Facial Fat Grafting (Lipo-filling)
Age-related changes to the face occur in three dimensions, and can give the appearance of volumetric loss and increased soft-tissue laxity. In particular, lines and wrinkles become more apparent, which can become more marked in some areas of the face than others.
Additionally, facial asymmetries can occur for a number of reasons, either due to congenital or developmental conditions, or as a result of surgical resection of tumours or other lesions.
What is fat grafting?
Fat grafting is the process of harvesting fat cells, usually from the stomach or thigh region, and then preparing the fat cells and transplanting to another site, via injection, to provide additional volume and regenerate tissues. This can also be done in conjunction with other procedures.
What are the advantages of fat grafting?
Fat grafting is a well-proven technique, which is a totally natural alternative to other filler materials, as it utilises the body’s own cells. Depending on the method of preparation, fat cells can also have tissue regenerative and restorative properties.
Some facial fillers, in particular non-resorbable materials, carry the long-term risk of infection or foreign body reaction, sometimes many years later. This long-term risk is not typically seen with fat grafting.
Are there any disadvantages?
Due to the need to harvest fat cells, a donor-site is required. Thus, the procedure would usually need to be done in a hospital setting. You may also experience bruising, swelling or numbness at the sites of both harvest and fat graft placement, which will settle with time. In some circumstances, due to shrinkage of fat cells, you may lose some of the initial volume gained and the procedure may need to be repeated - this is not uncommon, and the results can vary between individuals, and between sites of fat transfer.
There are also a number of important risks which are common to both fat grafting and conventional fillers, which Dr Armstrong will discuss with you in more depth during your appointment.