FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Fat Transfers (Injections & Contouring):

Q. What are fat injections and fat transfers?
A. Fat injections and fat transfers, also known as autologous fat transplantation or microlipoinjection, are cosmetic procedures able to treat loss of volume in the face. Fat can be injected into facial areas in order to treat hollow areas under the eyes and in the cheekbones, smile lines or crows feet, laugh lines, jowl lines and other facial creases and depressions in order to restore a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance. Fat injection may also be used to add fullness to the lips and to minimize the appearance of some types of scars.

Q. Who is the best candidate for a fat injection procedure?
A. Good candidates for fat injection include physically healthy men and women who have realistic expectations and are looking to improve the appearance of their face, by adding volume to areas that need it.

Q. What can I expect during a consultation for fat injections?
A. During a consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your face, including your skin, muscles and underlying bone. The doctor will discuss your goals, ask about your medical history, and help you to determine the best treatment option. The Doctor should also explain all aspects of the procedure, including technique, sedation, anesthesia, the facility, the costs and risks involved. Photgraphs will be taken of all areas to be treated.

Q. What should I look for in a surgeon to perform my fat injection procedure?
A. Its always best to choose a surgeon who is certified by the Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons, as this ensures that they've completed the proper training to safely conduct your procedure. Be sure to also ask any potential surgeon the following questions: Does the surgeon have privileges to perform surgery in an accredited hospital? and, if so, which hospitals? How many fat injection procedures has the surgeon performed? Where will the surgery be performed and is the facility accredited by a national or state-recognized accrediting organization? How will the surgery be performed? What are the risks of fat injection?

Q. What does board certified mean?
A. Please click here to see our web page on Board Certification.

Q. Where are fat injection procedures performed?
A. Fat injection procedures are often performed in a surgeon's office-based facility or ambulatory surgery setting.

Q. How is the actual fat injection procedure performed?
A. You can be sedated for this procedure, if you wish. Then both the donor and recipient sites are first cleansed and a local anesthetic is applied, to numb the area. Fat is then withdrawn from the recipient site (often the abdomen or thighs) using a syringe with a large-bore needle or a cannula attached to a suction device. Once the fat is removed, it is prepared and then injected with a canula into the recipient site. Overfilling is often necessary to allow for fat absorption in the following weeks, which may temporarily result in a puffed or swollen appearance to the treated area.

Q.How long does a fat injection procedure take to perform?
A. Fat injection typically takes about an hour to perform.

Q. Will I be able to drive myself home after my fat injection procedure?
A. Patients who receive sedation should arrange for someone else to drive them home after their procedure.

Q. What is the recovery like after a fat injection procedure?
A. Patients may experience some swelling, bruising, puffiness or redness on the donor and recipient sites. The swelling and puffiness may last several weeks, particularly when large areas are treated. Patients are usually able to return to work and other normal activities right away, though sun exposure should be avoided for about the first forty-eight hours or until the redness and bruising subside.

Q. Will I need to take time off from work after a fat injection procedure?
A. Patients are typically able to return to work and other normal activities immediately after the procedure.

Q. How long does the fat transfer/injections last?
A. The results of fat transfer/injections typically last between 2 to 5 years. Every patient is unique and has different rates of reabsorbtion.

Q. Are there any risks associated with fat injection?
A. There are few risks associated with fat injection. Redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness may occur and there is a small risk of infection.

Q. Are there any limitations to what fat injections can achieve?
A. Fat injections are typically not sufficient for severe surface wrinkles on the face or deep folds in the face or brow. Other procedures, such as a chemical peel, dermabrasion or a browlift, may be better options.

Q. Is fat injection ever covered by insurance?
A. Fat injection procedures performed solely for cosmetic purposes are typically not covered by insurance.

Q. Is it possible to get financing for a cosmetic procedure?
A. Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures.