Facial Fat Grafting: A Safe and Effective Way to Transform Your Profile

Paul Drake
Paul Drake
November 25, 2023
5 min read

Introduction

Are you looking for a safe and effective way to update your profile? Look no further than Profile Aesthetic, a leading provider of facial fat grafting in Aberdeen, UK. Our experienced specialist surgeons and nurses use the latest technology, including the Beautifill laser-assisted liposuction system, to deliver amazing fat transfer results with less downtime.

In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of macro, micro, and nano fat grafting techniques, providing you with valuable insights into these innovative procedures for facial rejuvenation. Join us on this journey as we explore the differences, benefits, and applications of each technique

Understanding Facial Fat Grafting

Facial fat grafting, also known as facial fat transfer or lipofilling, is a revolutionary cosmetic procedure that utilises a patient's own fat cells to restore volume, enhance contours, and rejuvenate the face. The procedure can be used to add volume to the cheeks, reduce under-eye hollows, and smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. By carefully harvesting fat from donor areas and injecting it into specific regions, facial fat grafting offers natural-looking and long-lasting results.

Macro Fat Grafting: Restoring Youthful Volume

Macro fat grafting is the foundation of facial volume restoration. This technique involves harvesting larger particles of fat, typically from areas like the abdomen or thighs, and strategically injecting it into targeted regions of the face. By replenishing lost volume, macro fat grafting effectively addresses age-related facial hollows, sunken cheeks, and deep lines, restoring a youthful and vibrant appearance.

Benefits of Macro Fat Grafting:

  • Provides substantial volume enhancement
  • Restores facial contours and proportions
  • Minimises the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles
  • Long-lasting results with minimal downtime

Micro Fat Grafting: Precise Refinement

Micro fat grafting focuses on precision and refinement, making it an ideal technique for subtle facial rejuvenation. With this approach, smaller fat particles are harvested and carefully injected into specific areas that require enhancement. Micro fat grafting is commonly used to address finer details, such as under-eye hollows, thin lips, and nasolabial folds, creating a harmonious and balanced facial appearance.

Benefits of Micro Fat Grafting:

  • Allows for precise sculpting and contouring
  • Enhances delicate facial features
  • Restores volume in targeted areas
  • Provides natural-looking results

Nano Fat Grafting: Regeneration and Rejuvenation

Nano fat grafting takes fat transfer to a cellular level, harnessing the regenerative potential of small fat particles. In this technique, the tiniest fat cells, enriched with regenerative cells and exosomes, are harvested and injected into the skin to improve texture, reduce fine lines, and promote overall rejuvenation. Nano fat grafting is a versatile procedure that can be used for facial rejuvenation, scar revision, and even certain types of alopecia treatment.

Benefits of Nano Fat Grafting:

  • Stimulates collagen production for improved skin texture
  • Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars
  • Enhances skin quality and radiance
  • Suitable for various facial rejuvenation needs

How is Facial Fat Transfer Done?

At Profile Aesthetic, we use the latest technology to ensure that the fat transfer procedure is performed safely and effectively, with minimal downtime. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and sedation, as a day case, so patients can go home on the same day.

We use a local anaesthetic to numb the area where we will extract the fat, typically from the abdomen or thighs. We then use the Beautifill laser-assisted liposuction system to extract the fat, which has the added benefit of tightening the skin and reducing the appearance of cellulite. The Beautifill system also allows us to collect and purify the fat, ensuring that only the highest quality fat cells are used for injection into the face. Studies have demonstrated that harvesting fat in this way with the Beautifill laser system (Alma Lasers) results in consistently high cell viability for more predictable and long-lasting results.

Next, the purified fat is carefully injected into specific areas of the face to achieve the desired effect. This can include adding volume to the cheeks or temples, filling in wrinkles or lines, and reducing the appearance of under-eye hollows or dark circles. The entire procedure typically takes around two hours, depending on the extent of the treatment.

Does Facial Fat Transfer Look Natural?

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Facial fat transfer can provide a natural-looking and long-lasting solution for those looking to restore lost volume and improve the appearance of their face. Unlike fillers, which can sometimes create an overfilled or "plastic" appearance, fat transfer uses the body's own natural tissue to add volume, resulting in a more natural-looking result. The careful combination of macro, micro and nano fat provides a bespoke treatment tailored to the specific concerns of each patient.

At Profile Aesthetic, we are dedicated to creating subtle and natural-looking results that enhance the patient's existing features. Our approach is to work closely with each patient to understand their individual goals and create a personalised treatment plan that achieves the desired effect while maintaining natural results.

Additionally, the Beautifill laser-assisted liposuction system we use at Profile Aesthetic can help to ensure that the fat is harvested and transferred with maximum precision, resulting in a more natural-looking outcome.

What are the Risks of Facial Fat Transfer?

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks associated with facial fat transfer. These risks can include infection, bleeding, scarring, and asymmetry. However, with the use of advanced technology and experienced surgeons, the risks associated with facial fat transfer are minimal. There is a small risk that the transferred fat may not survive, which can result in uneven or lumpy results. However, these risks can be minimised by choosing an experienced plastic surgeon and following proper aftercare instructions.

At Profile Aesthetic, we take a careful and thorough approach to each procedure, ensuring that all risks are fully explained to the patient and that they have a clear understanding of the procedure and its potential outcomes. We also provide comprehensive aftercare support to ensure that the patient achieves the best possible result.

Is Facial Fat Transfer Better than Filler?

While both facial fat transfer and filler can be used to add volume to the face and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines, there are some key differences between the two treatments. Facial fat transfer uses the body's own tissue to add volume, while filler uses a synthetic substance. Fat transfer can also provide a longer-lasting result, as the transferred fat cells can integrate with the surrounding tissue and provide a permanent effect.

However, filler can be a less invasive and less expensive option for those looking to achieve a subtle improvement in their appearance. The choice between facial fat transfer and filler ultimately depends on the patient's individual goals and preferences, and we do our utmost to guide patients towards the most suitable treatment for their needs.

What is the Best Age for Facial Fat Transfer?

There is no specific age at which facial fat transfer is most appropriate, as the suitability of the treatment depends on the individual patient's needs and goals. However, facial fat transfer is typically most effective for those who have lost volume in their face due to ageing or weight loss, and who are looking to restore a more youthful appearance. The procedure is most commonly performed on patients in their 30s to 50s.

At Profile Aesthetic, we offer personalised consultations to help patients determine whether facial fat transfer is the right treatment for their needs. As plastic surgeons, we carefully assess each patient's individual situation and provide guidance on the best approach and any alternatives that may be preferable.

What are the Disadvantages of Facial Fat Transfer?

While facial fat transfer can provide long-lasting results, there are some disadvantages to the procedure. These can include swelling and bruising in the treated areas, as well as the need for a longer recovery period compared to non-surgical treatments. Additionally, because the fat used in the procedure is taken from another area of your body, there is a small risk of uneven results or damage to the donor site.

Does Facial Fat Transfer Leave Loose Skin?

Facial fat transfer is typically used to add volume to the face, rather than to address loose skin. However, in some cases, the added volume can help to improve the appearance of loose skin. There is a small risk of developing loose skin at the fat harvest donor site, but this is rare given the small volumes of fat that are typically required.

Can Facial Fat Transfer be Reversed?

While it is technically possible to reverse facial fat transfer, it is not a common practice. If you are unhappy with the results of your procedure, it is best to speak with our plastic surgeons about your options for revising the procedure to achieve a realistic goal.

Conclusion

At Profile Aesthetic, we offer a range of safe and effective plastic surgery and aesthetics treatments, and we are proud to be one of the leading providers of facial fat grafting in Scotland. Our team of experienced specialist surgeons and nurses are dedicated to using the latest technology to deliver amazing results with less downtime, and the Beautifill laser-assisted liposuction system is just one example of the innovative technologies we use to enhance our patients' experience. With facial fat grafting, you can transform your profile, restore lost volume, and achieve a more youthful, natural-looking appearance. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you update your profile with Profile Aesthetic, and join us for part or all of your journey towards health, wellness, anti-ageing, and rejuvenation.

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