Fat grafting is an effective solution for those dealing with asymmetries caused by facial paralysis. This procedure involves transferring a patient’s fat from one area to another, enhancing facial symmetry and restoring lost volume.
Restore Facial
Volume & Symmetry
Fat grafting, also known as autologous fat transfer, is a surgical procedure to restore facial volume and improve symmetry in individuals with facial paralysis. This technique harnesses the patient’s adipose tissue from areas like the abdomen or thighs to augment facial features. The process involves three key steps: extraction, processing, and injection.
In the first step, fat is gently harvested using a minimally invasive liposuction technique, ensuring minimal donor site scarring. Once collected, the fat is processed to remove impurities and excess fluids. Finally, the purified fat is injected into targeted areas of the face, such as the cheeks or around the eyes, to restore volume and improve facial balance. Fat grafting provides a natural-looking solution for facial paralysis with the added benefit of long-lasting results as the transferred fat integrates with the existing tissue.
Fat Grafting Corrects:
- Facial volume loss
- Asymmetry caused by paralysis
- Sunken cheeks and hollows
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Lip and mouth deformities
Recovery After Fat Grafting
In the initial days post-surgery, you can anticipate some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort at both the donor and injection sites. These side effects are manageable with prescribed pain medication and should gradually subside within a week or two. It’s essential to rest and follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery.
Avoid strenuous activities and keep your head in an elevated position when resting to minimize swelling. Over the next weeks, you’ll notice a gradual improvement in your facial appearance as the transferred fat settles and integrates with your existing tissue. Full results may take a few months to become apparent.
Benefits of Fat Grafting:
- Natural-looking results
- Long-lasting outcomes
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Improved facial symmetry
- Enhanced facial volume
- Use of the patient’s own tissue
- Minimal risk of allergic reactions or rejection
Fat Grafting FAQs
Who is a suitable candidate for fat grafting?
The ideal candidates for fat grafting are individuals with facial paralysis who desire natural-looking facial rejuvenation and symmetry. They should have sufficient fat reserves for harvesting and be in good overall health. Please consult with Dr. DeVictor to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
Is fat grafting a permanent solution?
While fat grafting can provide long-lasting results, it’s important to understand that not all transferred fat may survive. Some of the injected fat may be reabsorbed by the body, so surgeons often slightly overcorrect the treated areas during the initial procedure. However, the fat that does survive can remain in place for many years, making the results semi-permanent. Additional sessions may be required to achieve and maintain the desired outcome.
Are the results of fat grafting permanent, or will I need touch-up treatments?
While fat grafting can provide long-lasting results, it’s important to understand that not all transferred fat may survive. Some of the injected fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time. To achieve and maintain the desired outcome, you may need touch-up treatments.
How long does it take to see the final results of fat grafting?
The final results of fat grafting may take several months to become fully apparent. Initially, there will be some swelling and bruising, which gradually subsides. As the transferred fat integrates with your existing tissue, you’ll notice improvements in facial volume and symmetry.
Schedule Your Consultation
With Dr. DeVictor
Dr. DeVictor is a highly skilled surgeon with board certification in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. If you’re considering fat grafting for facial paralysis or any facial rejuvenation procedure, schedule your consultation with Dr. DeVictor today. With extensive experience and a commitment to personalized care, Dr. DeVictor can provide expert guidance, address your questions, and help you explore the right options for your specific needs.