Are Fat Injections for You?
Everyone ages, and while this is unavoidable, the negative side negative of getting older, including unwanted lines and wrinkles, are completely treatable.
A major cause of visible aging is not just the gradual laxity of soft tissue, but perhaps, more importantly, volume loss. As we age, we lose facial fat and the production of collagen slows. Natural fat and collagen help skin look plump, firm, and smooth, which are all signs of youth and health. The skin you enjoy in your 20’s and 30’s won’t necessarily be the skin you see in your 40’s and beyond.
Loss of facial fat can be reversed with fat injections, now available at Rhinoplasty Institute of Chicago. This treatment is natural and minimally invasive, helping you look your best without filler or other cosmetic additives.
The Fat Injection Procedure
This is an office-based treatment performed under only local anesthesia. A microcannula is used to “borrow” small amounts of fat from the belly or thigh and replace it into areas of the face that have significant volume loss. If you are currently unhappy with your appearance, particularly, the loss of volume in your face, then a fat transfer to the face could be for you.
Fat micro-injections are simple and quick. The targeted treatment areas are numbed using Lidocaine to prevent discomfort. Better yet, the cannula to draw up the fat is small (“microcannula”), allowing for the fat to be drawn into a syringe in a relatively easy and pain-free method.
After spinning the fat down to remove unnecessary byproducts, it is then re-injected into the desired location of the face using a sterile technique. Based on the results you want and our experience with this procedure, Dr. Dutton will places the fat injections in the desired areas, sculpting your face for a younger-looking appearance with the appropriate tissue volume.
While the length of results vary from patient to patient, fat injections are generally long-lasting. Depending on specific wants and needs, patients may require a series of fat transfer sessions to meet their expectations. Your treatment plan and questions regarding how many injections you may need can all be addressed in your personalized consultation.
What Facial Fat Transfer Can Do for You
At the Rhinoplasty Institute of Chicago, facial fat transfer services are available to treat the following concerns:
- Hollow or darkened circles under the eyes
- Moderate to deep facial wrinkles and fold, including nasolabial folds and marionette lines
- Weak or droopy cheekbones
- Hollowed cheek and chin areas
- Sagging eyebrows
Sometimes, a combination of dermal fillers with a fat injection is the best way to achieve your desired look. The fillers often combined with the fat injection procedure include the following:
- Radiesse®
- Restylane®
- Juvéderm®
- Belotero
- Sculptra®
- Collagen
Fat Injection Recovery
Downtime with fat injection is just a few days to a week. You will experience some minor inflammation and bruising for a week or two. Small lumps around the injection sites may also develop. These are not generally visible and resolve quite quickly. If swelling is a problem, you can elevate your head with pillows the first few nights and even use an ice pack if necessary.
Fat micro-injection is a safe, minimally invasive method to permanently reverse the volume loss of aging. This procedure is usually recommended for older patients, both male and female, with significant volume loss, and deeper lines and wrinkles.
The Best Candidates for Fat Injections
The procedure is usually recommended for mature patients in good general health who are experiencing visible signs of aging. With any cosmetic procedure, patients should be mentally, physically, and emotionally stable, as well as have realistic expectations following the procedure.
Individuals who have some fat deposits in other areas of the body generally make better patients for a cosmetic facial fat transfer, compared to individuals who are noticeably thin. Those with more body more robust fat cells at the extraction sites will ultimately enjoy the most volumizing effect from the process.
If you are still unsure whether this procedure is for you, contact our professional staff. We provide in-depth and educational consultations to help you understand your chosen procedure and how it can help you meet your goals.
Risks Associated with Fat Injections
As cosmetic fat transfer is minimally invasive, the associated risks are not serious. Side effects and potential risks include:
- Soreness
- Swelling
- Allergic Reaction
- Permanent Discoloration
- Distorted Appearance
- Bleeding/Blot Clots
- Infection
The concerns listed above are rare. Irritation and swelling, which are common after any injection, will minimize over time and as the skin heals. If you do happen to experience a complication that does not subside, we encourage you to call our office for further instruction from our experienced staff.
Fighting Facial Gravity: Dr. Jay Dutton
Contact Rhinoplasty Institute of Chicago Today
As you most likely already know, cosmetic surgery is popular among patients of differing ages and needs. We are lucky enough to live in a world where we can easily and affordably change our appearance if we are unhappy about it. Rhinoplasty Institute of Chicago believes all patients deserve to feel and look good about themselves; life is too short to be embarrassed or self-conscious of the negative signs of aging.
Dr. Dutton and his entire staff are built their patient care philosophy around complete satisfaction. It is imperative to our team that you are not only excited for your chosen procedure, but feel comfortable and knowledgeable at all stages of the process.
Fat Injection FAQs
Which areas can I enhance with fat injections?
Fat injections can improve your appearance in several ways. You can use them in your lips, eyebrows, cheeks, and chin. Depending on your concern and current appearance, fat injections can help you resolve wrinkles, fine lines, and loose skin.
In addition to these areas, there are many other applications for fat injections. You can explore them by reaching out to Dr. Dutton and his staff for personalized recommendations.
What’s the difference between fat injections and dermal fillers?
Fat injections use your fatty tissue instead of a synthetic product. While both methods are safe, fat injections typically deliver more long-lasting results. If you are sensitive to the components of typical dermal fillers, fat injections are an excellent alternative with no risk of allergic reactions.
The improvements realized through fat injections may also look more natural and offer excellent results against challenging problems such as deeper wrinkles and acne scars. After understanding what you want to achieve, Dr. Dutton can tailor a plan to meet your needs.
Can I combine fat transfer with dermal fillers?
In many cases, a combination approach provides patients with a more comprehensive improvement than you could otherwise achieve. However, you should only move forward with this option after a detailed consultation with a qualified provider.
Dr. Dutton and his team make sure to note your most pressing goals, which helps us determine if you can benefit from fat injections, dermal fillers, or a mix of both.
How much does a fat injection treatment cost in Chicago?
Fat injection treatments can have varied costs depending on the details of your specific treatment plan. Dr. Dutton understands that your budget is a factor in your decision to get a cosmetic procedure. At your consultation, he will provide a detailed breakdown of treatment costs.
How long does a fat injection procedure take?
Typically, Dr. Dutton can extract and purify the fat in less than an hour, and inject it in only a few minutes. It is a quick, easy, and minimally invasive process.
How can I make my results last longer?
Fat injection already has long-lasting effects, which you can prolong by protecting your skin from sun damage and using high-quality skin care products. These simple steps can go a long way toward helping you maintain your results for longer.
Satisfied Patient Review:
“Dr. Jay Dutton and his entire staff were extremely professional, explained in detail the procedure, and the results I could expect post-surgery. Dr. Dutton took the time to answer all of my questions; I was never rushed. He was also very knowledgeable and patient with me. I am more than pleased with his services, and have even recommended my friends to him.”
Learn More
Contact Dr. Dutton for all of your injectables procedures, we will walk you through the entire process and answer any of your questions.
Contact Us Today!