How Much Donor Fat Is Needed for Facial Fat Grafting?

Facial volume loss occurs over time. This is often due to natural aging. However, unhealthy lifestyle habits can accelerate the aging process. Many people notice volume loss in their cheeks, under-eyes, and temples. Facial fat grafting is a procedure that uses your own body fat to restore fullness, smooth out hollows, and refresh your look. The results integrate seamlessly as your own body fat is used. It is a popular alternative to injectable fillers as it provides subtle and natural-looking results. Many patients ask, how much donor fat is needed for facial fat grafting? Below you will find helpful information about the procedure and why it is right for you.

How Much Donor Fat Is Needed for Facial Fat Grafting?

On average, roughly 10 to 50 milliliters of fat is needed for one session of facial fat grafting. During the transfer, not all of the fat survives. Because of this, additional fat is harvested to ensure optimal results. The precise amount of donor fat needed for facial fat grafting depends on several factors.

Treatment Area

The treatment area determines the amount of facial fat required for the procedure. Some facial regions require more volume than others. The cheeks and temples often require more fat than the tear troughs. Your oculofacial plastic surgeon will assess your facial features at the consultation. They create a customized treatment plan based on your unique needs. This ensures that enough fat is harvested from the donor site.

Fat Survival Rate

The fat is harvested from the donor site. From there, the fat is prepared for injection. This includes removing excess fluids and other impurities. When the fat is injected into the face, some of it is naturally resorbed. The survival rates vary, so additional fat is harvested to account for the loss.

Donor Fat Availability

The fat is taken from your own body. Common donor sites include the abdomen, thighs, and hips. The amount and quality of donor fat determine how much can be taken. If you have a limited amount of fat in the donor sites, it can impact how much can be taken. Your surgeon will let you know if there is not enough fat at the consultation. There are several options to address the issue to ensure a successful facial fat grafting procedure.

Facial Fat Grafting Procedure

Facial fat grafting is a surgical procedure that involves injecting your own fat into the face. The fat is extracted from a specific part of your body. The impurities are removed, and it is then injected into the face. The primary goal of the procedure is to restore lost volume and improve facial contours. This results in a more youthful look. Below you will find detailed information about each step so you are fully prepared on the day of the procedure.

Consultation and Planning

The facial fat grafting process begins with a consultation. The surgeon will review your medical history, consider your current health, and assess your facial structure. They will use this information to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. If you are a good candidate, they create a customized treatment plan based on the results of your facial assessment. It is important to share your aesthetic goals at this appointment. The surgeon will work to create a personalized treatment plan that works for you. This may include facial fat grafting alone or a combination of procedures and treatments.

Fat Harvesting

Once you have been cleared for surgery, the donor site is selected. This is discussed during the consultation, so you will be prepared on the day of the surgery. Common donor sites include the abdomen, thighs, hips, or flanks. These areas often have enough fat that can be removed without issue. You will have local anesthesia or sedation to ensure your comfort. The area is cleansed and numbed as well. A special tool is used to remove the fat cells via a tiny incision. This reduces trauma to the surrounding tissue and reduces the appearance of visible scarring.

Fat Purification

The collected fat is purified before it is reinjected into your face. The surgeon processes the fat and separates the healthy, viable cells from everything else. Fluids, oils, blood, and damaged tissue are effectively removed from the harvested fat. It is then placed into sterile syringes. This is a critical step in the process. It ensures the success of the fat transfer and the longevity of the results. Proper purification ensures that the fat integrates better with the existing tissues in the face.

Injection Process

Once the fat is purified and placed in the syringes, it is then carefully injected into the targeted facial areas. The surgeon places the fat in small layers that mimic natural facial contours. This ensures that the results are smooth and evenly distributed. This reduces the risk of lumps or other irregularities. The skill of the surgeon is really shown here, as it takes precision to ensure optimal results. Because some of the fat is resorbed, you may notice a somewhat overfilled look. This is necessary to be sure that your final results look exactly as you want. It lasts for just a short time as your body recovers after the procedure.

Recovery and Healing

After the procedure, you may notice mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness. This is common in both the donor and the injection site. These symptoms will gradually subside as you heal. They generally go away within one to two weeks. Most patients return to their routine within seven to ten days. However, each patient is uniquely different.

The final results can take several months to appear. As you heal, avoid pressure or massaging the treated areas. This can disrupt the new fat cells. They need to establish a blood supply for optimal healing. Healing is promoted through healthy habits as well. Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated. You should also avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Best Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon

If you want to improve your facial aesthetic, contact Dr. Sarah Avila Oculofacial Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation!