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Sydney, Australia Facial Fat Transfer

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Facial Fat Transfer with dr turner

Facial fat transfer is a cosmetic procedure that rejuvenates the face by restoring natural volume and reducing the signs of ageing by using the body’s own fat. Dr Turner is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney offers this highly effective treatment to his patients seeking a more permanent and natural solution to facial volume loss.

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What is Fat Transfer?

Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or fat injections, is a cosmetic procedure that involves harvesting fat from one area of the body (such as the abdomen or thighs) and injecting it into specific areas of the face to restore volume. This minimally invasive procedure helps rejuvenate the face by smoothing lines, filling hollows, and enhancing facial contours.

By using the patient’s own fat, facial fat grafting offers a more natural and biocompatible alternative to injectable fillers. It is particularly effective in addressing age-related volume loss and can last for many years, making it an appealing option for long-term facial enhancement.

Natural Ageing and Volume Loss in the Face

As we age, our face undergoes significant structural changes that result in a loss of volume and definition. These changes are largely driven by the volume loss and descent of both superficial and deep facial fat pads. Facial fat pads are critical for maintaining the natural contours of the face, as they provide the underlying structure that supports the skin and create fullness.

The face contains two distinct layers of fat: superficial fat pads, which are located just beneath the skin, and deep fat pads, which are situated closer to the bone and muscles. Both of these layers serve different purposes and age differently:

  • Superficial Fat Pads: These fat pads are located in areas such as the forehead, temples, cheeks (malar), chin, and around the eyes. As we age, the superficial fat pads tend to shrink and descend due to gravity and the natural loss of skin elasticity. This results in the flattening of the cheeks, hollowing under the eyes, and the development of deep folds around the mouth (nasolabial folds). The loss of volume in these superficial areas is one of the most visible signs of aging.
  • Deep Fat Pads: Found in regions like the midface (buccal) and eyes, deep fat pads provide foundational support for the facial structure. With age, these fat pads also diminish further exacerbating the loss of fullness. The shrinking of deep fat pads is often responsible for the more pronounced hollowing in the cheeks and temples, which leads to a gaunt or sunken appearance.

Facial fat transfer addresses these age-related changes by restoring volume to both superficial and deep fat pads. The procedure replenishes lost fat in areas like the cheeks, under the eyes, and along the jawline, rejuvenating the facial structure and smoothing out deep lines and folds.

Superficial and Deep Fat Pads of the Face

What Areas Can Be Treated with Facial Fat Transfer?

Facial fat transfer offers a solution to these issues by replenishing the lost volume in the fat pads, restoring the plumpness and structure that define a youthful face. By injecting fat into areas like the cheeks, under the eyes, and along the jawline, the procedure not only fills hollow areas but also supports the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and giving the face a smoother, fuller, and more rejuvenated look.

Facial fat transfer can target multiple areas of the face to improve appearance and correct signs of aging. Some of the most common treatment areas include:

  • Cheeks: Restoring volume to hollow or flattened cheeks.
  • Under-eye hollows: Reducing the appearance of dark circles and deep hollows.
  • Nasolabial folds: Smoothing the deep lines running from the nose to the mouth.
  • Jawline: Defining and enhancing jawline contours.
  • Lips: Adding fullness and enhancing lip shape.
  • Chin: Softening and refining chin contours.
  • Temples: Replenishing volume in the hollowed areas of the temples.
  • Forehead: Softening fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead.

Why Choose Fat Transfer over Non-Surgical Injections?

Facial fat transfer is an excellent option for individuals seeking a natural solution to facial aging or volume loss. While dermal fillers are a popular choice for facial rejuvenation, fat transfer offers several advantages over these non-surgical options:

  • Natural Material: Since the fat used in the procedure is harvested from your own body, there is no risk of allergic reactions or rejection.
  • Long-Lasting Results: Unlike temporary fillers, which require frequent touch-ups, fat transfer can provide long-lasting, sometimes permanent results.
  • Improved Contour and Texture: Fat transfer improves not only volume but also skin texture, as the stem cells in fat enhance overall skin quality.
  • Dual Benefit: In addition to facial rejuvenation, patients benefit from body contouring, as fat is removed from areas like the abdomen or thighs.

Overall, fat grafting is an excellent option for those seeking a natural, long-lasting solution to facial aging.

Suitable Candidates for Facial Fat Transfer

Facial fat transfer is an excellent option for individuals seeking a natural solution to facial aging or volume loss. Suitable candidates for a facial fat grafting by Dr Turner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon should meet the following criteria:

  • Physical Health:Be in good overall health with no underlying medical conditions that could interfere with the wound healing process.
  • Emotional Well-being:Have realistic expectations and a positive mindset regarding the outcomes of mastopexy surgery. As of 1st of July 2023, patients are required to have a psychological evaluation to ensure they are suitable to proceed with surgery.
  • Stable Weight:It is recommended to be near your target weight before undergoing the procedure, as weight fluctuations can affect the cosmetic results.
  • Non-smoker:Smoking or vaping dramatically interferes with the healing process and increases the risk of complications. Therefore, candidates are required to cease smoking for a minimum 6 weeks before and after the surgery

Facial fat transfer offers numerous benefits, making it an attractive option for those seeking facial rejuvenation:

  • Long-lasting results: Fat transfer can last for several years or even longer with proper care.
  • Natural and biocompatible: Since the fat comes from your own body, it integrates seamlessly with existing tissue.
  • Dual benefit: The procedure not only enhances facial features but also slims the donor area where fat is removed.
  • Minimal scarring: The incisions for fat harvesting are small, resulting in little to no visible scarring.
  • Stem cell benefits: Fat contains stem cells, which may contribute to improved skin texture and overall skin health.

How is Facial Fat Transfer Surgery Performed?

Facial fat grafting is always performed under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited hospital with the assistance of a qualified anaesthetist. Depending on the complexity of the procedure it may take 1 hour unless it is combined with other facial procedures like a facelift, and generally you are discharged the same day.

There are several important considerations to be made during the planning of your fat grafting procedure with Dr Scott J Turner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon. Facial fat transfer is performed in three stages: harvesting, purification, and injection. Dr Turner ensures each stage is carried out with precision for optimal results.

  1. Harvesting: The first step involves harvesting fat from a donor site, usually the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. Dr Turner uses a gentle liposuction technique to remove the fat while minimizing damage to fat cells.
  2. Purification: Once the fat is harvested, it is purified using a cleansing and centrifugation process. This step separates the viable fat cells from other components, ensuring that only the healthiest fat cells are used for transfer. Purification is crucial for improving fat cell survival after injection.
  3. Injection: The purified fat is carefully injected into targeted areas of the face using a fine cannula. Dr Turner uses a meticulous layering technique to ensure smooth, even results. Each injection is strategically placed to enhance facial contours and restore volume naturally.

Steps in Facial Fat Transfer

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Specialist plastic surgeon

Dr Scott J turner

Dr Turner FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons – Plastic Surgery) is a Sydney Plastic Surgeon with clinics in the Eastern Suburbs at Bondi Junction and Northern Beaches at Manly.

Dr Scott J Turner has over a decade of experience in private practice solely focused on performing cosmetic surgery.

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Dr Scott J Turner Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Your Consultation with Dr Turner

Your facial fat grafting journey begins with a personalized consultation with Dr. Turner at one of his Sydney clinics in Manly or Bondi Junction. During this consultation, Dr. Turner will have an open and honest discussion with you to ensure you are fully informed about fat grafting and ready to proceed with the procedure. He is committed to ensuring you feel confident in your decision and comfortable with the process.

Dr Scott J Turner Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Turner conducts a minimum of two personal consultations (no patient representative) prior to surgery, providing you ample time to ask questions and address any concerns.

During your consultation, Dr Turner will discuss your goals, assess your facial structure, and determine the best approach to achieve your desired results. He will also evaluate the donor area to ensure there is enough fat for the procedure. Dr Turner will explain the details of the surgery, including the benefits, risks, and expected recovery process. Standard preoperative photographs will be taken to document your progress.

Recovery after Facial Fat Transfer

Recovery from a facial fat grafting is gradual, with initial swelling and bruising subsiding over the first week, and patients can resume regular activities at two weeks. The initial results often appear slightly exaggerated due to swelling and overfilling to account for fat reabsorption. With the final results become apparent after six months, once the transferred fat establishes a blood supply and integrates with surrounding tissues.

Dr. Turner offers personalized post-operative care, emphasizing the importance of following instructions to manage discomfort, minimize swelling, and ensure smooth recovery. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting during the early stages. Light walking is encouraged to promote circulation.

Risks and Complications of Facial Fat Transfer

As with any surgery, it is important that you are fully informed of the potential risks associated with facial fat transfer. While all care is taken to minimize these complications, they may and do occur despite the best medical care.

It is important that you carefully read and understand the potential risks and they will be discussed in further detail when you have your consultation with Dr Turner.

  • Fat Reabsorption:Some of the transferred fat may not survive, leading to a partial loss of the volume gained during the procedure. Multiple sessions might be necessary to achieve your desired result.
  • Fat Necrosis:In certain cases, the transferred fat cells may die, resulting in the formation of hard lumps or cysts under the skin (fat necrosis). These can sometimes be felt and, in rare instances, may require surgical removal.
  • Asymmetry:While the goal is to achieve a symmetrical appearance, slight variations in facial shape may occur, especially if the fat is reabsorbed unevenly.
  • Infection:There is a risk of infection at the liposuction or injection sites, though this is uncommon when proper surgical protocols are followed.
  • Poor Fat Integration:The grafted fat may not integrate well with existing facial tissues, leading to lumps, irregularities, or a less-than-ideal aesthetic outcome.
  • Scarring:Although the incisions used for fat grafting are small, there is still a minimal risk of scarring at both the liposuction and injection sites.
  • Pain and Discomfort:Temporary pain, bruising, or swelling may occur in both the donor areas and the breasts during the recovery period.

It’s important to discuss any concerns or questions with Dr. Turner, who will provide detailed information and guidance to help you make an informed decision about your surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do the results of facial fat transfer last?

Facial fat transfer offers long-lasting results, often considered permanent. However, not all transferred fat cells survive; typically, about 60-70% integrate successfully. Once established, these fat cells remain in place, and the rejuvenated appearance can last for many years. Factors like aging and significant weight fluctuations can affect longevity.

Will there be scars after the procedure?

Scarring is minimal with facial fat transfer. The incisions for fat harvesting and injection are small and strategically placed. Any resulting scars are usually tiny and fade over time, becoming barely noticeable.

Can fat transfer be combined with other procedures?

Yes, facial fat transfer is often combined with other cosmetic facial procedures like facelifts, brow lift and eyelid surgery to enhance overall results. Combining treatments can address multiple aging signs simultaneously. Dr. Turner can advise on the best approach during your consultation.

Am I too old for facial fat transfer?

Age isn’t the sole determining factor; overall health and skin condition are more important. Older patients with good health and sufficient fat reserves can benefit from the procedure. Dr. Turner assesses each candidate individually to determine suitability.

What happens if I gain or lose weight after the procedure?

Significant weight changes can affect the results since the transferred fat cells behave like any other fat cells in the body. Weight gain may cause these cells to enlarge, while weight loss could reduce facial volume. Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve the outcomes.

Can men undergo facial fat transfer?

Absolutely. Men experiencing facial volume loss or seeking rejuvenation can benefit from fat transfer. The procedure is tailored to enhance masculine features while providing natural results.

How does smoking affect the results of facial fat transfer?

Smoking impairs blood circulation and can hinder the survival of transferred fat cells, increasing the risk of complications. Patients are advised to quit smoking at least six weeks before and after the surgery to ensure optimal results and healing.

Will the transferred fat feel natural?

Yes, one of the key benefits of facial fat transfer is that the transferred fat feels completely natural once it integrates with your existing tissues. Since the fat is derived from your own body, it behaves just like natural facial fat, offering a soft and smooth feel that mirrors the surrounding tissue. Unlike some synthetic fillers that can feel firm or create discolouration (Tyndall effect). Over time, the fat cells establish themselves in the new area, allowing for a seamless blend with your existing facial structure.

Can fat transfer address both fine lines and deeper volume loss?

Facial fat transfer is highly versatile and can be tailored to meet a variety of aesthetic needs. It is particularly effective in addressing both fine lines and deeper volume loss in the face. For fine lines and wrinkles, small amounts of fine fat (smaller particle size) are injected superficially to smooth the skin and fill creases, such as around the eyes or mouth. For more substantial volume loss, such as hollow cheeks or sunken temples, coarse fat (larger particle size) are injected deeper to restore plumpness and structure. This adaptability makes fat grafting an excellent option for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

How many treatments will I need to achieve the best results?

In most cases, patients achieve excellent results with just one facial fat transfer treatment. However, it is important to note that some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body during the healing process. On average, about 60-70% of the injected fat survives in the long term, which means additional sessions may be required to achieve the desired level of fullness, especially in areas of significant volume loss. Dr Turner will assess your progress during follow-up appointments and recommend any additional treatments if necessary to achieve the optimal outcome.

Can facial fat transfer be used to correct previous filler treatments?

Yes, facial fat transfer is an excellent option for correcting previous filler treatments. Many patients may become dissatisfied with fillers over time, either due to the results fading or the outcome not looking as natural as expected. Additionally, fillers may migrate from their original placement, leading to asymmetry or undesired contour changes.

In such instances, hyaluronidase can be used to dissolve the migrated or unwanted fillers, effectively clearing the way for a more natural and permanent solution with facial fat grafting. Fat transfer allows the use of your own natural fat to replace synthetic fillers, resulting in smoother, more harmonious contours and longer-lasting results.

How does facial fat transfer impact overall skin quality?

An added benefit of facial fat transfer is the potential improvement in skin quality. Fat contains stem cells, which have been shown to help regenerate and improve the condition of the skin. These stem cells may contribute to better skin texture, increased hydration, and even a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles over time. Many patients report a noticeable enhancement in the appearance and feel of their skin following the procedure, in addition to the volumizing effects. This makes fat transfer a powerful dual-purpose treatment that addresses both volume loss and skin rejuvenation.

Will the results of facial fat transfer change with age?

While the results of facial fat transfer are long-lasting, it is important to remember that the aging process will continue. Over time, natural changes in the skin and underlying structures may occur, even in the areas treated with fat transfer. However, because the procedure restores lost volume and enhances facial contours, it can delay the visible effects of aging and create a more youthful appearance that lasts for many years. Periodic touch-ups or combining fat transfer with other anti-aging treatments can help maintain and prolong the rejuvenating effects.

Is there a risk of fat lumps or irregularities after the procedure?

While facial fat transfer is generally a safe, there is a small risk of developing fat lumps or irregularities in the treated areas. These lumps can form if fat is not evenly distributed or if some of the fat becomes necrotic (meaning the fat cells die after the transfer). However, this risk is minimized when the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr Turner, who uses precise techniques to ensure even fat placement and optimal survival of the transferred fat cells.

Dr Turner uses a meticulous approach, injecting the fat in small amounts and in multiple layers to avoid any concentration of fat in one area, which can help prevent lumps. Should minor irregularities occur, they often resolve on their own as the fat integrates with surrounding tissue. In cases where irregularities persist, small touch-up procedures can be performed to refine the results and correct any unevenness.

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Dr Scott J Turner Specialist Plastic Surgeon “We are equally as passionate about cosmetic plastic surgery as we are about you and your experience with us. We are here to listen, educate, and support you throughout your cosmetic surgical journey.”

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