Autologous Fat Transfer (Fat injections) CENTER FOR FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY AT ENT SPECIALISTS
Autologous Fat Transfer (Fat injections)
Autologous fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or fat injection, is a cosmetic surgical
procedure that involves the removal of excess fat from one part of the body and its transfer
to another area, typically the face. This procedure aims to restore volume, improve
contours, and rejuvenate the facial appearance by using the patient's own fat as a natural
filler.
Here are key aspects of autologous fat transfer to the face:
1. Procedure Overview:
- Harvesting: Excess fat is typically harvested from areas with an abundance, such as the
abdomen, thighs, or buttocks.
- Purification: The harvested fat is processed to separate unwanted components, leaving
purified fat cells.
- Injection: The purified fat is then injected into targeted areas of the face to enhance
volume and contour.
2. Candidates:
- Volume Loss: Patients experiencing facial volume loss due to aging or other factors.
- Desire for Natural Results: Those seeking a natural and long-lasting solution for facial
rejuvenation.
3. Results:
- Enhanced Volume: The procedure restores volume to areas of the face that may have
lost fat over time.
- Improved Contours: Fat transfer can improve facial contours and create a more
youthful appearance.
- Improved Skin Texture: Fat stem cells produce growth factors that stimulate new
collagen deposition in the skin. This leads to a healthier and shinier looking skin.
4. Recovery:
- Initial Swelling: Some swelling and bruising are expected, with the peak occurring in the
first few days.
- Healing Time: Full recovery may take a few weeks to months.
5. Considerations:
- Natural Material: Autologous fat is a natural filler, reducing the risk of allergic reactions
or rejection.
- Customization: The procedure allows for a high degree of customization, with the ability
to address specific areas of concern.
- Longevity: While not all transferred fat cells may survive, the ones that do can provide
long-lasting results.
6. Combination Procedures:
- Comprehensive Rejuvenation: Fat transfer can be combined with other facial
procedures, such as blepharoplasty, brow lift and facelift for a comprehensive
rejuvenation approach.
- Facial Harmony: Combining procedures allows for addressing multiple aspects of facial
aging (volume loss, laxity and skin changes) and achieving overall facial harmony.
BEFORE THE SURGERY
From the time of your first consultation (whether on-line or in person) till the day of surgery you will have the opportunity to discuss with Dr Georgescu and his staff all your questions and concerns related to the surgical procedure, the preparation and the recovery. Make sure you fulfill all your financial obligations at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. Stop all anticoagulants (Eliquis, Pradaxa, Plavix, Coumadin, Warfarin), anti- inflammatory medication (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac, Indomethacin) and all vitamins and supplements (except for Calcium and Vit. D) two weeks prior to surgery, but only with the approval of your primary care doctor or cardiologist. Smokers need to stop smoking or vaping at least 4 months prior to surgery. Nicotine patches or gum are accepted. Make sure you fill your prescriptions before surgery, as you will not be able go to the pharmacy immediately after surgery. You need to make arrangements for someone to bring you to the surgery center and take you back home, as you will not be able to drive the day of surgery. You also need someone to stay with you for at least the first night after surgery.
THE DAY OF SURGERY
Do not eat or drink anything past 10:00 PM the night before! If you need to take your blood pressure or anxiety medication, do so with a sip of water when you wake up. Make sure you arrive at the surgery center at the time indicated (our staff will call you the day prior with the exact time you need to be there). Our surgery center staff will greet you and make sure all the consent forms have been signed. Your companion can either wait in our comfortable waiting area, where there is coffee, water and snacks, or can return back home and we will call as soon as the surgery is over. You will be then taken to your room where our nurses will place an IV and EKG electrodes. A urine pregnancy test is performed on all pre-menopausal women. Then, you will meet in person our anesthesiologist who will explain the anesthesia procedure. Most surgeries are done under general anesthesia. Dr Georgescu will come and read to you the consent form and answer any last-minute questions you may have. He will then do the skin markings and may take some additional photographs. The bed will then be wheeled into the operating room where the time out will be performed before you go to sleep. The anesthesiologist will then give you IV medication that will allow you to fall asleep. At the end of surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will wake up with no pain. After approximately 30 min you will be discharged to go home with your companion. We will bring you to the car in a wheelchair. You will be given Dr Georgescu’s personal cell number to call at any time if you have any questions or concerns and Dr Georgescu will call you the night of surgery to make sure you are doing well and following the instructions.
RECOVERY & RESULTS
Most patients take between 7 and 10 days off after autologous fat transfer. Bruising and
swelling typically go away in about 2-3 weeks. Antibiotic and pain medication may be
prescribed for a few days. You will need to apply warm compresses twice a day 10 min
each till the bruising is completely gone.
Strenuous activity, such as golfing, swimming, tennis and weightlifting should be avoided
for 3 weeks. Walking is allowed the day after surgery. Light running and biking can be
resumed after 1 week.
You will need to come back to the office the following day to ensure that you are healing
well. You will also be seen on days 7 and 14 followed by 1 month, 3 months and 6
months. However, Dr Georgescu is available to see you at any time if you have questions
or concerns.
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2122 NW 62nd ST, Ste 229 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
