Fat Transfer
Nanofat grafting • Fat injections
Add subtle, natural, youthful volume back to the face with Facial Fat Transfer by Tucson cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Mikel Lo.
Dr. Lo’s Facial Fat Transfer procedure is also known as fat grafting, fat injections, mircro-lipo injections, or nanofat grafting. All these terms describe the same procedure and the process which involves gently removing living fat cells from one area of the body, preparing the cells, and transferring into another area of the body. The results are a youthful fullness to areas of the face or body that have lost volume.
As we age, we lose facial fat which causes flattened cheeks, hollowing under the eyes, noticeable folds around the nose and mouth, and sagging skin. Restoring volume with your own fat not only replenishes deflated areas, it renews facial support without overfilling. Fat transfer procedures can be beneficial for men and women from ages 30+ who want to restore facial volume with long-lasting results.
Benefits of Fat Transfer
Increases natural volume to the face while contouring the shape of the face
Improves scars, wrinkles, facial folds, and skin quality
Minimally invasive procedure with little to no downtime
Long-lasting results with a natural appearance
A safe and natural rejuvenation option that utilizes your body’s own materials
Can be combined with other cosmetic procedures such as upper eyelid lift, brow lift, or facelift
Who is a Candidate for Facial Fat Transfer?
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Anti-Aging
The natural aging process slows the production of collagen and elastin making our skin sag. As we age, muscles weaken and change the underlying structure of the face. When a facelift procedure is not yet needed, Facial Fat Transfer can add volume back to the face. Men or women ages 30+ can be treated with Facial Fat Transfer.
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Facial Balancing
Patients who are younger can also experience volume loss due to facial anatomy or genetics. This is not due to aging but can cause a tired appearance or make you look older than your true age. Facial Fat Transfer can improve tired looking eyes, bring balance to the face, and even enhance the cheeks for an improved aesthetic look.
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Reparative Fat Transfer
Facial Fat Transfer can repair or restore features that need correcting due to trauma, facial deformities, scars and natural asymmetry. Because of the longevity, safety and minimal downtime, most areas of the face can be treated.
Fat Transfer vs Fillers
Many patients elect to have the Facial Fat Transfer procedure instead of dermal fillers. Facial Fat Transfer offers a permanent solution to volume loss with results lasting years, where dermal filler results can last up to one year or more. Facial Fat Transfer or Fat Injections utilize a person’s own fat, so there is no risk of adverse reactions or allergies during the procedure and recovery process. Some patients are uncomfortable injecting a synthetic substance like dermal fillers into the body, which makes Fat Transfer a natural, and safe rejuvenation option. Facial Fat Transfer can lift drooping cheeks, smooth out jowls on the jawline, eliminate under-eye hollows and wrinkling, and fill deep facial folds.
The Facial Fat Transfer Procedure
Dr. Lo will carefully evaluate each patient. The best candidate will be in good physical and mental health, have realistic expectations of the brow lift procedure, understand all risks involved, and be willing to follow pre- and post-operative instructions.
All our procedures are performed at our in-office surgical suite giving patients a tranquil and relaxing surgical experience. Facial Fat Transfer procedures can be done with local anesthesia or patients may select light sedation if they prefer. During the procedure, Dr. Lo will perform a light liposuction from a donor site such as the abdomen or thighs. The fat is then harvested and processed, and it is prepared in syringes to be injected using a micro drop technique to evenly distribute the injected fat so it is surrounded by healthy tissue. This technique ensures that the transplanted fat remains in direct contact with the tissues that supply nutrients and oxygen. Whether the injected fat is placed under the skin or within the facial muscle depends upon the area being treated. Dr. Lo is able to restore fat to the under eyes, cheeks, eyebrows and temples, nasolabial folds, and jawline to return youthful fullness to the face. In addition to adding volume, our fat cells are rich with stem cells and growth factors which have been associated with prolonged rejuvenation effects such as improved skin quality and facial structures, making the treated skin more luminous and healthier. The Facial Fat Transfer can typically take one hour with additional procedures adding more time.
Tucson, Arizona Fat Transfer Experts
Depending on the desired result, the Facial Fat Transfer procedure can often postpone or performed in place of a more aggressive procedure. At your consultation, Dr. Lo will work with you to customize your procedure to achieve the most natural and desired result. Dr. Lo’s passion for restoring his patient’s natural look and confidence, combined with his expertise in volume restoration make his outcomes highly successful and his patient satisfaction exceptional. Facial Fat Transfer is as much of an art as it is a skill, and Dr. Lo has an artist’s eye for the contours of the face. He strives to make his patients look like the best version of themselves - refreshed with a more youthful, natural look.
Dr. Lo maintains a comprehensive gallery of before and after photographs that can be viewed in the office for Facial Fat Transfer.
What can I expect after the procedure?
After your Facial Fat Transfer procedure the treated areas may feel tight and tender for the first days. You’ll be expected to rest and relax the first days post-surgery to let your body heal. No ice can be used on the treated area. Your fat donor site areas will have a small incision and no sutures and will heal on its own. You will need to sleep with your head elevated for a week. Swelling and bruising can last for up 2-weeks, with no strenuous activity or exercise for 2-weeks. Most patients feel comfortable returning to daily activities with the first 1-2 days and returning to work depending on comfort level. Minor bruising can be concealed with mineral makeup. Recovery can take up to two months or more depending on your natural healing process.
Dr. Lo is committed to your successful recovery and is there for you throughout your cosmetic journey and at your scheduled follow up appointments. Facial Fat Transfer results are long-lasting and can be seen for several years. As with any cosmetic procedure, it does not protect against future aging and the longevity of your Facial Fat Transfer results can be maintained with non-invasive aesthetic treatments at our Med Spa, as well as medical grade skincare products to help protect your investment.