Fat Transfer
(Micrografting)

A very popular procedure for rejuvenating the face is fat transfer. As the youthful fullness of the face deflates and shrinks with the natural ageing process, the face appears hollow and underlying structures are emphasised. The bony prominence of the brow, orbit (eye area) and sometimes the zygoma (cheek bone) create an unwanted aged appearance. The atrophy (loss) of the fat tissue leaves the skin unsupported and lax, adding to the droopiness around the jowls and neck.

The wonderful thing about fat transfer is it is a natural filler; your own bodies biological material and therefore allergy and reactions to it are rare. Plus most of us have a ready supply to donate from around the abdomen or hips to reinflate the lost volume in the face or hands.

 

The Procedure

The procedure is performed is performed under local anaesthetic and oral sedation and takes approx. 2 hours to complete.

Many ways of harvesting and redistributing the fat have been used over the years. Dr Zurek's technique involves carefully handling the fat tissue to reduce trauma to the cells.

It is then infiltrated to the appropriate areas with minimal handling and exposure, allowing a 70-80% success rate for the fat to anchor to the host tissue.

There will be slight over-compensation of volume infiltrated to allow for expected loss.

The initial plan is to accept the final result may need to be undertaken in three separate stages. It is always best to do this to allow the transferred fat the best chance to live and not be suffocated by too large a volume at once.

 

Following the procedure you will be given antibiotics for a few days.

You may need to wear some support tape on some areas of the face for 48hrs .

Ice packs can be applied at home for any discomfort and swelling.

Panadol for pain relief can be taken if necessary; most patients are very comfortable post operatively.

Soon images available