Facial Fat Grafting in Dallas, TX

"A full face is a young face" - Dr. Phillip Dauwe

When is comes to replacing volume in the face, there are many options in the form of fillers and implants. However, fat transfer to the face is rising in popularity since it provides natural-looking improvements, uses your own tissue, and provides permanent results. Age-related volume loss occurs throughout the face, but it is most noticeable in the midface, below the eyes, and in the cheek. The fat is gathered by liposuction, purified by Dr. Dauwe's team, and carefully placed into the proper areas of your face. In addition to the long lasting natural result of using fat to restore your facial volume, patients get the benefit of liposuction to some "trouble areas" too. To get more information about autologous fat transfer to the face, contact Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery in Dallas, TX to arrange an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Dauwe.

Skin filler injections are some of the most popular cosmetic treatments worldwide. While these treatments utilize synthetic formulas, facial fat grafting in Dallas, TX gives you similar results with several extra advantages, such as:

• Delivers rapid outcomes
• Less chance of an allergic response
• Minimal recovery time
• Smooths fine lines and creases
• Performed with your existing fat in place of synthetic fillers
• Draws excess fat from problem areas
• Reliable aesthetic improvement
• Lessens the appearance of scars
• Tightens and plumps skin
• Fills out the lips, cheeks, and elsewhere

Fat transfer is an ideal operation for patients with volume loss related to aging, birth defect, medication use, or trauma. Transferring fat to your face can improve wrinkles and soften the visibility of scars. You may also enhance your cheeks and lips for a rejuvenated appearance. With results similar to a dermal filler such as Restylane or Juvéderm, a facial fat transfer is a great treatment if you'd like longer-lasting results. Also, in order to be a candidate for a fat transfer, you need to have enough fat for Dr. Dauwe to perform liposuction.

A facial fat transfer is a two-step process that includes liposuction and injection. If only a minimal amount of fat is required, Dr. Dauwe usually uses twilight or local anesthesia, but if it is part of a larger surgery, general anesthesia is usually administered. Dr. Dauwe will use liposuction to remove fat, which may be taken from your hips, flanks, or abdomen. As soon as the fat is removed, it will be processed and then placed in syringes. Dr. Dauwe uses different injections angles and techniques to increase the amount of fat that stays long term. Fat will then be transferred to your midface, cheeks, and/or beneath your eyes to restore volume. 

Following your fat grafting procedure, you will be monitored in the recovery room. Dr. Dauwe or someone on his staff will apply dressings and watch you until you are able to be taken home by a family member or friend. Prior to your procedure, Dr. Dauwe will go over what you can expect after the procedure and things to you can do to hasten your recovery. Follow-up appointments will be held at our Dallas, TX office so Dr. Dauwe can evaluate your healing and results. Your recovery will depend on the amount of fat that is transferred and the area that is treated, but you should plan for 2 weeks weeks to rest and heal. In the early recovery period, you will experience swelling and bruising at the area(s) that received liposuction and fat injections. You can expect to see immediate improvements in the treated area, however, it will take 6 weeks to 3 months before you will see your final outcomes.

How much does facial fat grafting cost?
Your cost for a facial fat graft will vary depending on the amount of liposuction and number of areas being treated. Following a complete examination, Dr. Dauwe will decide how much fat is required and his staff can provide a cost estimate. To help make your treatment easier to afford, Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery takes several payment methods and can help you find no-interest financing.

Should I get a dermal filler or fat transfer?
Both fat transfer and injectable fillers (for example, Restylane and Juvéderm) will correct the volume loss and wrinkles associated with facial aging. Fillers are performed in the office and will provide results for 6 to 18 months depending on the type of filler used. Fat graft is performed in the operating room and will have permanent results. Fillers can be used to decide whether you will benefit from a fat transfer, as the results are temporary and give you an idea of how the permanent result would look with fat transfer.

Can facial fat grafting be combined with another procedure?
Fat transfer to the face is often performed with other facial procedures like facelift, necklift, or eyelid lift, because adding fat graft to these procedures only enhances the results. A fat transfer can be performed alone as well in select patients. Talk to Dr. Dauwe in your consultation about your desires, so he can develop a plan with nonsurgical and surgical procedures that reach all your aesthetic goals.

How long does facial fat grafting take?
Fat transfer alone will usually take less than an hour, but will depend on the amount of fat being taken, plus the number of areas treated. As soon as your plan is developed in your initial consultation, Dr. Dauwe will discuss what you can expect in terms of operative time. Fat grafting is a meticulous process, and Dr. Dauwe takes his time to carefully place even layers of fat to enhance your outcome.

Which areas of the face can be improved with fat grafting?
A fat transfer may be used anywhere there is volume loss, but most commonly it is used in the midface, cheeks, or below your eyes. A fat transfer is usually used to address wrinkles associated with aging, for example, marionette lines or brow furrows, but may also be used to treat acne scars.

A facial fat transfer is a wonderful way to add volume, even out lines, and enhance your gorgeous profile. If you are interested in turning back the clock and regaining your youthful, bright look, we urge you to find out more about a fat transfer at Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery. It's an exciting choice for individuals who want a natural enhancement and long-lasting results. Contact our Dallas, TX practice to set up your appointment with Dr. Dauwe for this state-of-the-art procedure.