The process
The fat is usually harvested from the patient’s abdominal area (either near the umbilicus–belly button– or the side flanks). This is done in the safest manner using gentle suction techniques. Dr. Zoumalan carefully prepares the fat products with the assistance of his surgical team. The donor site heals well and may have some swelling which usually improves over the first week or two. The fat is then delicately injected at various areas of the face that require volume augmentation. Most common locations of injection include the temple areas, upper and lower eyelids, mid face or cheek bones, naso-labial folds (fold between the nose and lips), lips, and jaw line. It is extremely important for the surgeon to place the fat products in the exact planes below the skin in order to allow for the maximal result.
Fat grafting is often useful in cases where larger volume of fillers is needed and when the patient desires a long-lasting effect. Patients should expect swelling which usually improves over the course of 1-2 weeks. Bruising is minimized by Dr. Zoumalan’s injection techniques. The results are often seen many years out from the surgery.