Q - What is facial fat transfer?
Facial fat transfer, also referred to as fat injection, is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that counters facial aging, specifically the sagging of soft tissues and the wrinkling of skin. Fat is collected from a fattier body part like the hip or abdomen through a gentle suctioning method and then transferred into parts of the face. Without making any incisions, it serves to temporarily sculpt the aged parts of the face to add volume and conceal wrinkles and lines, giving the patient a more youthful appearance.

Q - Who is the best candidate for facial fat transfer?
Candidates for facial fat transfer are in good physical health and have realistic expectations for improving an aged facial appearance. A private patient consultation with Dr. Buckingham is the best way to determine if facial fat transfer is right for you.

Q - Are there any limitations to what facial fat transfer can achieve?
Facial fat transfer is limited in its ability to rejuvenate the lines around the mouth. These may need to be augmented further with fillers or skin resurfacing.

Q - What can I expect during a consultation for facial fat transfer?
The consultation held prior to the surgery involves a complete facial analysis performed in order to find out if facial fat transfer is the ideal procedure for you. Dr. Buckingham will also be sure to answer any questions that you may have about facial fat transfer or other plastic surgery procedures.

Q - Where is the facial fat transfer procedure performed?
The facial fat transfer procedure is often performed in an outpatient facility.

Q - What type of anesthesia is used for facial fat transfer?
Dr. Buckingham performs the facial fat transfer procedure with light IV sedation.

Q - How is the actual facial fat transfer procedure performed?
After the anesthesia has been applied and the specific areas that will be worked on are cleansed, fat is first gathered from a part of the body that naturally contains more fat, often the hip or abdomen, using gentle suction. Then an instrument called a cannula (a blunt, hollow tube similar in size to a pen) is used to transfer this excess fat into those parts of the face that appear hollow. It is usually necessary for the treated areas to be slightly overfilled to allow for fat absorption in the weeks following the procedure. This may cause the face to appear puffed or swollen temporarily.

Q - How long does the actual facial fat transfer procedure last?
The procedure is typically administered within about an hour.

Q - Is the facial fat transfer procedure painful?
Pain or discomfort is usually very mild with facial fat transfer procedures.

Q - What is the recovery like after facial fat transfer?
No post-operative dressings or drains need to be applied. Overfilling, however, is often necessary and for this reason the face may temporarily appear puffed or swollen. Minor swelling, bruising or redness may also occur.

Q - How much time will I need to take off from work after undergoing facial fat transfer?
While there are no facial incisions involved in fat transfer, swelling does limit return to social activities to 1-2 weeks. Most patients will take one to two weeks off work depending on their desire to conceal the procedure from co-workers.

Q - How long do the results of facial fat transfer last?
The results are usually as permanent as any other surgical facial procedure. The face will continue to age, but the fat that is placed is slowly lost over many years just like native facial fat. Dr. Buckingham has presented his 2 year results of fat transfer at national meetings and believes that the procedure can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years.

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