How Long Will a Fat Transfer Last?

July 29, 2021


Fat Transfer Las Vegas

There are a few reasons the face loses volume over time, such as significant weight loss, genetics, a naturally low body fat percentage, or aging. When this happens, hollows may be created in the temples (cougars sign), cheeks, around the mouth, and beneath the eyes. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Frank L. Stile has treated many patients who wish to restore volume to their facial features using the fat-transfer/ fat-grafting procedure.

BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS

Before Photo
After Photo

*Individual Results May Vary

HOW DOES FAT TRANSFER WORK?

Fat transfer, also called fat grafting, is a surgical procedure that restores your facial contours to achieve a more youthful, glowing appearance. The process begins with harvesting fat cells from a donor site on the body—typically the abdomen or thighs—once the patient is comfortable and anesthetized. 

Dr. Stile is meticulous about the extraction to preserve the fat cells’ integrity. Once the tissue is transferred to the facial treatment area, live fat cells have a better chance of reintegrating into your blood supply and therefore live in its new site. 

After the fat is harvested, it’s processed under sterile conditions to purify the fat donation for maximum cellular uptake. Only then does Dr. Stile inject the cells into strategic locations around your face to maximize volume restoration and a youthful appearance. 

At Stile Aesthetics, past patients who’ve had fat transfer to restore lost facial volume have experienced up to 80% of the fat cells successfully reintegrating into their facial tissues. Once this occurs, the results can last years, if not a lifetime.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR FAT TRANSFER?

The ideal candidates for facial fat transfer are men and women who have lost facial volume they wish to restore. These patients have a good supply of donor fat cells for harvesting to ensure the quality and volume are sufficient to enhance facial contours. Non-smokers have a better chance of fat cell reintegration, so it’s recommended patients quit smoking 4-6 weeks prior to the procedure. Your comprehensive consultation at Stile Plastic Surgery will include a thorough medical history and examination of your unique facial structure to create a treatment plan that will showcase your best features.

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WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE LIKE?

The fat transfer procedure begins with administering the level of anesthesia (either sedation or general anesthetic) your treatment plan involves. Next, Dr. Stile inserts a small cannula through tiny incisions in your donor site to extract the fat cells carefully. 

Once the fat is harvested, it is purified and placed into dozens of 1cc syringes, which enable Dr. Stile to place the fat in the treatment areas with precision and artistry. Finally, the fat is injected at the proper depth into areas of lost facial volume, and Dr. Stile massages the tissues for a smooth, desirable result (see our videos of the actual procedure being performed on Dr. Stile’s YouTube channel.

Once the procedure is concluded, you’ll be cared for in the Premium Surgical Services Center recovery room by experienced and compassionate staff who will ensure you’re truly ready before you are discharged. Your recovery at home should have you feeling better in 7-10 days and returning to most of your normal activities, including work or school, in 1-2 weeks.

HOW LONG WILL FAT TRANSFER RESULTS LAST?

The advantage fat transfer has over dermal fillers is that between 70%-80% of the donor tissue reintegrates with your existing tissues in the recipient site. Once it reconnects to your blood supply, there’s no reason to expect your new volume to diminish, whereas dermal fillers need to be reapplied periodically. 

Your skin will look healthier as well because the donor tissue contains growth factors. Your face regains its youthful contours, and your skin will be radiant thanks to Dr. Stile and the Stile Plastic Surgery team.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP

Please fill out the form on this page to request an in-person consultation and one of our knowledgeable medical staff members at Stile Aesthetics will reach out to you promptly. You can also call our office directly at (702) 551-6603.

Stile Aesthetics serves Las Vegas, NV & Surrounding Areas.

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Dr. Frank L. Stile, MD, FACS
Dr. Frank L. Stile is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. His office is in Las Vegas. The office is luxuriously appointed and has won awards for original designs and decor. His practice provides the full spectrum of cosmetic surgery procedures. Dr. Stile has had the privilege of helping over 10,000 patients achieve their cosmetic surgical goals. Originally from New York City, Dr. Stile graduated high school at the age of 15 and began medical training at the City University of New York’s Accelerated 7-year combined Undergraduate and Medical School Program. He completed his clinical training at the State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn. His post-doctorate training included 12 years of residency. During that time, Dr. Stile received specialized surgical training at four academic institutions of excellence. He is the published author of articles and book chapters in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Microsurgery literature. He has presented research at National and International Plastic Surgery Conferences. Dr. Stile regularly visits with leaders in the field of cosmetic plastic surgery, facilitating the exchange of ideas and constantly refining his techniques. Dr. Stile has long held an interest in the martial sciences, specifically mixed martial arts. His personal and professional relationships with the stars of MMA have made him the most trusted and requested plastic surgeon by champions of the sport. Dr. Stile has innovated and published techniques for both treating new facial injuries and preventing recurrent injuries in “cut-prone” fighters. His work has been featured in such publications as the New York Times, Maxim Magazine, and Real Fighter Magazine, in addition to numerous television and radio shows. Dr. Stile is an avid illustrator, painter, and sculptor. His work adds to the decor of both his home and office. He is also the published author of two children’s books. His greatest accomplishment, second only to being a husband and father, was the establishment of the Frank L. Stile Foundation in 2011. The goal of this non-profit was to serve and support the needs of children in crisis. To date, this initiative has helped provide over TEN MILLION meals for food insecure children and their families in addition to providing resources for medical care.