Fat Grafting / Microfat Injection

A wide range of patients are seeking certain plastic surgeons with expertise in the fat grafting area. These patients are concerned about loss of fat in the face. It may be very subtle or profound, present in men or women, and can be found in younger or older people, but it’s always of great concern. I share this grave concern with my patients, as loss of facial volume is readily noticeable and quickly robs one of the “roundness of youth.” It is very sensible that patients seek my help for this condition, regardless of the degree, and I can help you with this issue.

Features are typically sunken cheeks, very prominent cheekbones not concealed by the usual fat layer, small lips, hollowness, and sunken temples. It may be something acquired at adolescence as the “baby fat” look disappears. It may be due to weight loss or a history of previous liposuction. It is not uncommonly seen in patients on antiviral drugs for HIV. The anatomy is basically that of loss of the subcutaneous fat layer directly below the skin and above the muscles. It is also related to the degree of looseness of the skin and your underlying bony foundations, so there are many different anatomic features that must be analyzed and addressed prior to your surgery. I will coordinate the features of your anatomy with your expectations, formulate a plan with you, and guide you through this process. There are very specific techniques for collecting fat and grafting it into the correct areas, and I will explain and illustrate all of this to you. Surgery involves a light general anesthetic and is performed where I do surgery, which is in a hospital setting. The surgery is safe and predictable. It is planned and designed to be permanent, and it is. There is a mild to moderate degree of swelling after surgery. All of the stitches are small, and will be removed in four to seven days with return to work in as little as five to seven days and to some physical exercise in the second week.

There is a whole art to fat grafting in terms of which fat to harvest, how it is prepared, how it is injected and grafted, and how to make it permanent. I have expertise in fat grafting to the face, and I have performed many of these operations with very natural results that do not make you look like a different person, but rather, youthful and bright and refreshed. I spend a great deal of time discussing your anatomy, listening to your expectations, and interpreting for you what your anatomy and tissues will safely and predictably allow me to do. In addition I consider your body as a whole and I build a system into every facial surgery that, initially, allows you to recover much more quickly and, secondly, preserves your surgical results. This system includes a special diet, special attention to blood clotting, vitamins, supplements, skin products, physical training, and knowing what to avoid. Together all of this allows me to create results that are consistently very beautiful, quick to heal, and exceptionally natural. I use minimal incisions, especially in the face, an area of such major importance. I am delighted to surgically provide you with such profound yet natural facial-image changes, ones that have so consistently pleased my patients and changed their lives.

Please also read Dr. Romano’s article on fat grafting FAQs and other related articles in the Educational Articles section of the website.