PROCEDURE
Facial Fat Grafting
With ageing, alongside a sense of accomplishment, family, and joy, comes the dreaded loss of facial volume, altered contours, and the emergence of wrinkles, which may not reflect the vitality you feel inside. Depending on the extent to which the collagen levels have depleted in and around your face, you may also be subject to crow’s feet, jowls, nasolabial folds and excess sagging skin. To address these concerns with precision and care, Mr Kshem Yapa offers a facial fat grafting procedure.
Facial fat grafting is a surgical procedure, aimed at restoring facial volume, by transferring your own body fat from a suitable area, such as the abdomen or thighs, to the facial areas that exhibit volume loss, including the cheeks, around the nostrils, nasolabial folds, and the lips. London facial fat grafting procedures not only smooth and reduce wrinkles but also enhance facial contours, providing a more youthful appearance. Think of it as a permanent filler.
At a glance
Procedure Length:
Approximately 2-4 hours, depending on areas treated.
Day Case:
You can go home on the same day.
Anaesthesia:
Typically general anaesthesia, though local anaesthesia with sedation is also an option.
Downtime:
Typically, 1-2 weeks.
Showering:
Keep the surgical areas dry for the first 48 hours. Gentle cleansing is permissible after 48 hours.
Sleeping:
Elevate your head while sleeping and avoid direct pressure on the face for at least 1-2 weeks.
Make-Up:
Avoid application to the treated areas for 2 weeks.
Driving:
Refrain from driving for at least 48 hours post-procedure or while on pain medication.
Smoking:
Avoid smoking at least 4 weeks prior to and 4 weeks after the procedure.
Direct Sun Exposure:
Limit sun exposure and always use a high-SPF for at least 6 weeks post-procedure.
Benefits of Facial Fat Grafting
As you contemplate the decision to undergo facial fat grafting, it’s important to be fully informed about the benefits that this procedure can bring. This can help solidify your decision but also aid in setting realistic and informed expectations for the outcome. Mr Kshem Yapa is dedicated to ensuring that every patient is comprehensively educated and comfortable prior to making their choice. Below are the benefits you can expect following a facial fat grafting procedure:
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Natural and Enduring Results:
Utilising your own fat cells, facial fat grafting alleviates the need for synthetic fillers, offering not only a safe and biocompatible solution but also delivering results that are both natural-looking and long-lasting.
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Refinement of Facial Contours:
The transferred fat is strategically placed in areas such as the cheeks, temples, or under the eyes in a way that can profoundly restore lost volume and enhance facial contours. This approach aims to accentuate your youthful appearance and delicately revive your inherent facial structure.
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Minimised Risk of Allergic Reactions:
Since the procedure focuses on using your own bodily resources, the risk of allergic reactions or rejection is reduced. Facial fat grafting can therefore be regarded as a particularly safe option when compared to other cosmetic procedures.
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Concurrent Body Contouring:
As the fat used in the grafting procedure is harvested from your own body, areas such as the abdomen or thighs, this naturally offers the added benefit of subtle body contouring. This dual-action process not only rejuvenates the facial area but also refines the donor site, addressing multiple aesthetic concerns in a singular procedure.
Facial Fat Grafting Procedure Steps
Facial fat grafting has evolved significantly over the years, employing a range of surgical techniques to ensure effective and long-lasting results. Understanding these techniques can provide clarity about the procedure and what to expect. Below, we delineate the primary methods utilised in facial fat grafting:
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Harvesting
The initial step involves the extraction of fat from a donor site, commonly the abdomen, thighs, or flanks. This is typically achieved through a minimally invasive liposuction procedure, ensuring minimal scarring and discomfort.
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Purification
Once the fat is harvested, it undergoes a purification process to separate the viable fat cells from other components like blood or anaesthetic solution. Centrifugation or sedimentation are the standard techniques employed for this purpose.
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Reinjection
The purified fat is then loaded into small syringes, ensuring precision during the transfer. Using microcannulas, the fat is delicately injected into the target areas of the face in tiny aliquots. This ensures optimal blood supply to the transferred fat, enhancing its survival.
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PRP Augmentation (optional)
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is sometimes utilised to improve the longevity and viability of the grafted fat. PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood and, when combined with the fat graft, can potentially enhance the overall results.
It’s important to recognise that the precise technique and approach might vary depending on individual needs and Mr Kshem Yapa’s expertise. A thorough consultation with Mr Kshem Yapa will provide tailored information and insights specific to your facial structure and rejuvenation goals.
Risks and Complications
While facial fat grafting is a well-established and routinely performed procedure, potential risks and complications can still happen. Mr Kshem Yapa and his team are committed to adhering to the highest standards of practice, ensuring that risks are kept to a minimum through rigorous health and safety protocols. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are inherent risks. Here are the potential complications of facial fat grafting:
Post-procedure, it is possible that up to 50-60% of the transferred volume might be absorbed by the body. This might necessitate a touch-up procedure for optimal results.
Common side effects post-operatively include bruising and swelling in the treated areas. These typically resolve on their own and are temporary in nature.
Some patients may experience numbness or a changed sensation in the areas where fat has been transferred. This usually subsides over time.
Minor discrepancies in volume loss between the two sides of the face might result in subtle asymmetry. It’s noteworthy, however, that natural faces are rarely perfectly symmetrical.
While uncommon, there is a possibility of infection and bleeding post-procedure. Adhering to post-operative guidelines significantly minimises these risks.
A rare but severe complication is the inadvertent injection into a blood vessel. This can lead to embolism, stroke, blindness, or skin necrosis. It’s crucial to have the procedure performed by a qualified and experienced professional to mitigate such risks.
Recovery
Understanding the recovery and aftercare process is vital as it significantly affects the procedure’s outcome and helps facilitate the best recovery. Here’s what you need to know:
Settling of Transferred Fat:
Post-procedure, a portion of the transferred fat will naturally be absorbed by the body. Typically, around 30% of the fat may be reabsorbed within the first 6-12 months. Fat that remains after this period will stabilise and behave similarly to other body fat, adjusting to weight, hormonal, and age-related changes. To counteract this absorption, Mr Kshem Yapa may slightly overfill the treated areas, ensuring long-lasting, natural results.
Swelling Duration:
Swelling post-facial fat grafting is a common side effect and can last between 1-2 weeks. It’s advisable to allocate at least a week, if not two, for recovery, and avoiding work and social commitments during this period. Elevating the treated areas and applying cold compresses can assist in reducing swelling.
Post-Procedure Discomfort:
Patients might experience swelling, bruising, and soreness for up to a week in both the treated facial areas and the donor sites. While the discomfort is generally manageable, you can always ask Mr Kshem Yapa for suitable pain relief options.
Aftercare Recommendations:
– Avoid massaging the treated area for several days post-procedure.
– Avoid sleeping face-down for a few days to ensure the fat settles correctly.
– Avoid smoking. It can adversely affect the survival of the transferred fat.
– Refrain from vigorous activities until directed by Mr Kshem Yapa
– Stay well-hydrated to support the transferred fat and promote recovery.
