Much time and effort is spent on trying to eliminate fat from our bodies, and the means at our disposal are seemingly endless. Our focus is on reducing excess weight, either by diet and exercise, or if that fails, by any number of surgical and non-surgical interventions. Liposuction surgically removes our excess fat, cooling devices freeze our fat, ultrasound or radiofrequency heats up and melts unwanted fat. The message seems to be a resounding “get rid of all your fat!” And while fat reduction is warranted in many cases, the benefits of fat as a normal tissue have been overshadowed by its ills. Recently however, the powerful anti-aging benefits of stem cells – which are found in large supply within fat – have come to light. The most recent study from the Perelman School of Medicine published in Stem Cells once again touts the wonderful anti-aging benefits of stem cells derived from fat.
Why do plastic surgeons appreciate fat? Because it helps add contour to the face, where aging causes volume loss and decreased skin elasticity. Fat injections can be used both to plump up cheeks and, through the added benefit of the stem cells they contain, improve the overlying skin by helping to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Unlike fillers, which do not benefit skin quality and last for a few months, the fat injections create long lasting improvement in the skin and results persist for years. Fat injections can also stave off the need for more extensive aesthetic surgery procedures and lifts.
Fat injections, also referred to as autologous fat grafts and fat transfer, are used primarily in the following areas:
- lower eyelids: to fix the tear trough deformity and camouflage prominent orbital rims, thereby reducing the appearance of dark undereye circles
- cheekbones: to increase fullness, restore youthful contour, and produce a midface lift
- lips: to increase volume of the upper and lower lips, fill in deep wrinkles around the mouth, and create better balance to the whole mouth
- laugh lines and facial wrinkles: to fill in skin depressions such as nasolabial folds and produce a smoother, younger looking appearance
- hand rejuvenation: to restore a more youthful appearance to hands by improving hand contour and rejuvenating skin
Non-surgical facial rejuvenation with fat injections is a well tolerated, relatively painless procedure, that harvests your own fat and uses it to improve your overall appearance. It may be combined with plastic surgery procedures including eyelid lift, facelift, and neck lift surgery. It may also be used to provide better contour after cosmetic or reconstructive breast surgery and to increase breast volume as an alternative to breast augmentation with implants.
Dr. Hutchinson is a board certified female plastic surgeon in New York City with advanced specialized fellowship training in aesthetic plastic surgery of the face, breast, and body. Her practice on Manhattan’s Upper East Side is equipped with a fully AAAASF certified Operating Room for the safety, convenience, and privacy of her patients. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hutchinson, please contact us or call us at (212) 452-1400.
