Everyone ages, and as time passes on, along come the characteristics that accompany the aging process. The loss of facial volume causes many signs of aging to develop, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and facial creases. Fat transfer to the face is an ideal solution for someone looking to restore a more youthful, vibrant look. The procedure involves the harvesting of a patient’s fat that is then injected into their face to revitalize their appearance.

Autologous fat transplantation is a safe and natural process. Since the procedure uses the patient’s own fat, they have no need to worry about allergic reactions. With a short recovery and long-lasting results, patients can minimize facial aging without having an extensive surgery.

Fat Transfer Can Correct:

• Jawline
• Smile lines
• Drool lines
• Hollowness under the eyes
• Depressed cheeks
• Facial creases
• Sagging midface
• Jowls

Candidates

Patients who want to target facial aging and are looking for an alternative to other rejuvenation treatments may be excellent candidates for fat transfer surgery. It is important that patients have adequate donor fat (typically in the abdomen or thighs) to be used for transfer to the face, are in good health, and have realistic expectations. Dr. Chadwell will examine your facial anatomy and help you decide if fat transfer is the right procedure for accomplishing your goals.

Procedure

During autologous fat transfer, fat is used as a filler material to restore volume to the face. Fat can be taken from any area of the body with excess fatty tissue. The abdomen, thighs, hips, and legs are the most common areas in which people accumulate fat. The fat is removed utilizing a lipoextraction method. Fat is harvested through a small incision using a thin, hollow tube (cannula) connected to a syringe. The fat cells obtained from the donor area are then prepared for fat transfer using a centrifuge to spin the fat or a filtration process that is used to remove impurities.

Once cleansed, the healthy fat is placed into small syringes and injected into the designated areas of the face using a needle or a cannula. With each injection, the fat cells are deposited in the natural tissue planes of the face. The process is repeated until the desired correction has been achieved.

Recovery and Results

Dr. Chadwell will give you specific information regarding your recovery. In general, most patients plan to take one week off from work and activities. There may be some swelling and bruising of the face at the injection sites for the first week. By the second week, bruising will subside but minor swelling may still be present. As the fat integrates, the face will begin to look more normal. Within three weeks, patients will be able to appreciate their newly refreshed face and will be able to show off their more youthful, rejuvenated facial appearance. With a healthy diet and proper skin care regimen, patients can enjoy their results for many years!

Aging and the sun can take a toll on the facial skin and cause a person to look old, tired, and worn out. Skin resurfacing can be performed to improve the texture of the skin by removing the damaged layers. Dr. Chadwell performs a chemical-based skin resurfacing treatment with a deep chemical peel to achieve dramatic, long-lasting results. Although the downtime is similar to surgery, this treatment provides similar results yet requires no incisions. In some cases, patients can expect to remove 10 years from their facial appearance with skin resurfacing.

Skin Resurfacing Can Correct:

• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Deep creases
• Uneven pigmentation
• Mild acne scarring

Candidates

Ideal candidates for treatment are physically healthy, don’t smoke, and have realistic expectations. Chemical-based skin resurfacing requires a recovery similar to surgery, which makes it crucial that patients are ready and willing to experience an extended recovery time. However, patients will benefit with maximum results. Those with lighter skin tones are the best candidates for this treatment. Patients who have pigmented skin usually do not make good candidates for skin resurfacing treatment.

Someone who does not make a good candidate for skin resurfacing has:

• A history of abnormal skin scarring
• A history of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Facial warts
• Used harsh acne treatments in the last year

Procedure

Typically, skin resurfacing treatment is performed under a mild sedative with topical and injections to numb the face. Patients who have anxiety about treatment or fear of the pain may request a general anesthetic; however, it will be more costly.

Before the treatment, the face will be cleansed and degreased. Then, the phenol-based chemical solution is brushed onto the facial skin and left for a few minutes. It is normal for patients to experience minor burning or stinging while the solution is applied. The chemical solution is self-neutralizing, and a coat of dense cream will be smoothed onto the skin after the chemical has neutralized to prevent drying and relieve any discomfort.

Recovery

To achieve the best results possible, it is crucial that patients carefully follow the recovery instructions provided by Dr. Chadwell.

After treatment, patients will feel stinging and burning for about six to eight hours. Prescribed pain medication or TYLENOL® can be used to control pain. After 24 hours, patients should not experience any pain, but itching, tightness, and moderate swelling will persist. The dense cream is applied liberally over all of the peeled area of the skin and worn for at least one week. The patient will experience peeling and crusting for several days after the procedure that is necessary to aid in proper healing, to prevent drying and crusting, and to keep the areas moist. It is normal for the skin to be pink for four to six weeks after the peel; however, this can be easily covered with makeup. To reduce swelling, patients should sleep on their back and try to keep their head elevated. Patients will need to take antivirals and antibiotics, which will be prescribed to ensure the best results possible and to prevent infection.

Restrictions

During recovery, contacts should not be worn for seven to 10 days, and eyeglasses should be avoided for four weeks. Patients should refrain from any physical activities for one to two weeks and from more rigorous exercise for one month. For four to six weeks following the procedure, it is important for patients to avoid direct sunlight, and after this time, they can start wearing sunscreen over the treated skin. Sunscreen should then be worn daily to keep the skin protected from the sun.

Results

Skin resurfacing is designed to improve the texture of the skin by removing the damaged layers. In comparison to lighter chemical peels, the deep peel used for skin resurfacing provides dramatic results after one treatment and can allow patients to look 10 years younger.

With proper skin care and maintenance, patients can enjoy their skin resurfacing results for many years.

Having a weak or receding chin can make your profile look out of balance. It can make the nose look too big or detract from the neckline. Chin reshaping, referred to as Mentoplasty, can correct this with a very quick, simple procedure. An implant is placed in the chin, giving it adequate projection. This gives the chin a smoother outline and brings the face and neck into harmony.

• Stronger chin and more balanced profile
• Enhance the neck and jaw line