By Nasrin Mani, M.D.
Most of us who have celebrated our 40th birthday or beyond know that the signs of aging are inevitable. Many of the most common concerns expressed by adults come down to one thing: fat. Yes, many of us do complain that we have too much fat in certain parts of the body. In this instance, we want to discuss the way that fatty tissue in the face declines with age. More importantly, we want to talk about the value of a person’s own fat in reducing the signs of aging that occur when facial fat pads degrade.
The effects of aging have been well-understood for years. In many cases, the loss of volume that occurs sometime after age 30 is mitigated with dermal fillers. These products are often formulated with hyaluronic acid, a biocompatible sugar that degrades over time. As valuable as dermal fillers are, they are limited in the duration of effects, which is why facial fat injections are becoming increasingly popular.
What is so special about fat for facial rejuvenation?
There are several benefits achieved with fat as a facial filler. First, fat is taken from the patient. This means there is no risk of adverse reaction to a foreign substance. Because fat is extracted for use in filling out facial creases and hollowing, it is easy to assume that one obtains the added benefit of body contouring. This isn’t necessarily true. If you have a dual interest in fat reduction and facial rejuvenation, talk with your provider about tumescent liposuction for more dramatic results. In minor cases, fat is extracted using a small cannula and syringe, a far more conservative process than surgical liposuction.
The second prominent reason why fat is an excellent option for facial rejuvenation is that fat lasts. Once fat cells integrate with tissue into which they are inserted, they stay put. Yes, fat will degrade once again with age, but this is a far slower process than the manner in which dermal fillers dissolve.
At La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic, fat injections are performed with local anesthesia to make the procedure completely comfortable. After treatment, visible results are noticeable and will improve over a few days as swelling subsides.
Do you want to look refreshed for the upcoming holiday season and well beyond? Call (858) 225-8380 to schedule a personal consultation and customized treatment planning.