Facial volume restauration with autologous (self) fat grafting

Facial fat descent and atrophy constitute one of the classical aging stigmata (definitely not the most important one, which is ligament relaxation).

This fat is subdivided into anatomically distinct compartments, which can be individually treated. In fact, strategically injecting fat into these compartments—rather than randomly—greatly enhances the results and gives patients a more natural appearance.

This procedure is done by injecting fat from other parts of the body into the face (thighs, abdomen). The fat is injected into specific areas and compartments that are lacking volume, such as the deep medial cheek fat pad, SOOF, Ristow’s space, the chin fat pad, the brow fat pad and the temporal fat pad.

This treatment can be performed on its own or in conjunction with other procedures such as facelift, lip lift or brow lift or blepharoplasty surgery.

Transferred fat is more than just a permanent natural filler:

  • It brings with it adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC), leading to the formation of new blood vessels, collagen and elastin, with a rejuvenated skin.

  • Cost-effective as one or two sessions can get you the result you need.

  • Same color hue and feel as normal skin.

  • Lower risk of infection and allergy compared to fillers.

And here you thought that fat couldn't serve a higher purpose.

Face fat compartments for lipofilling

Deep fat pads (left) are mostly the ones who lose volume with time. They should be injected very strategically.

Fat grafting done to the deep medial cheek fat pad and SOOF. (Patient at 3 months post-operatively)

Fat grafting to the lower eyelid, tear trough, cheeks, temples and brow fat pads. (Patient at 3 months post-operatively).

  • Under local anesthesia.

  • Liposuction on donor site then separation, purification and treatment of the fat.

  • Reinjection into the deficient area(s) to be treated.

  • Nanofat (Stem cells and growth factors that come with the fat cells) can be injected or microneedled in the same setting.

  • No sutures or scars on the face.

  • Minimal pain with medication.

  • Minimal swelling and bruising that usually resolve in 1 week.

  • 70-80% of the fat survives (less if you smoke, and less around the eyes and mouth)

  • Volume does not vary if you keep a stable weight (around 10% of your body weight)

  • 1st Follow-up: 7 days

  • 2nd Follow-up: 3 months to evaluate graft take.

  • Can usually be combined with a facelift, lip lift, brow lift, or blepharoplasty.