Procedures

Fat transfer to the face

According to a new Monash University study published in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology, Australian women have an international reputation for having the fastest facial ageing when compared to women living in Canada, the UK and the USA. Facial ageing can be attributed to a myriad of factors including the effects of gravity over time, skeletal structural changes, soft-tissue atrophy and general skin ageing. One of the key effects of ageing is that the face suffers from a loss volume. This can start to occur even in the late twenties. As well as ageing, sudden signs of facial volume loss can also be trigged by stressful life events such as redundancy, divorce, bereavement and illness. Significant weight loss or weight gain can affect the ligaments that support the soft tissue of the face, which can cause the face to drop resulting in sunken cheeks, heavy jowls, premature lines and wrinkles.

Common areas of facial volume loss

  • Tear troughs (hollow area under the eyes)
  • Mid-face volume loss (apples of cheeks)
  • Naso-labial folds (the lines between the nose and sides of the upper lip)
  • Jowls (sagging of the jawline area)
  • Lips and perioral lines (smoker’s lines)

By strategically replacing facial volume with fat grafting, it is possible to regain youthfulness and a more healthy appearance. Mr Allan Kalus is a specialist in performing Fat Transfer procedures for the face, lips, breasts and buttocks. His impeccable aesthetic judgement ensures that patients receive a natural and satisfying result.

What is autologous fat transfer?

Autologous fat transfer involves taking some fat (usually from the abdomen, thighs or hips) and, after preparation, strategically injecting it into areas of facial volume loss. The fat is harvested by liposuction. This fat is then massaged and moulded so that a smooth and even result is achieved.

*Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

FAQ’s

Is autologous fat transfer painful? The Fat Transfer procedure is performed under local anaesthetic to minimise your discomfort. How much fat is used for the procedure? Facial fat transfer only requires a small amount of fat and therefore only a minor liposuction needs to be performed. However each patient will vary in the amount of fat grafting required, which will be determined after a thorough consultation with Mr Allan Kalus. Will my face be swollen afterwards? After fat transfer, the face can be swollen and bruised, and a recovery times of approximately 1 week is to be expected.

How long will the results last? The fat survives permanently on the face and most patients are highly satisfied with the results obtained. The fat is injected into multiple tunnels to give the cells maximum chance of survival. What scarring is produced? There is no scarring produced on the face as the fat is transferred by a small cannula or syringe.  On the donor area (such as the thighs or abdomen), a small scar (usually less than 1 cm) is all that is required to facilitate harvesting the fat. Can I address other areas of ageing with this treatment? Facial fat transfer has the added benefit that millions of  stem cells are transferred together with the  fat cells. Stem cells are regenerative cells that are found in abundance within fat. They can help to regenerate and rejuvenate the face and lead to improvements in skin quality and appearance.

When should I choose Dermal Fillers and when should I choose Fat Transfer? Dermal fillers have the advantage of being a quick procedure that has no real down time and does not require surgery. Dermal fillers last 6-12months and can cost approximately $550-$750 per 1ml. More volume can be achieved with fat transfer, so it is ideal for patients with a more serious problem with facial volume loss. Fat transfer can be permanent as is the effects of the liposuction. It is ideal if a person is seeking a liposuction at the same time. On what other areas can autologous fat transfer be performed? Fat can also be used to enhance areas of the body such as breasts or buttocks. To find out more about fat grafting for breast augmentation http://www.avenueplasticsurgery.com.au/breast-procedures/breast-augmentation-with-fat-transfer