No one expects to live forever without a single sign of aging, but that doesn’t mean they’re happy to see it either. When we age, facial volume decreases, creating hollowed areas of the face. The result is a sad appearance that ages a person beyond their time. Individuals looking to restore a more youthful look may look to procedures such as fat transfer surgery to regain a more vibrant and youthful appearance.

What is fat transfer?

Fat transfer is a surgical procedure to fill volume lost in the face due to aging or congenital factors. The fat is typically transferred from the “hard to lose” parts of the body like the hips, abdomen, back, and thighs, and transferred to the face for additional volume. It is most commonly used to treat volume loss and darkening under the eyes as well as lip enhancement.

Am I a good candidate for fat transfer?

If you experience loss of volume in the face you may be a candidate for fat transfer. During your consultation, Dr. Pamela Henderson will assess facial volume and discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure so that an informed decision may be made. Because of the nature of fat transfer procedures, patients are advised that some or all of the fat may not survive the procedure and therefore repeat procedures may be required.

Dr. Henderson will discuss any preoperative care approximately two weeks prior to the surgical date. Patients are provided with the necessary forms and instructed to avoid certain medications. Smoking should be avoided at least two weeks prior to and following the procedure to increase the chances of fat survival.

What can I expect during the procedure?

Fat transfer surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and completed in approximately one hour. Prior to the procedure, patients will be administered local anesthesia and may also receive oral medications. The donor site is selected and a small incision is made where the fat will be collected in syringes. Using small cannulas, the harvested fat is deposited at the anesthetized surgical site. The fat is strategically layered within the soft tissue to increase the exposure to the existing vascular tissue that will encourage fat survival. Due to the nature of fat transfer procedures, a small amount of over-augmentation is performed. Once the desired results are achieved, the surgical sites are closed.

What is the recovery process like?

Some mild swelling and bruising is expected following the procedure. Dr. Henderson advises patients to ice the area. This reduced swelling and bruising and in some cases improves fat survival because metabolism is slowed. Bruising typically diminishes within seven to 10 days, though swelling may take several weeks. Patients typically return to work and their normal routine after one week. Strenuous activities, including exercise, should be avoided for at least two weeks while the body heals.

Why should I choose Dr. Pamela Henderson for my fat transfer procedure?

Dr. Pamela Henderson is a dual board certified plastic surgeon that has served the Scottsdale community for over 20 years. She specializes in facial cosmetic surgery and has maintained open communication relationships with her patients, allowing for optimal results. Her compassion for her patients is displayed in every procedure she performs.

If you are interested in fat transfer in Scottsdale, contact the office of Dr. Pamela Henderson of New Image Plastic Surgery today. You can contact her friendly staff online or by phone at (480) 596-6886 to schedule your consultation today.