Blog

Once fat is placed it becomes living tissue and does not move and so it is important to have a surgeon with a large experience with fat transfer.

The American Society of Plastic Surgery, recently changed their official position paper on fat transfer to the breast and now supports it as a safe procedure.  This is based on many studies which demonstrate that there is NO increased risk of cancer or cancer detection following fat transfer to the breast. 

We find it ironic that breast implants which have very significant complications including the current wide scale removal of silicone implants in Europe due to potential for causing cancer have been promoted as being safer than a womans own fat for so many years.

A stem cell facelift is a marketing term that usually refers to an autologous fat transfer. It is most effective in restoring volume primarily to the cheek and under eye area. With very early jowls, we can often treat them with injectable fillers for a temporary improvement, but ultimately they will require a facelift.

Stem cell facelift has no clear definition, but is definitely does NOT involve embryonic stem cells. Some doctors refer to fat transfers or fat transfers combined with platelet rich plasma (PRP) as a stem cell facelift. We do not use the term and while we have the technology to enrich a fat transfer with a patient’s own adipose derived regenerative cells (ASRC) using the CytoriStemSource, this is an experimental procedure.

We prefer to take the fat from diet resistant areas. Once transferred to the face, the fat tends to act more like the donor site (diet resistant) and so will often survive in the face even after weight loss. The exact fat donor site is part of the consultation process.

Fat grafting is often the ideal procedure for early midface aging. Many woman feel that they are looking a bit older but have trouble identifying the cause and end up blaming the nasolabial folds. The early changes are almost impossible to see in a mirror, but when we show patients their ¾ and profile views during consultation the need for adding volume to the midface cheek region becomes very apparent.

We generally start doing facelifts in the mid 40’s but it is really more about progression of the aging process. Many factors such as weight loss or hormonal deficits can lead to premature aging. I tell patients they are ready when I believe that they will be able to see a noticeable change on before and after photos.

Overly pulled look results from pulling on the skin rather than repositioning it. A minifacelift requires excess tension on the skin while a deep plane facelift will free the tissues and reposition them with minimal tension avoiding the pulled look.

You could bring in pictures or just discuss your desire with the surgeon and possibly with imaging, you can get a reasonable idea of what changes would be made to your nose.

Natural implants would generally be considered those taken from the patient’s own material. We frequently use grafts in rhinoplasty taken from the patient’s septum or ear. Rib cartilage can also be used and this can be taken either from the patient or from a donor.