Wrinkles begin to
appear as collagen and elastin
fibers in the skin break down. This breakdown can
also be attributed to excessive squinting, frowning
and smiling.
Injectable fat cells taken from your own body can
be used for filling facial wrinkles and frown lines. |
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While collagen is popular as an injectable filler, it
isn't for everyone: some
people are allergic to collagen or may develop an allergic reaction. Everyone
must have a skin test prior to receiving collagen injections. Both Collagen and
Dermalogen are temporary filling materials.
Fat transfer ( also called autologous fat transfer or micro-lipoinjection ), fills
facial features with a patient's own fat. Because the fat comes from your own
body, you cannot develop an allergic reaction. Fat transfer to the face is a
safe procedure designed to recontour the face and provide definition to
cheeks, chin, lips and lower eyes.
The fat used for fat transfer is liposuctioned from another part of your body
like the abdomen or thighs and injected into another area that requires
plumping.
Injected fat lasts longer in larger areas of non-movement, so while it is
successful for the correction of grooves under the eyes and sunken cheeks.
It is not as successful for creating fuller lips. Fat grafting can also help the
appearance of aging hands.
Not every area of the body responds well to fat transfer. Fat cannot be
injected into the breasts, for instance, because this makes it very difficult to
detect breast cancer with mammograms.
Fat grafting is performed in our office 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.
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.
Swelling is expected after fat injection and discomfort following the procedure
can be easily controlled with medication. There may also be some bruising.
Over the first few months your body will absorb about 65% of the fat. The
remaining 35% will usually stay in place. For longer lasting results, patients
usually receive three or four treatments over six months.
Click here for more information on Fat Grafting
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Plastic Surgery Specialists Inc.
Boston
Plastic Surgery
332 Washington St., Suite 215
Wellesley, MA 02481
Phone: 781-431-7340; Fax: 781-431-7342
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