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Facial Fat Grafting
Appearance of aging signs with time is a natural process and wanting to reduce or slow down its progression is also a normal response. After all, we always want to look our best, and that includes hanging on to our youthful features for as long as possible. With aging also come fine lines and wrinkles, loss of volume and droopiness on the face, sunken eyes or bags under the eyes, effects which not many people are fond of. The good news is that there is an array of volume-filling dermal fillers which you can choose from to counter these aging problems.
But, then again, maybe you might not want to use fillers in your body, even if they are made from substances that occur naturally in the human body. This is where fat grafting is recommended, because unlike dermal fillers, the fat used is harvested from your own body.
Fat Grafting or Fat Transfer is the transfer of fat cells from one part of the body (the donor area) to another part (the recipient site). And in the case of Facial Fat Grafting, the harvested fat cells are injected into different areas of the face to restore volume, and reverse aging signs. This procedure is stable, autologous, and becomes part of the normal tissue composition at the recipient site. Additionally, fat grafts have the ability to rejuvenate the tissues into which they are injected.
Facial Fat Grafting Technique
Facial Fat Grafting is a minimally invasive procedure, because only a small amount of fat is harvested typically through liposuction, centrifuged, and strategically re-injected beneath the skin to restore volume, plump lips and enhance natural beauty. The biggest advantage of any fat grafting procedure is that it comes without any risk of an allergic reaction or rejection by your body since your own fat is being used.
The results of Facial Fat Grafting can be indefinite, while still feeling, and look totally natural. Facial Fat Grafting achieves similar results as fillers, such as plumping the lips and cheeks, softening wrinkles and creases, smoothing under-eye bags and so much more. The difference between dermal fillers and Fat Grafting is that the results of fillers are temporary while those of Fat Grafting last longer in addition to aging naturally with you.
Our Commitment To You
At Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery our highly trained and experienced staff will guide you smoothly and comfortably along the entire process of having facial fat grafting in Dubai, which allows you to make the best decision. Our experts have more than 20 years of experience in plastic and cosmetic procedures and have helped more than 10,000+ patients safely achieve their dream of beauty and confidence. At our cosmetic surgery centre, we will identify the most suitable Facial Fat Grafting expert for you, who will listen to you, understand your needs, and identify your individual and detailed requirements during a tailor-made consultation, advise you on what to expect from the procedure, and ultimately develop the most suitable treatment plan with you.
The Liposuction Process
a) The Consultation
The first step of having a Facial Fat Grafting treatment in Dubai is to have a detailed consultation and examination in the clinic with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon. This determines a tailor-made plan for each candidate.
b) The Surgery
The second step is to schedule the Facial Fat Grafting procedure with a highly qualified and experienced Plastic Surgeon who is an expert in Facial Fat Grafting and other cosmetic procedures. The procedure requires 1 to 3 hours under general anaesthesia.
Prior to the surgery, each patient is screened to ensure that it is safe to proceed with the surgery. This includes a pre-anaesthetic consultation, blood testing and to ensure the patient is a fit candidate for the procedure.
During the procedure, harvesting of fat cells from the donor site is done through liposuction. The fat cells are collected in specialised systems that filter the cells then separate the living cells from the non-viable lipids and adipocytes. This is done so as to only inject viable fat tissue that will not only be reabsorbed but will maximizing volume preservation.
It is very important that the patient has sufficient fat on their body to act as the donor site for the procedure. Although the procedure is permanent there is most likely some reabsorption of fat grafts back into the body, which could possibly require that a repeat procedure be done after a while in order to get the optimal results
Sometimes some of the injected fat does not ‘take’ or establish a blood supply or survive the transfer process. The surgeon tackles this issue by slightly overfilling an area so as to achieve the desired volume.
Our expert Plastic Surgeon will accompany the patient throughout the entire process of recovering and healing through scheduled follow-ups.
c) The Recovery
After the procedure, it is important for the patient to minimize pressure to the grafted areas as well as keeping the face warm by avoiding cool conditions for at least a week. The donor and recipient site are usually swollen for at least two to three weeks after the procedure. Changes in the volume begin to appear about four months after the procedure, and the final results become fully visible after six months.
Before And After Results
At Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery Dubai, we do our best to protect our patients’ confidentiality. That is why all the Before & After results are not available online, however, they will be shown during consultation within the clinic.
Meet Our Team
Our Board-Certified expert surgeons have over 20 years’ surgical experience and are trained at some of the world’s best medical schools with a proven track record in UAE, the USA and Brazil.
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Buthainah Al Shunnar is an Emirati American Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in breast surgery, body contouring, aesthetic facial surgery, hand surgery, post-cancer reconstruction and microsurgery, as well as non-invasive cosmetic procedures such as Botox, Dermal Fillers and PRP.
Dr. Buthainah Al-Shunnar
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Dr Kamal is an American Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in aesthetic facial surgery, breast surgery, reconstructive surgery, body contouring, fat transfer and non-invasive cosmetic procedures such as Botox, Dermal Fillers and PRP.
Dr. Kamal Sawan
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Claudia Machado is a Brazilian Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in aesthetic facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, fat transfer and minimal and non-invasive cosmetic procedures such as Botox, Dermal Fillers, PRP, Chemical peels, CO2 therapy and others.
Dr. Claudia Alves Silva Machado
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Precautions
When it comes to choosing a cosmetic surgeon for your procedure, make sure that not only is he Board-Certified but he also has vast experience in performing Facial Fat Grafting. Looking at his or her before and after photos of previous procedures will help you in making the right decision.
The ideal candidate for a Facial Fat Grafting procedure should have some of the following concerns;
- Sunken cheeks
- Thin lips
- Dark circles or eyelid bags under the eyes
- Sufficient fat cells in the donor area
- Have reasonable expectations
- Be in good health both physically and mentally
What To Expect From A Facial Fat Grafting Procedure
Facial Fat Grafting has several benefits including;
- Restoring natural, youthful volume as well as eradicating creases without manufactured fillers
- No need for frequent touch-ups as the results are permanent
- The treated area feels completely natural and normal
- There is no risk of rejection or an allergic reaction
Frequently Asked Questions
How much fat is harvested during facial fat grafting?
The amount of fat harvested usually depends on how much fat is required. This also depends on the area of deficiency that is being corrected. The fat is measured in cc’s and the face can only receive between 20 cc and 80 cc. This is done to avoid an over-done look and to achieve a natural-looking appearance keeping in mind that the results of fat grafting are usually subtle.
Does harvesting the fat leave a dent?
Facial fat grafting is usually done on a low volume area and hence the amount of fat needed for transfer is relatively minimal. Harvesting fat for facial fat grafting does not make a visible difference at the donor site. This is unlike fat grafting for breasts or buttocks, in which fat is harvested in high volumes from multiple sites. In such cases, there is usually visible fat depletion in the donor areas.
What kind of factors determine how much fat ‘takes’?
Fat cells are quite vulnerable at the time of harvest to injection and they can easily die. The technique used to collect them is quite important as it plays a role in fat survivability. Once the fat has been collected it may or may not be processed but it has to be injected relatively soon to avoid cell death.
The size of the syringe, injection cannula, and donor site location also determines the survivability of the fat. A cannula with a small opening can damage cells during injection. On the other hand, if the cannula has a large opening, too much fat may be injected resulting in fat cell crowding. Every single fat cell requires its blood supply and fat cell crowding leads to cell death.
When it comes to the donor site, areas with native fat such as breasts, buttocks, and cheeks have a higher fat cell survival than areas that have little to virtually no native fat such as the temples and cheeks.
How do I prepare for facial fat transfer?
During your consultation for facial fat grafting, your Cosmetic Surgeon will provide you with instructions to follow for some weeks and days before the procedure.
The instructions may include stopping smoking (if you are a smoker) at least six weeks before the procedure to lower the risks of the complications, promote quicker healing, and less scarring. You will also be asked to stop taking aspirin and other types of medications that increase bleeding.
What is the downtime for facial fat grafting?
The recovery from facial fat grafting varies from person to person, but most individuals take about seven to ten days off from work and other engagements to help them recover. The swelling usually starts to dissipate within a week after the procedure thus normal activities can be resumed. Although it will take some weeks for the swelling to fully subside before the final results can be visible.
How long do the effects/results of fat grafting last?
The effects of fat grafting are long-lasting as they tend to last for several years and sometimes longer. This however depends on how well your body responds to the transferred fat. In some cases, the body reabsorbs most of the transferred fat cells hence multiple treatments are needed. Your Plastic Surgeon will provide you with an estimated timeframe in regards to how long the effects of fat grafting will last based on the type of treatment you have undergone.
Can facial fat grafting be dissolved?
One of the major drawbacks of facial fat grafting is that fat cannot be dissolved unlike some types of fillers. This is because it is a natural body product. However, if you are dissatisfied with the results of the procedure, the injected fat can be surgically removed.
Patient Reviews
Dr Buthainah is one of a kind. She is the best person and doctor likewise her amazing team. I truly recommend it from the bottom of my heart. I’m blessed to have met them. Thanks for everything furthermore thoroughly making me feel so special and glowing. Much love, Erika
Next Steps
Book your appointment for a consultation.
Meet one of our experts at Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery for a personal and detailed consultation to develop a tailor-made plan for your facial fat grafting treatment in Dubai, contact us or book an appointment, and one of our patient care coordinators will identify the most suitable expert for you.
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