The concept of removing fat from one part of the body and injecting it into another part of the body is one of the most exciting to be added to the field of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. While fat transplantation has been done in various ways for some time (first recorded in the late 1800s), the concept of fat transplantation by micro-injection is relatively new. Why would we want to use fat as a grafting tool? For one thing, we should realize that one of the main causes of aging is the apparent loss of fat in one’s face. Typically, we think of the aging face as one in which the skin and underlying muscles have stretched in response to wear and tear and the effect of gravity. While this is true to some extent and can often be repaired with more traditional procedures, such as a face-lift, we find that the loss of fat may be an even greater contributor to the appearance of aging. If we only look at the round cheeks of a baby and compare that with the more hollowed appearance of an adult, it is clear that there are tremendous changes in the distribution of fat. The skin may be thought of as an envelope and the underlying fat and muscles as the contents. As the contents thin out, then there will be a relatively larger envelope. In the case of the face, this will appear in the form of sagging or wrinkles. If we could replace fat in some of these areas, then we might be able to restore a more youthful and attractive appearance.
How does fat-grafting work? Basically, by using liposuction techniques, fat can be harvested from one part of the body and then re-injected into another part of the body where it is needed. It survives very well when we use it to fill out the hollows around the eyes, often occurring congenitally or with aging. The operation itself usually takes from one and a half to two hours, or it can be done in combination with other procedures such as a face-lift or blepharoplasty. It is usually done under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. It can be done in the office surgical suite as an out-patient without any need for hospitalization. The fat is usually taken from the lower abdomen through a tiny incision hidden in the belly button or pubic area, or from the inside part of the thighs, through a tiny incision hidden in the crease of the groin
For information, or a free consultation with Dr. Mark Berman, M.D. F.A.C.S., please call Beyond Harmony Med Spa at 661-298-8008.