Two to three decades of a healthy life, then followed by five decades of weaker physical and mental health, that’s life for most of us. Time spares nothing; with age every nook and cranny of the body gets affected. Changes in the face, like hollow cheeks and deep grooves from the corner of the mouth are the classic signs of ageing. Some people celebrate their age with the appearance they have, and some postpone these natural changes by undergoing facial fat transfer.

Overview

Facial fat transfer is a procedure in which fats from one part of the body is removed and transferred to the face. The main aim of this procedure is to:
Have a younger look
Reduce scars on the face
Improve facial volume
Reduce facial lines
Correct deep and hollow cheeks

ELIGIBILITY

People who are healthy with no serious medical conditions are eligible for facial fat transfer. However, good candidates for facial fat transfer are the individuals who:
Have a healthy body weight
Have sunken cheeks, lower eyelid bags, and thin lips
Do not smoke
Have realistic expectations with the procedure

PREPARATION BEFORE PROCEDURE

During the first consultation, the doctor will review the past medical records of the patient. You will be briefed about the procedure and its outcomes. A physical examination is done to determine if you have an adequate amount of donor fat; if not, then the doctor will suggest you to gain weight before undergoing surgery.
For a better outcome with the surgery, the patient is advised to follow the instructions given below:
Stop smoking several weeks before the procedure
Do not take any medicines that increase the risk of bleeding during and after the procedure
Inform the doctor about the use of current medications, vitamins, and mineral supplements

ABOUT PROCEDURE

A small cut is made at the donor site (region from where the fat is collected) under the influence of local anaesthesia. Now, the surgeon collects fat by inserting a cannula connected to a syringe. Fat purification is done to remove the blood or any damaged cells within it. Once the fat cells are prepared, the surgeon will slowly inject the fat into the face where volume enhancement is required and distribute it evenly. This process is continued until the desired result is achieved.

POST-PROCEDURE CARE

Pain, swelling, bruising, and redness of the skinare common at both the donor region and treated region for a few days. A cold compressor may help in managing swelling during the first few hours after the surgery. You are advised to take certain medicines to manage pain and swelling.

RECOVERY TIPS

The doctor will give the following instructions for a quick recovery:
Avoid massaging the face for a few days
Avoid facial exercises
Maintain stable body weight
Include a diet rich in healthy fats, such as salmon, almonds
Do not expose to sunlight until redness and swelling subsides
Do not smoke
Drink plenty of fluids
Take the prescribed medicines
Visit the doctor as scheduled to assess the outcome
Consult your doctor if you have pain, swelling, or redness for more than two weeks

FACTORS AFFECTING COST

The cost of facial fat transfer varies based on the area/areas to be injected, and the type of anaesthesia used.