Also commonly referred to as fat transfer and fat rejuvenation, fat grafting serves the double purpose of extracting fat from an area where it is in excess and transferring it to another area where more volume is needed. Dr. Funcik and his medical team focus on fat grafting to naturally enhance the face. Using liposuction, excess fat is taken from areas such as the thighs and abdomen. Small incisions will be made around the donor site, and a thin, hollow cannula tube will be inserted to gently suction the fat with vacuum technology. Once the fat is removed, Dr. Funcik will use a complex process to cleanse and purify the fat. Then he will inject it back into the patient using specially-designed needles.
Is it Worth it?
There are many options out there to replace facial volume:
Hyaluronic Fillers: (Restylane®, Restylane Lyft®, Juvederm®, Belotero®, Voluma®, etc.) Most hyaluronic fillers are administered using a 1-cc syringe (the size of a small sugar cube). Ranging in price of $590- $900 each syringe. These are great tools for lines and small creases but are not the best for replacing large amounts of volume. Occasionally, we see patients who have been disappointed by hyaluronics in the past, because the treatment was only of modest benefit.
Some patients who have modest volume loss could benefit form Sculptra. Sculptra is designed to help correct skin depressions such as creases, wrinkles, folds, scars, hollow eye rings, degenerative skin aging, and facial lipoatrophy (loss of fat). Sculptra is Poly-L-lactic acid (crystals of sugar) are injected and your body tries to break it down causing your body to GROW its own collagen. This growth is gradual over 9 months. We estimate that most patients grow 4-5 ccs of their own collagen with each treatment. Sculptramay last from 1-2 years, but in some cases the duration of the effects may be shorter or longer. Additionally, in order to maintain the desired degree of correction, intermittent “touch-up” treatments may be needed.
When it comes to replacing youthful volume in the face using your own fat is a great tool!
- We are able to get as much as you need often 30 to 40 ccs.
- Results can be long-lasting and ages with you.
- Fat grafting uses your own tissues, which is safer than implants and significantly reduces the risk of complications and adverse reactions.
- Fat grafting creates a more natural look.
- This procedure is two treatments in one, eliminating fat in stubborn areas via liposuction and adding it to a volume-deficient area.
Real Patient Results
Often Fat Grafting is used in conjunction with other procedures. This patient had the Charleston Custom Lift, Low Country Lid Lift, Forehead lift & Fat Grafting.