Want To Rejuvenate Your Skin? Consider Fat Grafting Instead Of Dermal Fillers

If you have wrinkles, thin skin, or facial scarring from acne or other trauma, you may be looking into dermal fillers to rejuvenate your skin. Dermal fillers, like hyaluronic acid, are absorbable fillers that are injected into the skin at different depths to smooth facial imperfections and restore facial volume. One type of dermal filler that you may want to look into is fat grafting.

How Does Fat Grafting Work?

During fat grafting, your doctor will remove fat tissue from another area of your body, like the buttocks or thighs, through liposuction. Once fat tissue has been removed, your doctor will process it into a dermal filler and inject it into the face to fix scar tissue and restore lost volume in the cheeks, temples, etc.  

Is Fat Grafting Better Than Other Dermal Fillers?

There are pros and cons to each type of dermal filler, but fat grafting does have some distinct advantages. Other dermal fillers may only last months and require repeat appointments, but fat grafting can last years. Other dermal fillers cannot undo scarring, they can only plump skin and reduce the appearance of scarring. However, fat grafting may be able to significantly improve the skin characteristics of scars, as well as improve itching and pain associated with scar tissue. The main downside of fat grafting is that it does require a more invasive surgery (liposuction) to harvest fat, so some patients may prefer more minimally invasive fillers even if they don't have long-lasting results.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Fat Grafting?

Only your doctor will know whether you or not you are a good candidate, but many patients who are in good health may be able to get fat grafting. Younger patients may prefer other dermal fillers and then wait until more natural signs of aging start to appear before they pursue fat grafting.

One important aspect of candidacy is that patients should not be in the middle of a weight gain or weight loss program. Because transferred fat cells can behave like other fat cells in the body, they can shrink or expand during extreme weight fluctuations, which could affect the overall results.

What Is the Procedure Like?

Fat grafting can be performed under general anesthesia or through local anesthesia combined with IV sedation. While there tends to be more bruising, discomfort, and swelling compared to other dermal fillers, these side effects can be managed with over-the-counter medications. Side effects should resolve after a few days of rest.

To learn more about fat grafting, dermal fillers, and other skin rejuvenation treatments, reach out to a health and medical provider today or contact a local clinic like Masri Clinic.