as autologous fat transfer, uses fat from other areas of your body to create a more youthful facial appearance. Fat transfer injections to the face are a safe, natural, non-allergenic procedure designed to restore volume and enhance the contour of the face.
What areas can benefit from fat grafting?
Fat grafting can be used to restore volume to the following areas of the face:
- Sunken areas beneath the eyes
- Cheeks
- Chin
- Jawline
- Nasolabial folds (laugh lines)
- Temples
- Asymmetrical facial features
In addition to filling in the face and making it look more youthful, often the transplanted fat actually improves the quality of the skin.
How is fat transfer performed in Charlotte?
Fat transfer is performed at Dr. Kulbersh’s office as an outpatient under local anesthetic. Through liposuction, Dr. Kulbersh removes fat from a donor site where your fat is most tightly packed, usually from the thighs or abdomen. After the fat is removed, it is processed to remove excess fluids and then injected into the face. The fat will be injected strategically into various areas of the face to smooth away creases and restore volume. Using this technique, Dr. Kulbersh will give you the most natural and best overall outcome.
For expert facial fat grafting treatment and exceptional recovery experience, Dr. Kulbersh opened Fairview Surgical Suites and Fairview Recovery Retreat. These facilities provide patients with a high-quality surgical treatment followed by personal post-operative healing in a luxurious 5-star hotel setting.
Learn more about the facial fat transfer procedure at clinicaltrials.gov.
What can I expect after my fat transfer?
There is little downtime after a fat transfer, as it is a minimally invasive procedure. The most common side effects are bruising and swelling in the areas of the transfer. Over-the-counter medication can manage any post-operative discomfort.
Please contact our office for more information about using fat grafting to smooth out your facial wrinkles. Give us a call at (704) 842-3644 or fill out our online contact form here.
When will I see the results of my fat transfer treatment?
Immediately after the procedure, a patient will be able to see the results of the fat transfer. Typically, some fraction of the injected fat cells are absorbed by the body, so Dr. Kulbersh frequently injects more fat cells than necessary to give the face a swollen appearance at first. Most of the time, the area will decrease in fullness over the next few weeks or months.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of fat grafting compared to filler injections?
One of the greatest benefits of fat grafting is that there is no chance of an allergic reaction as you are using your own fat. Additionally, the results of facial fat transfer last longer than fillers. This can make fat transfer more cost-effective in the long term.
Can fat transfer be done with a facelift?
Yes. Many times Dr. Kulbersh actually recommends facial fat transfer during a facelift to improve the overall results. This addition of transplanted fat can offers youthful volume to put the finishing touches on the surgical facelift procedure.
How much of the fat survives?
The answer to this question is the topic of much scientific research. The survival of the tissue depends on the surgical technique, the age and health of the patient, and the location of the transfer. With all of these variables, it is difficult to tell a patient exactly how much fat survives. The current scientific estimate is that 25-50% of the fat will survive.
How many fat transfer procedures will I need?
The number of facial fat transfer procedures required is patient dependent. Most patients undergo a single treatment and are pleased with their results. If the patient desires additional volume, the process may be repeated. Dr. Kulbersh believes in a conservative and natural outcome. Surgically, he always will refrain from overfilling an area in favor of the natural results he wants. It is straightforward to add more volume, but very difficult to remove transplanted fat.
If I gain weight, will the fat in my face grow?
Yes, the fat in the face will grow if you gain a significant amount of weight (generally over 30 pounds).
How much does fat transfer cost?
The cost of fat grafting depends on the individual’s treatment needs. To find out how much your fat grafting procedure will cost, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kulbersh.
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