Fat Transfer

Over time, the natural aging process can change the appearance of a person’s face. They may begin to see fine lines around their eyes or notice their cheeks look hollower than before. Injecting fat cells that have been grafted from other parts of the body can make a patient’s face look younger and healthier. At Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas, patients in Waco, TX, and the surrounding area can benefit from fat transfer injections from Dr. Charles Guy, an award-winning plastic surgeon. Learn more about the benefits of fat transfer and how this plastic surgery procedure works.

Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is a method for harvesting a patient’s body fat and then processing it into microdroplets that can be injected into the face. Thus, it requires a two-step procedure: first, fat is removed from a donor area of the body, often the abdomen, using liposuction. Next, the extracted fat cells are processed and injected into various parts of the face, such as the cheeks, or the area below the eyes.

Microfat grafts are typically used for volume replacement in the face, creating a fuller, more youthful look. Nano fat grafts, in contrast, usually are injected into the dermis to help with fine lines. These injectables are made from adipose-derived stem cells, which can stimulate collagen formation that reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Fat transfer also can help correct scars or facial defects.

Many patients love this procedure because fat is the body’s natural filler. When microdroplets of fat are injected, they are semi-permanent to permanent, unlike hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, which can dissipate over time.

Fat grafting works best for patients who can maintain a stable weight, as well as postmenopausal women. Because fat cells naturally expand or shrink as a person’s weight changes, fat grafting may not

be a good fit for patients whose weight tends to fluctuate. Before-and-after images of fat transfer injections are available in the image gallery.

Please note: These images show a 30- to 40-year-old female patient. Fat was taken from the abdomen and placed into the defect in the patient’s forehead over two separate sessions.

Fat grafting can be completed:

• as an in-office procedure using local anesthesia
• in the operating room under general anesthesia

During the patient’s initial consultation, the medical team will review their options for cosmetic services. If the patient opts for far transfer, the staff will create a plan for liposuction and subsequent injections, as well as address any concerns the patient may have.

Typically, the fat cells used for the procedure are taken from the area of the stomach below the belly button using a fat-harvesting cannula, which is basically a thin tube. To collect fat cells, the doctor will need to make a small incision along the belly button that will require a suture or two. Bruising and soreness at the harvest site are common. The incision site will heal after one to two weeks.

Fat is then processed into micro fat or nano fat and injected into the face using a microcannula or a needle. The amount of time the appointment takes will depend on how much fat is grafted and the number of injections. Some patients have mild swelling from the injections. Bruising on the face tends to be minimal since a very small cannula is used to inject the fat. Facial swelling usually improves after about a week, while bruises will go away after one to two weeks.

After the procedure is complete, the patient may want to take a few days to rest and heal. If the fat transfer was performed under general anesthesia, the patient will need a friend or family member to give them a ride home. Light physical activity is recommended during recovery – patients should avoid high-intensity workouts for two weeks.

The procedure is generally not painful. However, patients can take pain medications afterward if needed. Antibiotics also will be prescribed to minimize the risk of infection. In some cases, the body absorbs some of the injected fat cells. This may become noticeable in the weeks or months following the procedure. Additional injections of nano fat or micro fat can be administered if needed.

At Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas, Dr. Guy and his medical staff are committed to helping each patient feel confident and comfortable. We are based in Waco, TX, so patients in central Texas do not need to travel to Austin or Dallas for expert care. Specializing in plastic surgery from the collarbone up, Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas also offers other injectable treatments including neuromodulators and HA fillers. To learn more or request an appointment, contact us today.