Facial Fat Grafting (Injections) for Sacramento, Granite Bay, & Coeur d’Alene

In order to perform facial fat grafting, fat is harvested via a technique referred to as the Coleman technique and can be thought of as “micro-liposuction.” During this process, fat is removed from another area of your body, oftentimes the lower abdomen. The fat is then specially processed in a centrifuge to remove only the fatty component. This fatty component is then placed in very small syringes, and then utilizing a small blunt-tipped needle, re-injected into the desired locations. Typical injection locations include the cheek region, tear trough area, nasolabial folds, upper and lower lips, and marionette lines. It also can be used to improve the temporal hollowing on the side of the forehead.

What Procedures Can be Combined with Facial Fat Injections?

Facial fat grafting can be a solitary procedure. However, most of the time it is performed as an additional treatment to other facial rejuvenation procedures.

What Type of Anesthesia is Used for this Procedure?

As with many of the facial rejuvenation procedures, IV sedation with the injection of local anesthetic is the primary anesthetic used for fat grafting to the face.

What Should I Expect After Fat Injections?

After facial fat injections, you can expect typical swelling and a degree of bruising throughout the injected area.  This will last for 1-2 weeks, at which time the largest degree of the swelling will subside, and you will continue to see improvement over the next few weeks.

Facial Fat Grafting FAQ

What is facial fat grafting?

Facial fat grafting is a rejuvenation procedure that restores volume to certain areas of the face via autologous fat transfer. It is a two-step procedure that begins with liposuction on the area of the body with available fat. The harvested fat is then purified and processed before it is placed into thin syringes to be administered to targeted areas of the face.

Where can the fat be transferred to?

Fat can be delivered to areas of the face that require more volume. Popular facial areas for repletion include:

• Cheeks
• Nasolabial folds
• Forehead area
• Lips
• Under-eye area
• Eye hollows
• Chin

Where does the grafted fat come from?

The grafted fat is sourced from what is often called a donor site — an area of the body with available excess fat. Donor sites often include the inner thigh, abdomen, arm, flanks, hips, buttocks, and back.

How long will my fat grafting results last?

Fat grafting results are considered permanent. As such, you should be able to enjoy long-term results.

Why should I consider facial fat grafting?

Facial fat grafting comes with many benefits. If any of the following appeal to you, consider this procedure:

• Correct volume loss from factors such as age and weight loss
• Improve the look of wrinkles and lines on the face
• Reduce the look of hollow eyes
• Reduced risk of allergic reaction
• Eliminate signs of aging
• Long-lasting results that appear natural

Will facial fat grafting fix sagging skin?

The objective of facial fat grafting is to restore the natural youthfulness of a face that has experienced several signs of aging. Because sagging, droopy skin is partially caused by volume loss, repleting that lost volume through fat grafting can help with some degree of sagging, especially in mild or moderate cases. If you are bothered by moderate to severe skin sagging in addition to volume loss, speak to Dr. Coscia about your concerns. He will examine your skin concerns and create a treatment plan that can help you to achieve your goals, which can include facial fat grafting as well as other procedures.

How is the harvested fat transferred?

The harvested fat is skillfully injected via syringe by one of our experts into the areas of the face that have experienced volume loss.

What is recovery from facial fat grafting like?

Facial fat grafting recovery is a straightforward process. Patients are advised to take at least one week off from work and other activities to heal. Any pain experienced during recovery can be well-controlled with pain medication, and patients should limit exercise and strenuous activities until cleared by Dr. Coscia. After your initial healing period, swelling will subside, and your final results will become apparent.

How can facial fat grafting improve my appearance?

With a new, plump appearance, you can appear rejuvenated and well-rested. The reduction of pesky lines and wrinkles, as well as the repletion of volume in hollow facial areas can make you appear younger, essentially improving the look of many signs of aging. You and those around you may notice that you look less tired, more alert, and revitalized with improved facial contours.