Fat Transfer: Reshaping Loose Skin

Many people are misled by the misconception that loose skin is just a part of growing old. They think that whatever wrinkles and furrows that happen do so because of loose skin and that there is nothing you can do about it. Contrary to that reasoning it has recently been divulged that looseness in skin is actually caused by loss of fat in the skin.

While no one wants more of that pesky fat (the goal is to get rid of it!) there is now a way you can dramatically improve the appearance of the lines, wrinkles, and folds which happen upon unsuspecting individuals. Through a process called "micro-lipoinjection, fat injection, facial fat rejuvenation, or just plain old fat transfer, we are now able to do a great deal with the fat that we don't want elsewhere to help make the face that we love that much more firm.

Many may not be comfortable taking the fat from your thighs, stomach, or posterior and implanting this fat where it's needed. (I know, the senseless joking may seem too large a burden to bear! But think of your beautiful face!) One of the most striking reasons for this is something that many people may not initially consider; there is markedly decreased chance of infection or rejection by your body which can happen with other fillers.

"Safety is a big reason we like to use the Fat Transfer," says Dr. Raffi Dishakjian M.D.; Medical Director at Nu Vela Esthetica. The most commonly treated areas of the body include laugh lines, acne, trauma scars, brow lines, upper lip, between the nose, lips, chin, and eyes.

This is an ongoing struggle that many people need to do; but for those who really need it, the time spent in the chair is more than worth it. Dr. Dishakjian estimates that the initial injection will take "for up to six months; after that you could need between 3-4 annual treatments" to keep your face looking taught and tight.

Using a local anesthesia and with a small, sterile syringe, the fat transfer treatments are done on sight with no down time. Fat is extracted using the syringe. There is also a small amount of suction which helps minimize the damage to the fat cell membrane. Following being removed the fat is cleansed and fluid is removed; finally small re-injections are done to "plump up" any areas which may need the support.