As we age, our faces naturally lose fat no matter how much we may try to fight it. Many people 
believe that the best option for enhancing the curves of our faces is to use a filler. Although fillers can work to replace the fat lost, there is a new alternative that seems a bit more natural — replacing fat with fat.
What is fat transfer?
Taking fat from one part of your body and injecting it into a part you want to enhance is a process known as autologous fat grafting. Using liposuction, the fat is often harvested from an area where you don’t want fat.
What can it help with?
Autologous fat grafting can help restore volume to areas of your body, such as sagging face, hollow cheeks, and overall sculpting of the face.
Is fat transfer better than fillers?
As a semi-permanent to permanent treatment option, fat transfer lasts longer than the general estimation of six months to two years for fillers. Taking fat from your own body and using it in a different area means that it is more likely to feel and move in a way that is comfortable and natural. In addition, some patients have mentioned that their skin tone and color improve after a fat transfer, which may be explained by the addition of living stem cells to that area.
Your entire face can be injected with fat from another area of your body including your brow, forehead, temples, and chin. Fat can be injected into many of the nontraditional filler sites. In addition, fat grafting may be a more cost effective treatment since it is expected to last beyond the typically filler timespan.
What should you know about fat transfer?
If you’re looking to fill fine lines and creases, fat transfer is not the best treatment option as it is generally reserved for increasing the volume of larger areas. You may want to try traditional fillers first because fat transfer is a more involved procedure. If you’ve already tried using fillers and want more permanent results, you may be a great candidate for fat transfer.
Speak with a skilled cosmetic surgeon about the results you want and your options for treatment. Remember to bring any questions or concerns to your consultation as your doctor will be able to give you answers and advice from his or her experience performing filler injections and fat transfer procedures.
GLOW Surgical Arts offers a variety of cosmetic surgery and minimally invasive procedures to help you look and feel more attractive. Request a consultation online, or call GLOW Surgical Arts at (650) 241-2209.
