What Are The Benefits Of Fat Injections?
Fat injections can improve upon appearances caused by aging. Those conditions include:
- Filling in deep facial wrinkles and creases
- Plumping up creased and sunken areas
- Adding fullness to the lips and cheeks
- Creating a better balance to one’s facial appearance
By enhancing one’s appearance, it can also possibly give a boost to one’s self-confidence.
top
How are Fat Injections Performed?
Fat injections are typically a quick procedure, usually taking around 30 minutes to an hour, possibly longer, depending upon the patient. Pain is minimal because anesthesia is administered to the area where fat will be removed and the areas where fat will be reintroduced. The fat is withdrawn from certain donor areas, either using a needle, or through techniques similar to those used during liposuction. The fat is then treated through a centrifuge and injected back into the needed areas. These areas are overfilled with fat to allow for absorption following treatment. This may make the face appear puffy or swollen, temporarily, of course.
People who undergo fat injections can return to their normal daily routines soon after treatment. Bruising, swelling or redness in both the donor and injected areas are expected. However this swelling and puffiness may only last a few weeks. In order to help smooth the recovery process, your doctor’s post-op instructions must be followed.
The recovery period is different for those who undergo liposuction for fat removal. So please review our section on Liposuction for more information on the recovery process.
top
Are There Any Risks to Fat Injections?
Because fat injections use fat harvested from your own body, any form of allergic reaction is prevented. However, there is always a small possibility of infection and other complications. This depends upon the individual’s anatomy and their physical reactions to the injections.
top
How Long Will These Results Last?
Patients must understand that the results of fat injections are not permanent. The body will eventually reabsorb the fat, so follow-up appointments are necessary. Cosmetic surgery procedures, such as a facelift, will provide a longer lasting result than non-surgical procedures like fat injections. Fat injections are a solution to those who want a quick, easy procedure, with a minimal amount of downtime.
Results of fat injections usually vary from patient to patient. Most patients experience half of the fullness disappearing within three to six months after treatment. In order to maintain results, further treatments are necessary. Those who do not continue with their treatment will notice their appearance reverting to a pre-treatment state.
top
How Much Do Fat Injections Typically Cost?
In 2003, the national average surgeon / physician fee for fat injections was $1,023, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Surgeon fees within various regions may vary depending on whether the practice is in an urban, suburban or rural area. This fee only covers the surgeon / physician costs, and does not include other factors like anesthesia and other miscellaneous costs. A comprehensive cost figure may be obtained while consulting with the surgeon. Make sure the total figure includes any and all associated costs. Plus, these figures are based on a single treatment. To maintain the results, multiple treatments are expected.
top
Don R. Revis, MD
Robert Colgrove, MD
Ben H. Johnson III, M.D.
Jan V. Karlin, MD
