San Antonio Facial fat transfer is an excellent alternative to facial fillers. As the safest, natural technique to restore facial volume, facial fat transfer allows patients to use fat elsewhere on their body, essentially eliminating the risk of allergic reaction. As we age, the face loses fat, creating a “hollow” or “sunken” appearance. Dr. Kenneth Yu transplants fat cells from other areas of the body, restoring the loss of facial volume caused by aging. Facial fat transfer is safe, natural, and permanent, and a very effective way to restore a youthful, rested appearance to the face.
Healthy men and women who have lost facial volume due to aging, or have a hereditary deficiency of facial fat, are excellence candidates for facial fat transfer. The best patients are those who have had a negative reaction to dermal fillers in the past or who desire a longer-term result. Fat cells that are transplanted, or transferred, into to face are harvested from other areas of the body (the donor site). Perfect candidates have sufficient fat cells in their donor sites.
Facial fat transfer is performed under local or general anesthesia, and possibly light sedation, depending on the patient’s preference. A process similar to liposuction is used to harvest fat cells from the thighs, hips, or buttocks. The harvested fat is purified and then transferred to the face using a small cannula. Tiny, hidden incisions requiring one or two sutures are used. Incisions on the face are very small and heal quickly without sutures.
Facial fat transfer is accomplished in an outpatient setting. Most patients return to home after only a few hours. Recovery is usually less than one week, at which time patients may return to work and non-strenuous activities. Mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising are common the first few days after surgery. Most patients feel confident returning to their public and social lives in 2-3 weeks. Dr. Kenneth Yu reduces bruising and recovery time with the use of homeopathic and herbal options. Detailed postoperative and aftercare instructions will be provided to each patient.
*This content was reviewed by Dr. Kenneth Yu, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in head and neck surgery (otolaryngology). His practice — Dr. Kenneth Yu Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery — proudly serves the San Antonio and Austin communities.
