FAT TRANSFER AND FACIAL REJUVENATION
Fat Transfer and Facial Rejuvenation
Facial Rejuvenation with Fat Grafting, also known as Fat Lift, is a procedure in which the volume of the face is restored to its once-youthful appearance. As one of the first plastic surgeons in the world and possibly the first in New York, Dr. Leonard Grossman has replaced the standard face lifting procedure with fat grafting or fat transfer and fat lift since 1993. Thousands of satisfied patients’ vitality and lives have been enhanced by restoring their faces to their original proportions and appearance from decades ago.
Dr. Grossman believes that faces appear older because of deflation or loss of fat and muscle bulk in the face as the person ages. A primary reason for sudden aging of the face is related to a large amount of weight loss, either through bariatric surgery, dietary or physical activity changes, as well as severe and chronic illness or significant stress.
In Dr. Grossman’s opinion, aging of the face has nothing to do with stretched muscles or skin ligaments (the old theory). On the contrary, facial muscles contract and stiffen as they age, just like the rest of the body’s muscles. As far as Dr. Grossman is concerned, gravity does not play a significant role in the aging process. If you were to look at your photos from 20 years ago and today, you would see a loss of volume or “deflation of the face.” So why would anyone undergo a procedure in which the facial muscles are re-positioned and tightened, skin pulled back, producing the wind-tunneled look, the result of a typical facelift procedure?
Excess skin is present only in patients who have lost 40 lbs. or more late in life making it necessary to remove the excess skin, otherwise known as a facelift. This facelift can be performed in New York City using structural fat transfer (explained below), producing the most natural, long-lasting, and “relaxed” facial rejuvenation result. Patients who have maintained the same weight throughout their lives DO NOT need to undergo a facelift. A facelift is not necessary, as it is not going to produce the result resembling the same person when they were younger; instead, this person is simply going to look pulled and still lack the youthfulness of the face.
Fat Transfer has been performed in NYC by Dr. Grossman since 1993 to rejuvenate the faces of both men and women. Before the procedure, Dr. Grossman reviews the patient’s photographs, usually between the ages of 16 and 25, and will discuss with you what changed since then. Together, you will agree on the plan as to where you need more volume added to look younger yet natural at the same time. This does not mean that you will look 18 years old after the procedure but you will look considerably more youthful. The best part about this procedure is that you will resemble the same “you” but at a much younger age and without any scars.
You will be marked on the day of the fat transfer procedure in New York City, and areas where fat will be harvested will also be marked. While sleeping under twilight sedation, a blunt needle (cannula) and a syringe will be used to remove fat from stubborn areas. The fat will then be processed to ensure fat-derived stem cells and fat are viable. The processed fat is then transferred into another kind of syringe, with which Dr. Grossman will inject the viable fat cells and stem cells into the face or neck with a tiny cannula (needle-like structure but without a sharp point).
In general, Lipofilling takes about 2 hours to complete. The recovery is extremely easy since there is no postoperative pain. Just five days after the procedure, regular physical activities may be resumed. There may be minimal bruising, even though it is uncommon in Dr. Grossman’s hands. There is always some swelling present after the procedure, which can last anywhere from as little as two weeks up to six weeks, depending on the individual’s healing capacity. Fat transfer results are long-lasting if not permanent; the fat should behave the same way as it did in the area where it was removed. Most patients look better after ten and even 30 years following the Fat Transfer (Fat Lift) procedure than immediately before surgery.
How much bruising am I to expect after Facial Rejuvenation with Fat?
You may have minimal or no bruising when Dr. Grossman does the procedure. It is not absolute, though.
Will I need drain tubes after my Facial Rejuvenation with Fat?
We never use drain tubes in our clinic since they are never needed and may lead to infections.
Will I need regular or lymphatic massages after my Facial Rejuvenation with Fat?
You will not need massages after your Facial Rejuvenation with Fat with Dr. Grossman. Massages are ineffective and painful after any surgery. Lymphatic channels will reestablish their normal function in approximately three months. Clinics that make you have massages only make more money on you while not making your recovery easier.
Will I need compression garments after my Facial Rejuvenation with Fat?
You will not need any compression garments, fajas, or girdles when Dr. Grossman does your surgery. You will wear your regular clothing just like before the procedure.
How much pain will there be after Facial Rejuvenation with Fat?
When the procedure is done by Dr. Grossman, patients usually have no postoperative discomfort. But if they do, Tylenol or Advil should suffice.
Can Facial Rejuvenation with Fat be done with an ultrasound-assisted or Laser liposuction device?
The simple answer is NO. Contrary to online misinformation, Ultrasound and Lasers destroy the viability of fat cells, making them unsuitable for fat grafting. Only traditional or power-assist liposuction can be used for a successful fat grafting procedure.
The patient must know that when shopping for the best deal in town, remember these facts and beware that corrective procedures are much more expensive than the first time well-performed surgery. Ensure your surgeon has hundreds of procedures behind their back before you have this procedure performed.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE: IN NEW YORK STATE, ANY UNTRAINED IN SURGERY DOCTOR CAN PERFORM SURGERY IN THEIR OFFICE. VERIFY THAT YOUR DOCTOR IS A QUALIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON WHO HAS YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, NOT SOMEONE WHO TOOK A WEEKEND SURGICAL COURSE. ASK YOUR PHYSICIAN TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS THAT THEY HAVE COMPLETED TWO TO THREE YEARS OF PLASTIC SURGERY TRAINING AT AN ACCREDITED RESIDENCY PROGRAM.
Making the right decision and getting your surgery done right the first time is your goal as a patient. To arrange your consultation with Dr. Grossman, please call 212-585-2133
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Dr. Leonard Grossman, one of world’s most respected and renowned plastic surgeons, is ready to talk with you and answer all of your questions.