CONTOURING FACIAL DEPRESSIONS:
FAT TRANSFER


FAT TRANSFER

The deep grooves that run from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth are called nasolabial folds. These are quite bothersome to some people. Face lift surgery may improve them, but will not eliminate them altogether. Fat transfer involves injecting fat from the patient's own body into the grooves, thereby filling them in and softening their appearance.

THE SURGERY: The operation is generally done in the office under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. Fat is removed from the abdominal area or the thighs. It is then thoroughly cleansed and injected into the areas of concern. No incisions are made, but there will be small marks where the needle penetrates the skin to inject the fat. Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict how long the fat will last and how much improvement you will have from the procedure. Sometimes the procedure is done three or four times at three months intervals. Most people find that the fat will last from six to twelve months, and, on occasion, longer.

THE RECOVERY: Following the procedure, there will be some fullness and lumpiness in the area where the fat has been injected. If the lumpiness persists, we usually recommend massage in that area. Most people experience some bruising in the abdomen where the fat was removed. This procedure usually causes very little discomfort and very little bruising.


DERMABRASION

Dermabrasion is surgical sanding of the skin. This procedure is done to repair facial scarring due to acne or lesions, and to help correct deep wrinkle lines. The idea of surgical sanding is to blend "the peaks and the valleys" and give the skin a smoother look. A small sanding instrument is used to smooth the irregularities. The operation is done on an outpatient basis. During the first week or so following dermabrasion, there will be crusting and scabbing of the skin that has been sanded. After that, there may be a period of time when the skin will be quite red. Ointments are available to lessen and soothe the redness. Dermabrasion sometimes must be done more than once in order to achieve the maximum result.