Facial Fat Grafting in Dallas, TX
(Autologous Fat Transfer to the Face)
At our practice in Dallas, TX, Facial Fat Grafting represents a sophisticated and patient-centered approach to aesthetic enhancement. Esteemed for its natural results and minimally invasive nature, this procedure harnesses the body’s own resources to restore facial volume and youthful contours.
The use of human fat for auto-transplantation is not new; it is something that has been described in textbooks for over 200 years! As knowledge of Fat’s biochemical properties continues to evolve, our surgical techniques have become more targeted and effective, in particular for its use in facial rejuvenation.
As mentioned elsewhere on this site, facial aging is a process that happens in all structures of the face, not just the skin. Aging affects the underlying fat, facial muscles and facial skeleton. The fat in the face starts decreasing in volume in certain areas, in others it prolapses (such as fat bags around the eyes). The treatment of facial aging starts with re-volumizing the face with procedures that can be performed in the office, to gradually more invasive, such as surgery to treat the fat bags around the eyes.
What is Facial Fat Grafting?
Facial Fat Grafting (also known as Facial Fat Transfer), is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to re-volumize certain areas of the face to improve hollowing and restore volume lost in the process of facial aging or weight loss. The fat is harvested with a small cannula from the abdomen, or anywhere there may be some excess. The fat is then transferred to an even smaller cannula which leaves no visible scarring on the face. This fat is re-injected in various areas such as the temples, the high cheekbones, around the eyes below the fat bags, the tear trough hollows and sometimes around the mouth as well. The fat injected in areas that are more mobile, like around the mouth, don’t tend to stay well. However, it does help decrease the amount of filler that would otherwise be required.
Below you will find before and after pictures of patients who underwent Facial fat transfer. Please note that you will see pictures before and One full year after, which proves the longevity of the procedure fat grafting to the face. Make sure to read the comments as all patients are unique in their anatomy and requests. Since facial aging is greatly impacted by loss of fullness (losing facial fat), fat transfer is an adjunct procedure which is performed before and after a Facelift, Brow lift, or Blepharoplasty, among others.
How Much Does Facial Fat Grafting Cost in Dallas, TX?
The starting price of Facial Fat Grafting in Dallas, TX is $4,500, but it varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and the specific needs of the patient. However, it is important to note that the final cost may be higher or lower depending on individual circumstances. Factors such as the extent of the procedure, the amount of fat to be harvested and transferred, and whether it is combined with other surgeries, can affect the overall cost. During a consultation, Dr. Jennyfer F. Cocco, MD, will evaluate the patient’s goals and provide a personalized treatment plan along with a detailed breakdown of the costs involved.
Starting Price of a Facial Fat Grafting in Dallas, TX
Can Facial Fat Grafting be Covered by Insurance?
Insurance companies typically do not cover the procedure, as it is deemed elective and not medically necessary. Facial fat grafting procedures are often sought for their aesthetic benefits, enhancing facial volume and youthful contours. These attributes categorize the surgery within the realm of cosmetic surgery, which generally falls outside the scope of insurance coverage.
Payment plans and Financing options
We offer advanced payment plans for this procedure and the terms depend on the overall cost of proposed surgery. All procedures must be fully paid off 10 business days before your scheduled surgery date. While we do not offer in-house financing, we recommend two third-party options for your convenience: Alphaeon and CareCredit. Both have easy-to-follow online applications, which you can access through the links provided below.
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Who is a Good Candidate for Facial Fat Grafting?
Ideal candidates for facial fat grafting are those seeking to add volume to specific areas of the face due to aging or weight loss, who possess sufficient donor fat and have realistic expectations regarding the outcomes of the procedure. A good candidate for fat transfer displays a commitment to maintaining results through a healthy lifestyle and understands the nuances of the procedure gleaned through a thorough consultation with Dr. Cocco.
The amount of fat required for optimal results varies, and only an assessment by a skilled professional like Dr. Cocco can determine the appropriateness of facial fat transfer for each unique patient. Prospective clients must be in good overall health, non-smokers, and motivated by personal reasons rather than external pressures.
What to Expect During Your Facial Fat Grafting Consultation
During your consultation, you will initially meet with a medical assistant who will review the paperwork you fill out containing a full medical history. This is important information that will be used to determine whether you are a good candidate. If you are a smoker, we recommend you quit 6-8 weeks prior to the procedure to optimize graft take.
During your consultation, you will be able to discuss your observations and goals with Dr. Cocco, who will in turn give you an honest opinion and help you understand your options. This initial meeting should treated as a two-way interview. It is just as important that you agree and understand the recommendations given to you, as Dr. Cocco must feel she understands your expectations and is confident she can help you achieve your goals.
Once a full understanding between doctor and patient is reached, a proposal will be generated and the decision to proceed with surgery will be made jointly.
Facial Fat Grafting Before and After Photos
31-year-old woman is shown before and 16 months post fat transfer/grafting to the face including temples, periorbital including tear troughs, and malar eminences. The chin, nasolabial folds and marionette lines were treated as well and this will help reduce the amount of artificial fillers in the future.Approximately 41cc of fat was grafted into the face assuring symmetry from side to side. Note overall change of the shape of the face, from rectangular to more oval. The lower lid hollowing is camouflaged by fat injections below at the tear trough. The ¾ views also show an improved Ogee curve by increasing projection of the high cheek bones.
Benefits of Facial Fat Grafting Vs. Dermal Fillers
Why might a patient opt for facial fat grafting over dermal fillers when seeking to enhance facial volume and contour? Facial fat grafting offers several distinctive advantages:
- Longevity: Utilizing the patient’s natural fat, the results from fat grafting tend to be more durable, potentially lasting several years, as opposed to the temporary nature of synthetic dermal fillers, which typically require regular touch-ups.
- Natural Look and Feel: Fat grafting uses the patient’s own tissue, which integrates with the existing facial structures, providing a youthful facial appearance that feels and behaves like natural tissue during facial expressions and movements.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Although the initial fat grafting cost might be higher, the extended duration of its effects can offer a cost advantage over time by reducing the frequency of treatments needed to maintain facial volume and combat facial aging.
Fat Grafting to Fine-Tune the Results of Other Procedures
Fat grafting serves as a complementary technique to enhance and refine the outcomes of various facial rejuvenation procedures. When integrated with facelifts, brow lifts, or blepharoplasty, it allows for a more comprehensive approach to addressing age-related volume loss and contour irregularities. Dr. Cocco’s strategic use of fat grafting before, during, and after the surgery, fine-tunes the aesthetic results, achieving a natural and harmonious facial appearance.
Facelift – Incorporating fat grafting into a Facelift procedure, Dr. Cocco enhances the rejuvenation effects by restoring volume and softness, particularly in the upper facial regions. This technique serves as a pivotal complement to traditional facial surgery, targeting areas that exhibit significant volume loss due to aging. Dr. Cocco’s unique comprehensive three-phase approach involves carefully planned stages that aim to achieve natural and lasting results.
Essentially, fat grafting is strategically performed at different stages of the facial rejuvenation journey, ensuring that each phase contributes to obtaining the best possible results. For a more detailed understanding of this approach, we encourage you to visit our Facelift page.
Brow Lift – During a Brow Lift procedure, the incorporation of fat grafting can further enhance the results obtained from other facial rejuvenation procedures. When combined with a brow lift, fat grafting can restore volume and smooth transitions between facial features, complementing the elevation achieved through a traditional brow lift.
Lower Blepharoplasty – While Lower Blepharoplasty effectively addresses aging signs around the eyes, combining it with fat grafting further refines the rejuvenation process by restoring lost volume and enhancing the contours of the periorbital area. This meticulous fat grafting work complements the initial surgery, by compensating for the loss of subcutaneous fat, critical in the delicate eye region; ensuring a harmonious and natural-looking outcome.
What to Expect After Setting a Procedure Date
Details of the surgical process, such as instructions before and after Facial fat transfer, informed consent and financial obligations will be fully discussed 10 days to weeks before the procedure. Our medical assistant will help coordinate this process and tailor it to your needs. As a patient, we want you to feel positive about your upcoming procedure, including being comfortable with your surgeon and confident of your decision to move forward.
How to Prepare For Fat Grafting to the Face
After your consultation with Dr. Cocco, you will receive detailed instructions to ensure you are fully prepared for your procedure. Preparation is key to optimizing outcomes when using your own fat for aesthetic enhancements. Before transferring the fat, it is crucial to avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements to minimize bruising. You may be advised to cease smoking to ensure proper healing. Additionally, maintaining good hydration is essential for facilitating a smooth recovery post-procedure. On the day of the surgery, you should arrange for someone to drive you home, as the areas where the fat is injected may be swollen and sensitive. Adhering to these guidelines will prepare you for a successful fat grafting journey.
Recovery from Fat Grafting to the Face
Everybody heals at different rates and differently from one side of the face to the other side. Rest assured, the aftercare will be personally directed by Dr. Cocco. It is important that you follow all instructions for optimal healing. Most importantly, you must abstain from Nicotine exposure for a few months after the procedure. Even though the results will be immediately appreciated, it takes at least a couple of months for the all of the swelling to subside. This is one of the procedures with highest satisfaction rates since it leaves the most natural results in the long term. We are happy to take you through the process and look forward to meeting you in consultation.
Facial Fat Grafting Risks
Despite the meticulous approach taken during facial fat transfer, potential risks associated with the procedure include infection, asymmetry, and over- or under-correction of treated areas. When transferring fat from one area of the body to different areas the face, there is a possibility that the small amount of fat cells may not survive the transfer process, leading to irregularities or the need for additional treatments. Moreover, while infection is rare, strict adherence to sterile techniques is critical to minimize this risk. The expertise-driven methods employed by Dr. Cocco aim to mitigate the risks, ensuring that the fat transfer procedure yields harmonious and natural-looking enhancements.
Facial Fat Grafting FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Is a fat transfer to your face permanent?
The answer is yes, and no. While fat transfer provides long-lasting results, it is not a permanent fix. Some of the transferred fat may not survive, which could lead to slight volume loss. However, with proper postoperative care, the transferred fat can last for several years. It is important to maintain a stable weight and avoid smoking to ensure the longevity of the results.
What is the best age for face fat transfer?
The best age for facial fat transfer differs for every person, as it depends on individual factors such as skin elasticity, facial structure, and natural fat distribution. Generally, patients between the ages of 30-60 are suitable candidates for the procedure. However, younger patients with certain facial asymmetries or age-related volume loss may also benefit from facial fat transfer. It is essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure and the best age for your individual needs.
How painful is facial fat grafting?
This is a minimally invasive procedure, and most patients report little to no pain during the process. The surgeon will use a local anesthetic to numb the facial area before extracting fat from the donor site through small incisions using cannulas similar to the ones used for Liposuction. After processing the fat, the surgeon will use a micro-injection technique to transfer the harvested fat to the targeted areas on your face.
There may be slight discomfort and swelling after the procedure, but it can be managed with pain relievers and ice packs. The recovery period is typically brief, and you can resume normal activities within a few days.
How much fat is needed for facial grafting?
The amount of fat needed for facial grafting varies from person to person, depending on the individual’s facial structure and the areas targeted for improvement. Typically, the amount needed can range from 10 to 25 milliliters. During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your face’s condition and recommend the appropriate amount of fat required to achieve your desired results. Rest assured that the surgeon will only remove the necessary amount of fat from the donor site to minimize discomfort and ensure a successful outcome.
Schedule Your Facial Fat Grafting Consultation in Dallas, TX
Patients considering this procedure can arrange a personalized consultation with Dr. Jennyfer F. Cocco, MD to discuss their aesthetic goals and procedure details. When you schedule your facial fat grafting consultation in Dallas, you’re taking the first step towards achieving a rejuvenated appearance with natural-looking volume and contours. Dr. Cocco and her team will guide you through the process, ensuring that your experience is tailored to your individual needs.