Most people are in a battle against fat, but fat can be your friend. I find that it is one of the best fillers for plumping areas that are sunken, hollow or flat. Using the body’s own fat by taking it from a place where it’s unwanted and putting it somewhere that needs it reaps a double benefit.
Fat as We Age… Isn’t it ironic that as we age, we often lose fat in the wrong places and gain it in unwanted areas. As a child, we have that “baby face” that includes round full cheeks, but as early as mid to late 20s the fat in the cheeks that keeps it full and firm already starts to degrade even though the narrowing of the face usually doesn’t appear until the 30s. In the 40s, fat loss usually shows itself as drooping in the midface that causes nasolabial folds and jowls. The face shape continues to change in the 50s and beyond as fat is affected by gravity and age.
Fat Vs. Other Fillers… Fat grafting is a very effective way to retain a youthful face by restoring facial contour and fullness. Compared to other fillers, fat produces longer lasting results. Additionally, it’s completely natural since it’s using your own excess body fat – that is refined, purified and relocated. This means that there isn’t the risk of an adverse reaction or allergy as with other injectables.
What Can Fat Grafting Do? Although one of the most common areas to treat with fat grafting are the creased, sunken parts of the face, it can be used to contour many areas of the body. It can enhance areas such as hands, breasts and buttocks. One of the more popular procedures recently is the Brazillian Butt Lift. I actually prefer to use fat grafting for this rather than implants, as long as there’s enough fat to take from another area of the body. I’ve also used it to successfully revise and minimize the appearance of scars, or other bodily depressions.
How Does It Work? Fat grafting involves the transfer of fat from areas that have some to spare, such as the outer thighs (saddle bags), refining it, and then injecting it into areas that need volume. It is very safe and provides long lasting results. It has minimal downtime and recovery, similar to other injectable treatments.
In Good Hands… Working with fat for grafting requires a lot of skill to extract and reinject it without lumps or sagging. I offer this safe procedure to many people every year…with great results. I know how to work with this natural filling component to create a lasting, natural look and feel. To schedule your consultation, visit www.davinciplastic.com.
Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon
