Facial volume loss is common as you get older. This often creates hollows that were not there before, along with skin sagging. Certain unhealthy lifestyle factors can exacerbate the issue. Smoking, excessive drinking, high levels of stress, and poor sleep habits can contribute to the signs of aging on the face. So can a lack of regular exercise and a healthy diet. To restore a more youthful appearance, facial fat grafting is an effective cosmetic procedure. You may wonder, how is LiveFill different from traditional fat grafting? Below you will find helpful information on both so you can decide which one is right for you.
How is LiveFill Different from Traditional Fat Grafting?
Natural aging and poor lifestyle habits can wreak havoc on your facial aesthetic. This can make you look angry, tired, and much older than you are. Volume loss leads to sagging skin and highlights fine lines and wrinkles. There are treatment options that can address these issues. Both traditional fat grafting and LiveFill facial fat grafting are effective in restoring volume loss. However, they differ in a few ways.
Traditional Fat Grafting
Traditional fat grafting offers effective results. The procedure involves harvesting fat from one part of the body, generally the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. These areas often have extra fat that can be easily removed and used for the procedure. Once the fat is removed, it is then purified and injected into the target area on the face.
While there are benefits to traditional fat grafting, there are some drawbacks. Many of the fat cells are compromised during the harvesting and processing phases. This reduces the amount of viable cells by a dramatic amount. Surgeons often anticipate that some of the fat graft will be resorbed. This can result in overinjecting the area, leading to an overfilled look. While it is often temporary, it does impact the initial results.
LiveFill Fat Grafting
Unlike traditional fat grafting, LifeFill takes a more advanced approach. This offers better outcomes that last. LiveFill grafts are harvested and processed using advanced technology. This preserves the living fat tissue. It avoids the damage caused by suction, tubing, and centrifuging that occurs during traditional fat grafting. This ensures that the grafts are made mostly of living tissue rather than fat that has been damaged.
Traditional fat grafting involved injecting isolated fat globules. However, LifeFill uses thin strips of fat and connective tissue. The fat is curated so it can be easily placed into precise pockets under the skin. The structural component of these methods improves integration and ensures it is long-lasting. The higher viability of the injected fat reduces the risk of looking overfilled after the procedure.
Is LiveFill Right for Me?
The signs of aging can impact your face first due to the delicate nature of the skin. There are several cosmetic treatment options to address facial aging. Determining if you should get LiveFill is a personal decision. However, several factors make someone a good candidate for the procedure. Consider the following if you are interested in improving the signs of aging on your face.
Volume Loss
If you notice facial hollowing or volume loss, LiveFill may be right for you. Candidates often have volume loss in the cheeks, lips, around the mouth, or temples. This procedure is especially beneficial for structural volume restoration. It does not just smooth out the surface of your skin. It restores the natural contours and youthfulness in the face.
Prioritize Natural-Looking Results
Alternative treatments, such as injectable fillers, are highly effective. However, LiveFill fat grafting offers long-term, natural-looking results. The procedure utilizes your own natural tissue instead of synthetic injectables. Many patients prefer to use their own tissue. It seamlessly blends into the face and surrounding structures. It also eliminates concerns about allergic reactions or product breakdown over time. LiveFill facial fat grafting offers several advantages over alternative treatment options.
Good Overall Health
Patients should be in good overall health. This is necessary to ensure your results and long-term health. If you have any medical conditions, they should be well-managed before the procedure. This ensures optimal healing and reduces your risk for complications. Your medical history and current health conditions will be discussed at the consultation. You should also be a non-smoker. If you do smoke, you must be willing to quit before and after surgery. Smoking can impact your results and the healing process.
Realistic Expectations
Patients should have realistic expectations about the procedure. LifeFill fat grafting offers long-lasting results that can improve your facial aesthetic. However, the procedure cannot stop the aging process entirely. Taking care of your skin and health is necessary. You may also need periodic maintenance treatments to ensure your results last.
Schedule Your Consultation
The first step in moving forward with LiveFill fat grafting is scheduling a consultation with a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon. The surgeon will perform a detailed facial analysis. This includes any volume loss, facial asymmetries, skin quality, and donor site availability. It is important to ask any questions you may have about the procedure. The surgeon will share information about the procedure, including a discussion about your own goals and expectations. They use this information to create a customized treatment plan based on your unique needs.
You will be provided with pre-operative instructions. Read these as soon as possible. Follow the instructions exactly to ensure you are prepared for the day of surgery. You will receive information about donor site preparation. The surgeon will also provide you with information about the recovery process, timeline, and aftercare. Some patients may combine LiveFill fat grafting with other plastic surgery procedures. Combining procedures can enhance your results. Your surgeon will provide you with information on how to prepare for each surgery at the consultation. You should have a clear understanding of what to expect by the end of your consultation.
LiveFill Facial Fat Grafting
If you want to restore a more youthful look, contact Dr. Brent’s team today to schedule your consultation!
