If you are considering autologus fat transfer, I believe it is best to perform these during the facelift procedure. This way the procedures are done in a combined fashion with one recovery and only one down time. The fat transfer involves gentle liposuction of the belly or flanks. This fat is then treated and spun to separate the different layers of the liposuctioned fat. The fat is then injected into the nasolabial folds. Ultimately, about fifty percent of the fat survives. This means that if the nasolabial folds are fairly deep, some patients will need a second round of fat transfer at about six to nine months. This can be done in the office under local anesthesia. I personally do not like to use autologous fat injections for the very reason that the fate of the injected fat can be variable and not predictable. What I do instead is use a dermal fat graft. This is a long piece for fat and fascia with dermis, a portion of the skin. This is placed in the nasolabial fold in one piece. The fate of this graft is more predictable and more than seventy five percent stays.
Posted by Dr. Bustillo
Answer:
I am considering autologous fat transfer to face as part of facelift surgery, as was recommended by my doctor. What is the benefit to this as opposed to the transfer at a later time?