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Replacing the volume lost from aging with a fat transfer can restore the look of youth. Injectable fillers can be used to restore fullness ("Liquid Facelift") but most fillers last a year at most and the amount needed to fill out a hollow face can be cost prohibitive. Using fat transferred from another area of your own body eliminates the potential complications associated with foreign material and the results can be permanent. Another advantage to fat grafting over fillers is that fat is rich with stem cells. These are the undifferentiated cells that when placed in contact with other types of tissue will actually create or repair that tissue. It has been noted for years that the skin over areas where fat (which contains stem cells) has been injected appears smoother and firmer.
Fat grafting can be used to fill out multiple areas of the face or in localized areas anywhere on the body. A fat transfer is commonly used to fill in the hollows around the eyes, reproduce the curve of youthful cheeks, augment the chin, enhance the jaw line, plump up aging hands, and correct depressions from previous liposuction, surgical defects and scars.
Before Fat Transfer |
After Fat Transfer |
Before Fat Grafting |
After Fat Grafting |
Facial fat grafting photos by Sam Naficy, MD
The fat transfer techniques developed in the last few years have improved the duration of fat grafting results. Most people of normal weight have an almost endless supply of potential donor fat. Dr. Elliott performs the fat grafting procedure with local anesthetic and after gently aspirating donor fat from another area of the body; she meticulously injects it in tiny threads until the desired results are achieved. Fat transfers last longest in areas of minimal movement and results can be permanent but it is not uncommon for patients to require as many as three treatment sessions before desirable results are sustained. Areas with a lot of movement such as around the mouth will probably require periodic touch-ups.
Come into our Tampa office soon for a free consultation to learn more about Fat Grafting can help you achieve the look you want. | 
