Benefits of Fat Implants or Transfers
A fat implant or transfer restores normal facial contours in areas
where fat has disappeared or been absorbed. For example, runners
may look gaunt because the fat in their cheek area has been absorbed.
Dr. Zweig has found that the areas most successfully treated are
those that previously had fat. He has a high rate of success in
the cheek area
to fill in the hollow area. As the fat used is
the patient's own fat, there is no chance of an allergic reaction.
How a Fat Implant or Transfer is Done
Fat is harvested, usually
from the abdomen or outer thigh in a technique similar to liposuction.
It is then processed and a limited quantity is placed in the areas
needed. Dr. Zweig creates the shape and contour desired. During
the initial collection, he harvests and freezes enough for multiple
treatments to be done over the course of a year as some of the fat
is expected to survive and some is absorbed. The treatments are
done in a procedure room with little discomfort. His technique of
injecting in small quantities or layering has a much higher rate
of success than a single large treatment. The cost of a fat implant
or transfer includes the harvesting, processing, and multiple treatments.
While it is not possible to say exactly how long a fat implant or
transfer will last, most patients can expect many years of good
correction. If sagging skin and muscles are a problem as well, a
face/neck lift
may also be desired or recommended.
Dr. Zweig does not do fat implants or transfers in the lip area or nasolabial line (smile lines) as fat implants or transfers in these areas are not as satisfactory as other injectable fillers to most patients. But in the cheek area alone, it can have a dramatic effect by restoring the roundness associated with youth.
Anesthesia
Fat implants or transfers are performed in our AAAHC-accredited outpatient surgery center with a little sedation and a local anesthetic, but there are other options for anesthesia given by our board-certified physician anesthesiologist.
Recovery
The initial site of the fat implant or transfer may swell, bruise, and be sensitive to the touch, but there will be little, if any, discomfort. The harvest site may be a little sore, but Tylenol® (acetaminophen) easily manages this. Many patients do not bruise at all and return to work in a day or so. Dr. Zweig will see you again in about four to six weeks. At that time, he may re-treat the area or wait somewhat longer. A treatment only takes a few minutes, but you should expect about a half an hour in order to prepare your fat to be injected and to do the treatment and apply cold compresses, which will help prevent bruising. Most patients have no bruising.
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