Fat Transfer To Face in Bellevue & Kirkland
Procedure Time
1-2 Hours
Recovery Time
3-5 days
Fat transfer to the face, sometimes called facial fat transfer or fat grafting, is a surgical technique that transfers fat from one part of the body and into the targeted points of the face. As people age, the face and skin naturally thin. This can create or reveal hollows which result in a gaunt and aged looking appearance. This can even happen after weight loss or in those with an especially active lifestyle. While dermal fillers are usually the first option, for patients looking for a more permanent solution, or cannot undergo filler injections, fat transfer to the face is a great option.
Fat transfer procedures are popular alternatives to dermal fillers. Many who routinely undergo filler injections may eventually look to fat transfer as they continue to age, or to save money in the long run. At a certain point, facial fillers may not be practical. If this is the case, you may discuss the facial fat transfer surgery with Dr. Allegra who can determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Overall, the procedure is fairly non-invasive and sometimes performed under local anesthesia. First, fat is harvested from the donor body area. Next, the fat is purified to remove blood and other bodily fluids. Finally, the fat is then injected into the targeted areas. Often, Dr. Allegra will overfill them slightly because between 10-40% of the fat is expected not to survive transfer. This method allows patients to see optimal results following their Bellevue fat transfer to the face procedure.
Facial hollowng–while it may look different for every patient–tends to occur in certain places. Additionally, some medical conditions and treatments can thin the face as well. Thinning from a condition and from aging will likely look different, but will still result in a gaunt, aged appearance. Some of the places on the face that may benefit from fat transfer include:
- Under eyes
- Cheeks
- Temples
- Lips
- Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
- Marionette lines
Frequently Asked Questions
Does It Always Treat Aging?
No, there are times when a patient may experience fat loss in the face for other reasons such as massive weight loss or medical treatment. Additionally, certain facial fat transfer procedures such as fat transfer to the lips are more about aesthetics than aging. While fat transfer to the lips can benefit some aging patients, it is largely performed as an alternative to lip filler.
Where Is The Fat Harvested From?
Any area on the body that carries extra fat is potentially a donor site. The most common areas where fat is harvested from are those that naturally carry extra fat. Though, Dr. Allegra can take fat from nearly anywhere. Some of the common liposuction sites for fat transfer to the face include:
- Abdomen
- Waist
- Buttocks
- Thighs
- Back
- Arms
- Bra roll
- Chin
- Neck
The Best Bellevue Fat Transfer To The Face At Northwest Face & Body
Northwest Face & Body has provided the Eastside with gold standard surgical and non-surgical procedures for over thirty years. With a masterful team, Northwest Face & Body aims to help every patient achieve their unique cosmetic goals safely and ideally. Whether this includes surgery, injections, medical grade skincare, or a combination of procedures, Northwest Face & Body is equipped to provide top of the line care. Northwest Face & Body offers the best fat transfer Bellevue and Kirkland can supply.
Located minutes from both Bellevue and Kirkland, the facility sits on the shores of Lake Washington. With hotel accomodations within walking distance, it is perfect for out of town and local patients alike. To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 425-576-1700. You can also reach out online using Price Simulator®, chat, or contact form.