Turn Back Time With Facial Fat Transfer in San Antonio
As we age, the skin on our face loses elasticity and fullness, leading to sagging and a more hollow appearance around the eyes, cheeks, and jawline While we can’t stop the time, Dr. Elizabeth Hernandez at Eterna Cosmetic Surgery offers a natural solution – Facial Fat Transfer. This procedure restores youthful volume using your own fat, resulting in a softer, more refreshed look without the use of synthetic fillers. If you’re ready to look as vibrant as you feel, Facial Fat Transfer could be the perfect option for you.
What is Facial Fat Transfer?
Facial fat transfer, also commonly referred to as fat grafting, is a non-surgical procedure that is used to improve facial structure and volume using a patient’s own fat, without scarring. Facial fat transfer is commonly used in the nasolabial folds (the smile lines between the nose and the lips), marionette lines (lines from the corners of the mouth down), cheeks, jaw, and under the eyes.
Who is an ideal candidate for a Facial Fat Transfer Procedure?
You should have enough fat to harvest from another part of your body in order to be an ideal candidate for a facial fat transfer procedure. Patients should also be in good general health, and either do not smoke, or are able to stop smoking for several weeks before and after your procedure.
You should have ideal expectations for the procedure, which you’ll discuss with Dr. Hernandez during your consultation at Eterna Cosmetic Surgery. Patients should also be at or near their ideal weight, as a significant amount of weight loss after the procedure has the potential to affect results.
What happens during a Facial Fat Transfer procedure?
During facial fat transfer, Dr. Hernandez will use liposuction to obtain fat from your own body. Dr. Hernandez will conduct a physical examination during your consultation and will consider your goals to determine the exact location.
Typically, the fat removed will come from your thighs, buttocks, stomach, or other areas that typically hold excess fat. The fat cells will be purified, and carefully injected into your face. Once they are accepted by your facial tissues, the transplanted fat cells will obtain their own blood supply.
How is Facial Fat Transfer different from treatment with fillers?
Dr. Hernandez also offers treatment with hyaluronic facial fillers, including Juvederm Ultra XC, Juvederm Vollure, and Revanesse Versa. Facial fat transfer differs from these treatments, as it offers a more natural option for patients who do not wish to use synthetic fillers.
Traditional fillers can vary in the length of their results, with many fillers delivering results for 12 months (or longer). Results from facial fat transfer have the potential to last for years in patients. Dr. Hernandez will discuss these benefits and differences with you during your initial consultation to help you make the best decision.
How do I prepare for Facial Fat Transfer?
Avoid taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like Advil, Motrin, and Aleve, and other vitamins or supplements that may increase bleeding for two weeks before your procedure. Dr. Hernandez will review your medications and supplements to determine what other medications may need to be stopped prior to your procedure. Eat healthy foods and stay hydrated in advance of your procedure so that your body is in its best condition to heal.
Facial Fat Transfer Recovery: What can I expect after Facial Fat Transfer?
Facial fat transfer recovery only takes two to three days. Dr. Hernandez will prescribe you pain medication to help alleviate any discomfort. While you will notice an initial difference after your procedure, you’ll enjoy the final results in several weeks.
Mild bruising or swelling at the liposuction site and on your face is normal for several weeks following the procedure.
Dr. Hernandez recommends sleeping on your back for 6 weeks so that you avoid pressure on your face during healing. Once you return to work and most normal activities, you’ll want to avoid strenuous exercise for 6 weeks. Dr. Hernandez also recommends patients wear a compression garment on areas treated with liposuction for 6 weeks.
How much does facial fat transfer cost in San Antonio?
In San Antonio, facial fat transfer typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000. The exact price may vary based on the surgeon’s experience and any additional procedures you may choose to combine for optimal results.
Is buccal fat removal the same as facial fat transfer?
No, buccal fat removal and facial fat transfer are different procedures. Buccal fat removal slims down the cheeks by removing fat from the buccal pads, while facial fat transfer enhances volume by relocating fat from other parts of the body to areas like the cheeks, under the eyes, or lips to restore a youthful appearance. Both offer unique benefits depending on the desired facial contour.
