Facial wrinkles and creases are part of the aging process. They begin to appear as the underlying collagen and elastin fibers break down and wear out. While this breakdown is part of the natural aging process, it can also result from excessive squinting, frowning and smiling.
Fat transfer, also called autologous fat transplantation, fat injection or micro-lipoinjection, is performed by Dr. James Shoukas for patients in Lake Mary, Sanford, Orlando, Longwood, Winter Park and Daytona Beach to plump up facial features with a patient's own fat. It is a popular alternative to other wrinkle treatments. Fat injection to the face is a safe, natural, non-allergenic procedure designed to recontour your face and can provide definition to your cheeks and chin. It can also be used to correct facial deformities.
With fat transfer it is possible to have fat liposuctioned from one area and then transferred to other areas of your body. Fat transfer can be used for lip augmentation and is also very successful for the correction of sunken cheeks. Fat transfer can also correct atrophic aging of the hands and post-surgical and post-traumatic defects.
How is the fat transfer procedure done?
Fat transfer is performed on an outpatient basis. Both the area from which the fat is taken and the treatment site are anesthetized with a local anesthetic. Using a small needle attached to a syringe, fat is removed from a donor site where your fat is most tightly packed, such as your abdomen, thighs, or buttocks.
Once removed, your fat is processed to remove excess fluids and then reinjected using another needle, which is placed just under your skin beneath the wrinkle. This process may be repeated until the desired correction has been achieved.
Harvesting the fat cells for reinjection is often performed in conjunction with other procedures, such as liposuction, tummy tuck or cosmetic breast surgery. Dr. Shoukas office is located in Lake Mary and is only minutes from Sanford, Longwood, Winter Park, Orlando and Daytona Beach.
What are the benefits of fat transfer?
- Fat transferred to the face can last as long as three years.
- Fat transfer can be very cost effective when combined with another procedure.
What can I expect after my fat transfer?
After Dr. Shoukas performs a fat transfer, patients are up and around immediately. Any discomfort following the procedure can be controlled with medication. Some swelling at the treatment site may last up to 36 hours. There may be some bruising, which can be covered with make-up. Your initial injection should last up to 6 months. For results that will last years, patients usually receive 3 - 4 treatments over a 6 month period.
Dr James Shoukas serving patients in Lake Mary, Sanford, Longwood, Winter Park, Orlando and Daytona Beach.
