Facial Fat Grafting in Scottsdale

About facial fat grafting

Beauty and youth are partially defined by the smooth contours and volume of the face. As we age, our faces lose volume in the forms of fat and muscle just underneath the skin. Facial fat grafting in Scottsdale provides natural improvements and lasting benefits to restore the youthful volume around the face.

By harvesting extra fat from other areas such as the lower abdomen or thighs, Dr. Starkman can carefully place the fat into the volume-deficient sections of your face for beautiful, long-lasting results. Fat transfer allows for greater volume replacement compared to synthetic fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm.

Ideal candidates for facial fat grafting

Facial fat grafting is a good option if you want to add natural-looking volume to specific areas of your face. A facial fat transfer can fill in wrinkles like laugh lines, smile lines, and crow's feet. Transferred fat can also minimize the appearance of pitted areas and scars. You can also add volume to your lips and cheeks for a more youthful appearance.

Similar to the results of an injectable wrinkle filler like Juvéderm or Restylane, a fat transfer is a good treatment if you want your results to last much longer. To be a candidate for fat grafting, you should have enough excess fat to provide the fat necessary for facial rejuvenation.

Why choose Dr. Starkman for facial fat grafting?

For delicate procedures like facial fat grafting for Scottsdale patients, it is imperative that you choose a surgeon with a detailed knowledge of facial anatomy and fat grafting technique. As a specialist in Facial Plastic Surgery and a background in human anatomy, Dr. Starkman is one of the most highly qualified facial plastic surgeons in Arizona and in the country.

As a regular featured speaker at the Annual Meetings for the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), Dr. Starkman is an educator in modern fat grafting techniques. He has refined the technique of facial fat grafting into a delicate artform to restore symmetry and youthful volume to patients with facial atrophy. Schedule a consultation to receive some of the best facial fat grafting Scottsdale has to offer.

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Surgical technique during facial fat grafting

Facial fat transfer is a three-part process that includes harvesting the fat, followed by preparation of the fat, and then precise fat placement. Because such a small amount of fat is required, Dr. Starkman typically uses General IV-Sedation Anesthesia.

To begin, Dr. Starkman will manually harvest a small amount of fat, which will typically come from your abdomen or thighs. As soon as the fat is harvested, it is centrifuged and purified via a process perfected by Dr. Starkman to isolate the pure fat cells and growth factors.

The fat cells are then refined via progressively smaller transfer hubs to generate micro-fat which is ready for placement. Finally a small amount of this micro-fat is further refined via a 500-micron filter into “nano-fat,” which is a collection of pure growth factors to aid the survival of the fat transfer and the surrounding facial tissues.

Specialized blunt-tip cannulas are used for placement of the prepared fat grafts into precise locations. This process can be time consuming, but methodical repeated placement of small volumes is crucial for a natural, and not lumpy, result.

The result of facial fat transfer is dependent upon the skill and technique of your surgeon. Dr. Starkman uses years of aesthetic experience to identify the areas of volume loss and plan for each and every patient. The philosophy of this procedure is youthful volume rejuvenation, and never over-filling or under-filling.

What to expect following facial fat grafting

After your facial fat transfer, your incisions will be stitched and cleaned before you are sent to the recovery area. Dr. Starkman or a member of his team will apply dressings and possibly compression garments and will monitor you until you can be sent home with a family member or friend. Before your surgery, Dr. Starkman will tell you what to expect after the procedure and how you can heal faster.

Follow-up appointments need to be scheduled at Starkman Facial Plastic Surgery so Dr. Starkman can evaluate your recovery and progress. Your recovery will vary based on how much fat was removed and transferred, but you should plan to take a couple of weeks to rest and heal.

Right away, you may feel sore with bruising and swelling in the liposuction site(s) and the transfer site(s). You may notice some improvements right away in your face, but it will take several weeks before you can see your final results. A small amount of fat may be reabsorbed by your body, but with appropriate care, your results should last for many years.

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FAQ

How much does facial fat grafting cost?

Your cost for facial fat grafting will include liposuction and will vary based upon how much volume is being added. After a thorough assessment, Dr. Starkman will determine how much fat is needed to create the desired volume and will prepare a custom plan. Then, he can begin to estimate your costs. To help make your treatment easier to afford, Starkman Facial Plastic Surgery accepts many payment methods, including low-interest financing.

Should I get a dermal filler or fat transfer?

Both a fat transfer and a dermal filler (like Juvéderm and Restylane) can improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles, as well as add facial volume. While plans vary for each patient, Dr. Starkman typically recommends dermal fillers when smaller amounts are needed and facial fat transfer when large volumes are needed for full face rejuvenation. While dermal fillers can give you wonderful results, fat grafting to the face usually looks more natural and lasts longer. To help you decide how much fat you want added and where, Dr. Starkman may suggest starting with dermal fillers. Once you have figured out what you want, Dr. Starkman can perform fat grafting to your face for results that last years instead of months.

Can facial fat grafting be combined with another procedure?

Facial fat grafting can be combined with a nonsurgical treatment, such as BOTOX (a wrinkle relaxer) or a skin treatment (for example, a facial). Facial fat grafting has also become a popular treatment to complement facial surgery. A fat transfer can add volume to improve the proportions of your face, which enhances the surgical results of a facelift, neck lift, or chin augmentation. Talk to Dr. Starkman during your consultation about your wishes so he can create a plan with surgical and non-surgical treatments that reach your cosmetic goals.

How long does facial fat grafting take?

The length of time needed for your facial fat grafting will vary, depending on how much fat is being removed, as well as the volume needed to attain the desired result. As soon as your plan is created during your consultation, Dr. Starkman can go over what you should expect, like the time it will take for liposuction, fat preparation, and grafting. Dr. Starkman takes his time to carefully place the thin layers of fat with innovative techniques so your results look beautiful.

Which areas of the face can be improved with fat grafting?

A fat transfer can be used in a number of locations to add volume or reduce wrinkles. Fat grafting is excellent for enhancing the cheeks so they appear fuller and more lifted without surgery. In addition, transferred fat can be used to add volume to hollowed temples or under-eyes. You may also use a fat transfer to add volume around the lips or mouth. Facial fat grafting can also treat scars and wrinkles (like brow furrows or marionette lines). Dr. Starkman will create your unique treatment plan to address all your concerns and aesthetic goals.

Dr Sidney Starkman is an innovative, brilliant facial plastic surgeon! His attention to every detail with compassion is very reassuring and encouraging while constantly being so very sincerely patient!

What an excellent experience I had at Starkman Facial Plastic and Laser Surgery! Dr. Starkman is knowledgeable, friendly, and professional. He was willing to answer all my questions and I never felt rushed. Most importantly, I was thrilled with the results of the procedure I had done!

I had some questions throughout the process of my consultation and appointment. Dr. Starkman and his staff were very knowledgeable and accommodating. They took their time answering my questions and addressed any concerns I had.

EXCELLENT experience with Dr. Sid Starkman...new to Scottsdale! You can trust him because he comes to us with knowledge, experience, a caring demeanor and professional! I was more than satisfied with my procedure there and I know you will be, too..whatever you choose to do!

Positive experience from the referral. The Dr was able to fit me in the same day I was referred. The office is clean and modern. I really enjoyed not filling out ANY paperwork. Everything was electronic. Dr Starkman has a kind, straightforward demeanor.

Facial fat grafting at a glance

Average Cost: $3,500 - $4,200
Recovery Time: 2 Weeks
Average Procedure Time: 1 Hour
Post-op Follow-up: 1 Week
Procedure Recovery Type: Out-Patient

Youthful facial contouring

Facial fat grafting is a wonderful way to increase volume, smooth out lines, and accentuate your beautiful profile. If you wish for a younger, brighter appearance with little downtime, we urge you to learn more about facial fat grafting at Starkman Facial Plastic Surgery and how it can help you achieve your desired appearance. It is a great option for those wanting a natural-looking alteration and lasting results. Call our Scottsdale, AZ office at your earliest convenience to schedule your consultation with Dr. Starkman for this innovative procedure.