While most people expect to see wrinkles and skin discoloration developing as they get older, you may be surprised when you look in the mirror and realize you are losing volume, especially in your mid-face. The passage of time brings a loss of structural support in the form of a protein called collagen, leading to skin laxity. Simultaneously, gravity’s cumulative effects cause your facial fat pads to shift downward, resulting in hollows under your eyes and a lack of contour in your cheeks.

While injectable dermal fillers are one potential approach to restoring lost volume and reversing the effects of aging, these products can only offer temporary results, as your body will metabolize their ingredients over time. Facial fat grafting provides a more permanent solution to your anti-aging concerns. Here’s what you need to know about this procedure.

What Is Fat Grafting?

Fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, relies on removing small amounts of “donor” fat from areas of excess, such as your thighs, buttocks, or stomach. After carefully filtering this fat to remove impurities, Dr. Schmidt will then inject it into targeted areas like your lips, cheeks, temples, and undereye hollows to add contour and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.

One of the most notable benefits of the minimally invasive fat transfer procedure is that using your natural body fat eliminates the risk of side effects like allergic reactions. Dr. Schmidt’s Puregrafting technique can also lead to fewer complications during and after the procedure.

Facial fat grafting is a highly customizable procedure that can restore volume and shape to specific trouble spots, creating better balance and proportion among your facial features. If you choose, you can also ask Dr. Schmidt for a full-face revitalization to reverse signs of aging, fill in wrinkles, and improve your skin’s overall texture.

What Can You Expect From Fat Grafting?

Fat grafting results are usually long-lasting and extremely natural-looking when performed by a skilled facial plastic surgeon. Your results can last many years without the need to return for maintenance treatments.

After your facial fat transfer, you can expect mild bruising, soreness, and swelling around the donor and recipient sites. You can manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication and keep swelling and bruising at a minimum by applying ice packs. You should plan to take up to 10 days to two weeks off from work and strenuous exercise to recover.

Denver’s Best Facial Fat Grafting

If you are interested in a facial fat transfer, your first step is to meet with Dr. Schmidt to discuss your cosmetic concerns and goals. This initial consultation is your opportunity to communicate what you hope to achieve with this procedure.

After talking with you privately, Dr. Schmidt will use his expertise as a double board-certified plastic surgeon to create a personalized plan that may include adding complementary non-surgical treatments such as BOTOX^® injections to rejuvenate your eye and eyebrow area. You may also find you’re an excellent candidate for other surgical procedures Dr. Schmidt offers. To learn more, reach out to us today to set up your private consultation appointment.