Facial Fat Grafting in Wichita, KS

What Is Facial Fat Grafting?

Facial fat grafting or facial fat transfer is a cosmetic procedure that involves reinjecting autologous fat into the patient’s facial tissues to increase volume, correct signs of aging and other minor deformities, and create a stronger definition of the contours of the face. This procedure is a two-step process, as it involves first using liposuction to harvest donor fat from another area of the patient’s body, such as the hips, thighs, or abdomen. Then, the fat is purified and reinjected exactly to the needs of the patient for a long-lasting, lower-risk result.

Am I a Candidate for Facial Fat Grafting?

Fat grafting uses the patient’s own fat to add permanent volume exactly where it is needed on the face. Ideal candidates should be in good health and have enough excess fat that can be removed via liposuction. Additionally, facial fat grafting candidates:

• Desire a long-lasting solution to volume loss in the face
• Want to add definition to the jaw, cheeks, chin, or lips
• Want to improve aged or “hollowed” features
• May also want to slim another area of the body with liposuction
• Have realistic expectations for results

Fat grafting is a delicate process that requires a high level of surgical skill and commitment on the part of the patient; if you smoke, it is crucial that you quit prior to your procedure and that you avoid nicotine until you are fully healed from your procedure, as this chemical can cause issues with healing, blood circulation, and the viability of the transferred fat.

If you want a long-term solution to facial volume loss, or you want to add sculpted definition to the contours of your face, call (316) 681-2227 for a complimentary consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon.

What Are the Benefits of Facial Fat Grafting?

Facial fat grafting is rapidly becoming the future of facial rejuvenation, as it provides unique benefits with little risk. Common benefits of facial fat grafting include:

• Long-lasting restoration of volume
• A natural alternative to dermal filler injections
• Less risk of rejection from the body through the use of autologous fat
• Improved facial contours and shape
• Reduce the appearance of facial creases and wrinkles
• Little downtime or recovery compared to alternative procedures (facial implants)
• Youthful, plumped result

How Does Facial Fat Grafting Work?

Consultation

The first step to your facial fat grafting procedure is a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Conrad. During your consultation, Dr. Conrad will listen to your goals and concerns, as well as what you hope to achieve with your facial fat grafting. He may examine your face, as well as your donor area, for fat harvesting. He will also discuss the risks and benefits of facial fat grafting so that you can move forward with confidence and all the information you need.

If you and Dr. Conrad agree that this is the best procedure for your needs, he will create a customized surgical plan that incorporates all the details of your procedure.

The Procedure

Facial fat grafting is usually an outpatient procedure and can be performed using either general anesthesia or, in some cases, local anesthesia with IV sedation. The choice comes down to your specific needs, the specifics of the surgical plan, and Dr. Conrad’s professional recommendation.

Once you are comfortably anesthetized, Dr. Conrad will make very small incisions around your donor area. Most patients choose their midsections, thighs, hips, or buttocks–anywhere there is sufficient fat to be harvested. Through these small incisions, Dr. Conrad will insert a small, thin tube called a cannula, which allows him to gently and evenly remove fat via liposuction. Dr. Conrad will simultaneously remove fat while also slimming and contouring the treatment area for a cohesive result. He will carefully close your incisions and move on to the next step.

Once the fat is removed, it will be cleansed of impurities and prepared for reinjection. Dr. Conrad will carefully use a very small syringe to reinject the fat back into the treatment area; depending on your surgical plan, you may have your lips augmented, the hollows under your eyes filled in, or deep creases blurred with even layers of autologous fat.

When Dr. Conrad is pleased with the results, you will be monitored as you wake from anesthesia.

What Is Recovery Like After Facial Fat Grafting?

Following your procedure, you may be given a compression garment to help your skin retract after liposuction and to support your body’s healing process. It’s important to remember that you will be healing from two different procedures combined into one: liposuction and facial injections.

Liposuction recovery generally takes about one to two weeks, depending on the amount of fat removed as well as your natural healing process. Dr. Conrad may ask you to limit strenuous physical activities for about three to six weeks. Be sure to follow his instructions for both liposuction recovery and facial fat transfer.

Your face may appear swollen immediately after your procedure; this is completely normal. Additionally, fat transfer can be a delicate process, so take care to protect your treatment area(s) as your fat “settles.” In fat transfer procedures, there is always a small percentage of transferred fat that is reabsorbed by the body. Your surgeon will manage that by adding slightly more fat, so do not be alarmed if you think your face looks too exaggerated–this will certainly reduce in time.

Other tips to ensure a healthy fat transfer include:

• Avoid putting pressure on the transferred fat (lips, eyes, mouth, etc.)
• Eat healthy fats and ensure proper nutrition
• Maintain a stable, healthy weight before and after the procedure
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol

What Results Can I Expect Following Facial Fat Grafting?

It can take a few months for your transferred fat to finalize into a permanent result, so be patient. This procedure provides wonderful results that both slim a troublesome area of the body and provide youthful, contoured features to the face all at once, so it’s well worth the wait.

Combining Facial Fat Grafting With Other Procedures

Facial fat grafting can be combined with other rejuvenating procedures under the care of our talented plastic surgeon. Some patients may wish to undergo more extensive liposuction than what is needed for the fat grafting procedure, while others may benefit from the transformative and slimming results of a tummy tuck.

If you want to combine your facial fat grafting procedure with another, be sure to discuss your options with Dr. Conrad during your comprehensive consultation.

Facial Fat Grafting in Wichita, Kansas

Dr. Conrad and our team are ready to answer any questions you have about this fantastic procedure. Facial fat grafting is the future of facial rejuvenation, giving patients a more natural but still customizable solution to various aging and aesthetic concerns. This procedure can be altered just the way you want. For more information or to schedule a facial fat grafting consultation with Dr. Conrad, call (316) 681-2227 or fill out our online contact form.