Hollow eyes, flattening of the midface, deepening of the nasolabial folds, and thinning of the lips are all associated with the aging process. They reflect the loss of subcutaneous tissues, muscle, and underlying bone. Facial Fat Transfer is a safe, simple procedure that provides patients with a natural solution for facial volume loss.
How Facial Fat Transfer Works
Dr. Brian Maloney uses a closed system to harvest fat without being exposed to air. Harvested fat is then re-injected it into various areas of the face to fill in contour irregularities. The fat is harvested very gently with a few mm of pressure. The fat is centrifuged (spun around very quickly) and separates into layers. The intact fat is removed and used to fill the desired areas of the face. Long-term success is enhanced by placing the fat in the tissues in a micro-droplet fashion. Patients may experience bruising and swelling lasting one to two weeks.
Candidates for Fat Transfer
The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for Facial Fat Transfer is to meet with Dr. Maloney. During your consultation appointment, Dr. Maloney will discuss your cosmetic goals and will recommend the best procedures for your needs. In general, Facial Fat Transfers are recommended for the upper and lower eyelid area to soften hollowness and the deep-set look at the temple area, corner of mouth, jaw line, cheek creases, and thin lips.
View before and after photographs.
Benefits of Fat Transfer
Traditional surgical rejuvenation procedures such as Facelifts and Blepharoplasty fail to add volume, often leaving patients with a tighter look but not a younger look. Facial Fat Transfer, or autologous fat transplantation, in conjunction with these procedures, can provide your face with a younger-looking, fresh contour. Fifteen to twenty years ago it was terrible. The fat would be suctioned out from the stomach or hips with a high powered Liposuction machine, washed in a strainer, and placed back into a large syringe for placement. The fat would generally be placed in a large blob under the skin. The doctor and patient then watched as the fat slowly disappeared. Most patients did not hold on to this fat. The body simply broke it down and took it away. Over the years, research began to shed light on what fat requires in order to survive. As a result, new techniques were developed. Most patients do well with one Facial Fat Transfer. Some may choose to add more volume with in-office fillers if some settling occurs. At times, patients may benefit from more than one Facial Fat Transfer.
Additional Skin Rejuvenation Procedures
The Maloney Center for Facial Plastic Surgery understands that your face is the first thing people notice about you. Dr. Maloney and his staff use their experience, compassion, and artistry to provide personalized care and state-of-the-art facial plastic surgery treatments and procedures to the residents of Atlanta, Sandy Springs, the surrounding communities in Georgia, and patients from around the world for optimal health, aesthetics, and patient satisfaction.