Fat is commonly placed in the face to enhance or restore volume. Most facial aging involves some degree of volume loss, and this deficiency may still be apparent after facelift surgery. Fat grafting involves transferring small parcels of fat from the tummy to these deflated facial areas. For patients without signs of aging, fat grafting is typically applied to the lips or cheeks for a natural and permanent augmentation.
This procedure is often done in conjunction with facelift surgery. A small incision is placed within the belly button to harvest a small amount of fat from the tummy. This fat is processed to separate out the desired fat cells, and then injected through small needles.
Swelling in the treated areas is the rule, but resolves within a couple weeks. Although you will enjoy your results within two to three weeks, the appearance of your face will continue to improve and mature over the succeeding several months.