Fat Injections

Fat transfer goes by many names: Autologus Fat Transfer, Facial Fat Injections, Fat Grafting and more. Fat can be injected anywhere in the face to restore or increase volume or to create more contour around various structures. The patient’s own fat source is utilized and it can be harvested through a small cannula during a minor liposuction procedure. The extra fat is often found around the waist, thighs or buttocks. The extracted fat is washed and treated, then reintroduced to the patient in the desired facial area.

Dr. Batniji is careful to perform the fat injection procedure methodically. It is not recommended that this treatment be considered secondary to larger surgeries performed simultaneously. Instead, it is an equally important procedure that should be performed with care. Additionally, Dr. Batniji injects fat conservatively to avoid overcorrection which can look unnatural and even unattractive.

There are a number of advantages to undergoing an autologous fat transfer procedure. The patient does not face the potential rejection of a foreign substances since the tissue is their own; injected fat will integrate with existing tissues and therefore creates a long-term solution for loss of volume; and the procedure can be performed in lieu of more invasive surgeries, such as chin augmentation and lip augmentation surgeries.

Fat Injections for Correction

Fat injections may be performed to transform the look of the face, including serving as a key technique in certain facial corrections. Read on to learn how autologous facial fat grafting can be used to benefit a wide array of conditions.

  • Aggressive Treatments Such As IPL, Fraxel, and Thermage – Though considered non-invasive, certain skin rejuvenating procedures can create permanent damage if performed by an inexperienced practitioner. Pitting of the skin or a loss of volume due to treatments like IPL, Fraxel and Thermage can be corrected through fat injections.
  • Tooth Removal Complications – Dental specialists may perform tooth removal surgeries to prepare the mouth for cosmetic work such as orthodontia, to help with overcrowding, or because of decay and infection. When the roots of teeth are removed from bone, there can be a visible change in the face. Minor collapse may result in areas of the face as bone tends to shrink without these vital anchors. While the patient may require more serious corrections to the bone structures, a patient’s own fat can be injected into areas of the face to create full, symmetrical contours.
  • Skin Cancer Surgery – Some forms of skin cancer can be very aggressive and may require a removal that encompasses skin adjacent to the lesion as well as underlying tissues. A fat graft may be performed alongside a skin grafting procedure to restore the region of the patient’s face to normalcy.
  • Weight Loss – Health is at the forefront of issues our country faces. Due to past obesity surveys, more Americans are now aware of how we compare to the rest of the world in size and shape. Many people took notice and lost weight through specially designed surgeries or their own will. Though these people may now live a healthier lifestyle, their looks may have been negatively impacted through weight gain and loss. Skin laxity can occur when the facial and skin tissues have been stretched beyond a repairable extent. Additionally, these patients may be more accustomed to a fuller, more youthful face and dislike the loss of fullness. Fat injections may be performed alongside other procedures such as a facelift or neck lift (to remove excess skin) and liposuction (to remove or relocate displaced fatty deposits).
  • Trauma – Following a facial trauma, patients may face the loss of skin, muscle, bone, and fat. Through the restoration process, each of these components can be corrected. Fat injections may be the final step to ensure the patient heals properly, and receives the desired amount of fullness to the face. Additionally, if fat is reabsorbed, synthetic dermal fillers such as Juvederm can be injected to the affected areas.

Dr. Batniji is a leader in the field of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. His qualifications and experience with the most up-to-date techniques and equipment allow him to provide the best patient experiences possible. Contact Rami K. Batniji, M.D., F.A.C.S. at his Newport Beach, CA office today at 949-650-8882 or submit your contact information and pictures through the online Patient Contact Form.