Fat transfer to the face is much different than for the buttock. First, the volume of transfer is on a smaller scale, mainly in the 10 to 30cc volumes. In addition, the fat transferred in injected using smaller caliber cannulas and micro-fat packets measuring 0.1cc each. The areas of the face that are injected include the nasojugal groove, the nasolabial fold, the jawline, the lateral cheeks, the temples, the lips, the infra-eyebrows, and even the nose. The nasojugal groove requires provides fullness in the upper central cheek when flattening of this region is observed.
The nasolabial folds form as skin redundancy is observed forming around the mouth. The fat transfer will allow your surgeon to stent this skin redundancy so that it does not hang over as prominently. Fat transfer in the lateral cheeks is often desired by women who want to have more of a cat-like appearance with a prominence of the lateral cheek region. Filling of the temples is often desired if there is a weakening of the temporalis muscle following Botox injections or weight loss, characterized by the hourglass deformity. Injection of the lips can also be desired by patients asking to have more lip fullness usually of the upper lip greater than the lower lip.
Fat transfer to the infra-eyebrow region will help lift the eyebrows up and counter brow droop. Finally, fat transfer to the nose can help camouflage a nasal dorsal hump by filling in the void in the upper nose, referred to as the radix. Small stabs less than 2mm with an 18 gauge needle can be made for the transfer of fat using small-caliber cannulas. The fat is typically harvested from any area of the body and quickly processed and transferred in a matter of minutes. Minimizing out of body time as well as micrografting of fat aliquots has served to allow for successful fat transfer outcomes.