Question 1

What are fat injections and fat transfers?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Who is the best candidate for a fat injection procedure?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What can I expect during a consultation for fat injections?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What should I look for in a surgeon to perform my fat injection procedure?

Accepted Answer

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?

Question 5

Where are fat injection procedures performed?

Accepted Answer

Fat injection procedures are often performed in a surgeon’s office-based facility or ambulatory surgery setting.

Question 6

How is the actual fat injection procedure performed?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

How long does a fat injection procedure take to perform?

Accepted Answer

Fat injection typically takes about an hour to perform.

Question 8

Will I be able to drive myself home after my fat injection procedure?

Accepted Answer

Patients who receive sedation should arrange for someone else to drive them home after their procedure.

Question 9

What is the recovery like after a fat injection procedure?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Will I need to take time off from work after a fat injection procedure?

Accepted Answer

Patients are typically able to return to work and other normal activities immediately after the procedure.

Question 11

How long does the fat transfer/injections last?

Accepted Answer

The results of fat transfer/injections typically last between 2 to 5 years. Every patient is unique and has different rates of reabsorbtion.

Question 12

Are there any risks associated with fat injection?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

Are there any limitations to what fat injections can achieve?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

Is fat injection ever covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Fat injection procedures performed solely for cosmetic purposes are typically not covered by insurance.

Question 15

Is it possible to get financing for a cosmetic procedure?

Accepted Answer

Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures.

Description	Procedure	Safety	Duration
Fat injections or liposculpture are performed using the patient’s own fat cells (autologous fat) taken from unwanted fat deposits.	The fat is injected into the muscle. Procedure time: one hour.	Injection related adverse reactions, redness and swelling. Tenderness might occur, other reactions are rare.	The reported duration varies, up to several years.

Description	Procedure	Safety	Duration
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that exists naturally in the body where it’s most important function is to carry and bind water. Restylane is manufactured in a laboratory as non-animal, stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) that does not contain animal protein and so does not require a skin test prior to treatment. FDA approved.	Restylane is injected under the skin. Procedure time: less than half an hour.	Injection-related adverse reactions such as swelling, redness and tenderness might occur. Other adverse reactions are very rare.	The result is immediate and can last from 4-9 months, depending on the patient.

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Fat Transfers

Facelift have any effect on the lines around my mouth