When it comes to facial rejuvenation, volume is key. As we age, natural fat loss in the face can lead to hollowness, deeper folds, and a tired appearance. While fillers offer a temporary solution, fat grafting provides a more long-lasting and natural approach by using a patient’s own fat to restore youthful contours. Fat grafting doesn’t prevens the future need for fillers, but it can lessen the amount and frequency of treatments needed over the years.
Facial Fat Grafting
What is facial fat grafting? Facial fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, involves harvesting fat from another area of the body—typically the abdomen or inner thighs—purifying it, and strategically injecting it into specific areas of the face that have lost volume. This technique not only enhances facial features by providing much needed volume and filling deep lines, but also improves skin quality due to the regenerative properties of fat-derived stem cells.
A Real Patient Transformation
In a recent case, I performed facial fat grafting under general anesthesia, administering a total of 22 mL of fat strategically placed to restore volume and smooth contours:
- Nasolabial folds (smile lines): 4 mL per side
- Malar region (cheeks): 5 mL
- Lower eyelids: 1 mL of fractionated nanofat per side
- Temples: 1 mL of fractionated nanofat per side
Now, just two months post-procedure, the patient looks incredible. The added volume has softened her deep folds, enhanced cheek definition, and improved overall facial harmony.
Understanding Fat Properties: Molecular Weight and Region-Specific Application
Understanding Fat Properties: Molecular Weight and Region-Specific ApplicationNot all fat is created equal. The molecular weight and structure of fat cells play a crucial role in determining where they should be placed in the face.
1. Structural Fat (High Molecular Weight)
- Characteristics: Larger fat cells, higher volume retention, and more robust structure.
- Ideal for: Deep volume restoration and structual support in areas like the cheeks (malar region) and jawline.
- Example in this case: I placed 5 mL of fat into the malar region to restore cheek fullness and create youthful definition.
2. Microfat (Medium Molecular Weight)
- Characteristics: Smaller fat particles that integrate well into moderately mobile areas of the face.
- Ideal for: Filling nasolabial folds (marionette lines) to smooth out wrinkles and deep creases while maintaining natural expression.
- Example in this case: I injected 4 mL into each nasolabial fold to soften smile lines and create a more youthful appearance.
3. Nanofat (Low Molecular Weight)
- Characteristics: Extremely small fat particles containing regenerative stem cells but minimal volume-retaining fat cells.
- Ideal for: Delicate areas with thin skin, such as the lower eyelids and temples, where fat primarily improves skin quality rather than providing volume.
- Example in this case: 1 mL of fractionated nanofat was placed into each lower eyelid and each temple to improve hollowness, dark circles, and overall skin texture.
By selecting the appropriate fat type for each region, fat grafting achieves beautiful results that blend seamlessly with the patient’s facial structure.
Why Choose Fat Grafting?
Unlike traditional fillers, fat grafting offers long-lasting results since the transferred fat integrates with the surrounding tissue. While some resorption occurs in the first few months, the fat that survives remains permanently. Additional benefits include:
✔ Natural-Looking Results – Since the fat is your own, there’s no risk of an allergic reaction.
✔ Long-Term Improvement – Unlike fillers that need frequent touch-ups, fat grafting provides lasting volume enhancement.
✔ Minimal Downtime – Recovery is relatively simple, with most patients experiencing mild swelling and bruising for a couple of weeks.
The Recovery Process
Patients can expect some swelling and bruising in the first few days, but most are back to normal activities within a week. Over the next few months, the fat settles, and the final results become more refined.
Final Thoughts
For those looking to restore lost facial volume naturally and effectively, fat grafting is an excellent solution. This patient’s transformation showcases how precise fat transfers create a more refreshed appearance without the need for fillers.
If you’re interested in learning more about facial fat grafting and whether it’s right for you, please call my office (Dr. Sam Jejurikar) at 214-827-2814.
