Smoothing out the wrinkles...
Facial wrinkles and creases are part of the aging process. They begin to appear as the underlying collagen and elastin fibers break down and wear out. While this breakdown is part of the natural aging process, it can also result from excessive squinting, frowning and smiling.
Fat transfer, also called autologous fat transplantation or micro-lipoinjection, is performed by Dr. Wakeham for patients in Calgary, Alberta to plump up facial features with a patient's own fat. It is a popular alternative to other wrinkle treatments. Fat transfer to the face is a safe, natural, non-allergenic procedure designed to recontour your face and can provide definition to your cheeks and chin. It can also be used to correct facial deformities. Since fat transfer uses your own fat cells, you can never have an allergic reaction, because it's from your own body.
With fat transfer it is possible to have fat liposuctioned from your abdomen or thighs and then transferred to any area of your body. Reinjected fat lasts longer in larger areas of non-movement, so it is very successful for the correction of sunken cheeks because this area does not move as often.
How is the fat transfer procedure done?
Fat transfer is performed in our office on an outpatient basis. Both the area from which the fat is taken and the treatment site are anesthetized with a local anesthetic. Using a small needle attached to a syringe, fat is removed from a donor site where your fat is most tightly packed, such as your abdomen or your buttocks.
Once removed, your fat is processed to remove excess fluids and then reinjected using another needle, which is placed just under your skin beneath the wrinkle. This process may be repeated until the desired correction has been achieved. Areas that the fat can be injected into include: brow, temporal, under eye hallows, cheeks, mouth area, lines that run from the nose to the mouth, chin and jaw area.
Harvesting the fat cells for reinjection may be done in conjuction with other facial cosmetic procedures. Your surgeon will harvest an amount of fat, then freeze and store your fat for future injections when they become necessary.
What are the benefits of fat transfer?
- Fat transferred to the face can last as long as three years or longer.
- Fat transfer can be very cost effective when combined with another procedure.
- There's no chance of an allergic reaction.
What can I expect after my fat transfer?
After Dr. Wakeham performs a fat transfer, patients are up and around immediately. Any discomfort following the procedure can be controlled with medication. Some swelling at the treatment site may last up to 36 hours. There may be some bruising, which can be covered with make-up. Your initial injection should last up to 6 months. For results that will last years, patients usually receive 3 - 4 treatments over a 6 month period.