As important as elevating muscle and tightening skin are to reversing the signs of aging, restoring lost volume is equally as important in most cases. Volume loss occurs naturally with the aging process and begins at approximately the age of 35 for most of us. While dermal fillers and facial injectables are helpful, they aren’t yet as long-lasting as our own fat. Extracted through a pinpoint incision, typically in the abdomen, fat is harvested while a patient is under sedation. The fat is then placed inside of a centrifuge where the liquid components are removed so that pure fat remains.
There is literature to support that the fat cells have a stem cell effect and convert into collagen and elastin fiber. With time, this provides a more youthful appearance to the overlying skin and, ultimately, the face itself.Because the fat is our own, the body recognizes it, and therefore the result can be considered semi-permanent.The fat is then placed into special injection syringes so that the fat can be injected into the face in a droplet-type technique using a cannula.
Indications: Facial Volume Loss
Anesthesia: Twilight
Surgery Type: Outpatient
Surgery time: 1 hour (often less)
Downtime: 1.5-2 weeks
Removal of Stitches: N/A – absorbable stitch dissolves in 1 week
Technique: Harvest of fat from the lower abdomen via a <1cm incision in the belly button, purification of fat and injection into areas requiring facial volumization
Complementary Procedures: Lower Face and Neck Lift, CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Cost: The cost depends on your particular anatomy, how much fat is required and where it is being placed, whether the surgery is a revision or primary, and whether there are special considerations for your case. To get a quote, you can contact us to set up a free consultation with Dr. Bovenzi Phone: 303-741-2211 Email: info@smithcosmeticsurgery.com
Liposculpture can be very beneficial to those who have isolated pockets of fat in certain areas of their bodies that appear disproportionate, despite their relatively normal weight. Localized fat deposits may sometimes be inherited traits and do not respond to diets or exercise. A liposuction procedure may be the only option to eliminate them. Liposculpture removes unwanted fat deposits, but the skin needs time to redrape to completely transform. Some patients may need skin removal/tightening procedures since inelastic skin does not retract and younger, elastic skin
Liposculpture is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. If this is the case, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you at least the very first night after surgery. You should avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory medications before surgery because they may cause increased bleeding. You will receive additional instructions before surgery. Once the procedure has been complete, we will fit you with a compression garment that will help reduce swelling following surgery and facilitate skin retraction. After liposculpture, we will arrange for a series of lymphatic massages to reduce swelling and ensure the smoothest possible contour postoperatively.
