One of the hallmarks of the aging process is the deflation and loss of volume in the midfacial tissues. This loss of volume is primarily due to atrophy of facial fat as shown in many studies looking at this topic. The face has many different compartments of fat and connective tissue that keep them elevated and help contribute to a youthful, volumized appearance. For some patients who have experienced significant facial fat atrophy, our Salt Lake City facial fat grafting and transfer surgery may be an option.
Fat Transfer Surgery for Eye Rejuvenation
Fat transfer surgery, also known as fat grafting or fat injections, is a procedure used to restore volume to areas of the face, including the under-eye area and eyelids. This technique involves harvesting fat from one part of the body, typically the abdomen or thighs, and injecting it into areas of the face that have lost volume due to aging or other factors. Dr. Kian Eftekhari specializes in fat transfer surgery for eye rejuvenation at Eyelid Center of Utah, offering patients a natural and long-lasting solution for addressing hollows, dark circles, and other signs of aging around the eyes.
The Procedure
During a fat transfer procedure, Dr. Eftekhari begins by harvesting fat from the donor site using a gentle manual liposuction technique. The fat is then processed to prepare it for injection. There are different types of fat sizes Dr. Eftekhari customizes for each part of the face:
- Structural fat: small globules of fat injected to give facial structure, such as areas like the cheeks, outer brow, and temples.
- Microfat: Once the structural fat is separated, microfat is prepared by filtering fat down to 2.4 or 1.4mm in diameter and emulsified into more of a thick liquid. Microfat is injected into areas like the tear troughs and fine lines.
- Nanofat: Microfat is then filtered out into Nanofat, which has stem cells from the fat but no adipose cells. Nanofat is excellent for skin rejuvenation and skin quality, achieving that natural appearing glow. This can be done at the time of eyelid surgery or as a standalone procedure as part of “prejuvenation.”
Once prepared, Dr. Eftekhari carefully injects the fat into the targeted areas around the eyes using small cannulas. This technique allows for precise placement of the fat grafts to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome.
Benefits of Fat Transfer for Eye Rejuvenation
Fat transfer surgery offers several benefits for eye rejuvenation, including:
- Natural Results: Because the transferred fat is harvested from your own body, it integrates seamlessly with the surrounding tissues, providing natural-looking results.
- Long-Lasting Effects: Unlike temporary fillers, fat transfer provides long-lasting volume enhancement to the under-eye area.
- Customized Treatment: Dr. Eftekhari can tailor the fat transfer procedure to address your specific concerns and achieve optimal results for your unique facial anatomy.
Recovery and Results
After fat transfer surgery, patients may experience some swelling and bruising in the treated areas, which typically subsides within a week or two. It may take several weeks for the transferred fat to settle into its final position and for patients to fully appreciate the results of the procedure. As the swelling resolves, patients will notice a smoother, more youthful appearance around the eyes, with improved volume and contour.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fat Transfer Surgery
The results of fat transfer surgery for eye rejuvenation can vary from patient to patient. However, many patients experience long-lasting results that can persist for several years. Some degree of fat absorption may occur over time, but the majority of the transferred fat typically remains in place.
When performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon like Dr. Kian Eftekhari, fat transfer surgery is generally considered safe for use around the eyes. Dr. Eftekhari takes great care to ensure the procedure is performed with precision and attention to detail to minimize the risk of complications.
Yes, fat transfer surgery can be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or brow lift surgery, to achieve comprehensive facial enhancement. Dr. Eftekhari will discuss your options during your consultation and recommend a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Contact Us for Your Personalized Consultation
For personalized consultation and fat transfer surgery with Dr. Kian Eftekhari at Eyelid Center of Utah, schedule an appointment today. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals and restoring youthfulness to your appearance. Contact us to learn more about our services and schedule your consultation.