Fat Transfer (face)

2 -4 hours

Fat transfer is performed to achieve the following objectives:

• Restore the lost volume of fat in the face

• To improve contour of the face and make the face more radiant

• To imrove the texture of the facial skin

Note: After the surgery part of the transferred fat may be absorbed by the body during the first 6 months. The percentage of fat absorption depends on the technique used and also the patient’s body response to fat transfer. A second procedure may be required in cases where fat absorption is substantial. The fat that stays after 6 months usually will remain permanently.

Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia with or without sedation

When to Go Home after Surgery: Go home the same day

Back to Work: 1-3 days for most cases, 5-7 days for larger volume fat transfer

Technique: Fat Transfer involves 3 steps:

1. Fat Harvesting: fat is harvested by using liposuction technique (usually from abdomen or thighs)

2. Fat Separation and purification: harvested fat is separated from blood, body fluid and other unwanted elements

3. Fat Injection: fat is injected into the desired location by using special fat graft cannula and micro injection technique to optimize survival of fat graft.

• Treat and stabilize any existing medical conditions.

• Stop smoking at least one week before surgery.

• One week before surgery

  - Stop all supplements that contain vitamin E, ginseng, ginko, garlic, fish oil and other ingredients that cause more bleeding during surgery

  - Stop medicine that cause excessive bleeding during operation such as aspirin, NSAIDs and warfarin. However you may first need to consult the physician who prescribed the medicine

• Swelling and bruises may be present for several days

• Incisions for fat harvesting and fat injection are tiny (1-3mm). The wounds usually heal well and the scars hardly noticeable

• Avoid deep massage, laser treatment and radiofrequency treatment of the face for 6 months to avoid damage to the fat graft