Facial Fat Grafting
Seattle

Who is the ideal candidate for fat grafting in Seattle?

The most important consideration for facial fat transfer is that you have ample donor fat to draw from. If this is not the case, then Dr. Nadeau can help to suggest an alternative, such as using facial implants to achieve fuller, more youthful-looking facial contours. Clients who are a good match for the treatment will be in good health, both physically and emotionally, with no major medical problems to speak of. They will be non-smokers who are realistic in their hopes for improvement.

What can I expect from my recovery?

After facial fat grafting, you may experience mild bruising, tenderness and discoloration at the injection site, as well as at the donor site. A topical numbing gel can be used to ensure your comfort during treatment. Most clients do not report much pain after their session, but they may want to wait one or two weeks before returning to social activities, just to make sure their swelling has subsided.

Patients are advised to sleep with their heads elevated and to gently massage the treated areas in order to minimize swelling as much as possible. Rather than using ice packs, it is recommended that you use only warm compresses to ease discomfort. This will help ensure that the transferred fat cells have the highest chance at survival.

What is the difference between fat grafting and dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are substances made with hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, or poly-l-lactic acid, among other compounds, that resemble human skin tissue. They can be used to offset fat volume loss in the cheeks, lips or temples, or to fill in creases, lines and folds, smoothing and firming the complexion. They can even be used to reshape the nose or the chin during a non-surgical contouring session. Results typically last anywhere from 6 to 24 months.

Facial fat grafting is an alternative to using dermal fillers that relies on the patient’s own fat cells to sculpt and rejuvenate the features. The procedure provides the dual benefits of slimming the donor region (typically the hips, thighs or belly) while volumizing and plumping depleted facial areas such as the cheeks, temples or eye areas. Fat grafting provides gradual, natural-looking changes over time. Because the fat used is autologous, there is no risk of allergic reaction during the treatment.

Can facial fat transfer be combined with other procedures?

Facial fat transfer can be well combined with other procedures to sculpt and contour the face. These might include rhinoplasty, facelift, chin augmentation, buccal fat pad removal and neck liposuction. The added fat can create a more natural and organic look after surgery. It can also help to reverse the signs of aging, such as fat loss, wrinkles, lines and folds.

Laser therapies can also be used in tandem with facial fat grafting to help tighten and firm the skin for a more youthful aesthetic. The doctor will create a customized solution for addressing all of your age-related cosmetic concerns in a way that preserves authenticity and individuality.