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Why Your Face Looks Sunken or Tired Over Time

As you age, you might notice that your face can appear sunken, tired-looking, or in some cases even gaunt. This change occurs due to several key factors that are all part of the aging process; the loss of collagen and elastin, which provide elasticity and structure to your skin, leads to sagging and a less youthful appearance. Additionally, a reduction in both subcutaneous fat beneath the skin’s surface, as well as deep fat surrounding the facial muscles, contributes to the sunken look, making cheekbones and other facial features seem flattened. Facial fat transfer in Naples can help correct these conditions and leave you with a more refreshed youthful appearance.

The redistribution of facial fat, a normal part of the aging process, can also play a significant role in the sunken appearance. Fat tends to shift downwards, leading to hollowed cheeks and a loss of youthful fullness. Finally, external factors like sun exposure and lifestyle choices, such as smoking and an unbalanced diet, can accelerate these changes. Dr. Burchhardt offers facial fat transfers to restore lost facial volume and to combat signs of aging.

Woman after facial fat transfer in Naples

Facial Fat Transfer: An Overview

Facial fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is a cosmetic procedure that involves the removal of excess fat from one area of your body, typically through liposuction, and then carefully injecting it into specific areas of your face to enhance volume, reduce wrinkles, and improve overall facial contours. This technique offers a natural and long-lasting solution to combat the signs of aging, allowing you to achieve a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance without synthetic fillers, implants, or other artificial substances. Find out if facial fat transfer in Naples is the right procedure for you with a personalized consultation.

Types of Facial Fat Transfer

Microfat Transfer

Microfat transfer involves harvesting very small fat particles from one area of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or hips, typically through liposuction. These fat cells are purified and meticulously injected into specific facial areas requiring subtle volume enhancement, such as the cheeks and undereye regions. Microfat transfer is particularly effective for fine-tuning and rejuvenating delicate facial tissues, such as under-eye hollows and fine lines, resulting in a natural, long-lasting improvement in facial contours.

Nanofat Transfer

Nanofat transfer is an advanced facial rejuvenation technique that uses the regenerative power of mesenchymal stem cells and growth factors found in fat tissue. During the procedure, a small amount of fat is harvested through liposuction and then processed to extract stem cells and other regenerative components. The resulting nanofat solution is carefully injected into the superficial layers of the skin. Nanofat transfer can improve skin quality, reduce scarring, and enhance facial aesthetics by stimulating tissue regeneration and collagen production. This can be a great option for facial fat transfer in Naples.

Facial Fat Transfer Corrects:

  • Volume loss in the cheeks and temples
  • Hollowed or sunken areas on the face
  • Wrinkles and fine lines
  • Uneven facial contours
  • Scarring or depressions from injury or surgery
  • Age-related facial changes
  • Under-eye bags and dark circles
Woman smiling after eyelid surgery in Naples

Combine Fat Transfer with Blepharoplasty or Facelift for a Refreshed Look

Combining fat transfer with eyelid lifts (blepharoplasty) or facelift procedures can significantly enhance the overall facial rejuvenation results. Eyelid lifts and facelifts are surgical techniques designed to address the signs of facial aging by repositioning the tissues that have started to descend or sag. Blepharoplasty involves making strategic incisions on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both to target puffy or loose skin eyelids. Meanwhile, facelifts address wrinkles, loose skin, and jowls in the lower face and neck.

While blepharoplasty and facelift primarily focus on age-related skin laxity, facial fat transfer complements the results by addressing volume loss. Fat grafting involves extracting excess fat from your body, purifying it, and injecting it into areas that require volume restoration. This addition of youthful fullness can provide a more harmonious and natural result to soften wrinkles, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and maintain a balanced facial contour. Learn more about facial fat transfer in Naples with a personalized consultation.

Woman after facial fat transfer in Naples

Benefits of Facial Fat Transfer:

  • Natural-looking results
  • Minimally invasive procedure
  • Long-lasting results
  • Reduced risk of allergic reactions
  • Improved skin texture and quality
  • Enhanced facial contours
  • Customizable treatment
  • Minimal downtime and recovery

Facial Fat Transfer FAQs

What is the downtime after a facial fat transfer procedure?

The downtime varies from person to person but generally ranges from a few days to a week. You can resume most daily activities within a week, but strenuous workouts should be avoided for a few weeks. Post-treatment swelling and bruising should subside within a week or two.

Is facial fat transfer a permanent solution?

While some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body, the remaining fat cells are long-lasting or permanent. The results can last several years, but the natural aging process will continue, so you may develop facial hollows again in years to come after your facial fat transfer in Naples.

Will I look overfilled or unnatural after the procedure?

Facial fat transfer is known for producing natural results. Dr. Burchhardt carefully injects small amounts of fat into targeted facial tissues to achieve a harmonious, balanced look that enhances your features without appearing overfilled.

Are there any risks associated with facial fat transfer?

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, including infection, bleeding, or uneven results. Dr. Burchhardt takes all available precautions and provides detailed aftercare instructions to minimize these risks.

How soon will I see the final results?

It may take a few weeks for the initial swelling to subside and the fat cells to settle. The final results become more apparent within a few months as the body fully integrates the fat.

Is the procedure painful?

The discomfort is typically minimal and can be managed with pain medications prescribed by Dr. Burchhardt. Most patients report only mild discomfort during the recovery period.

Before and After photo of facial fat transfer in Naples

Before & After

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Why Choose Dr. Daniela Burchhardt?

Dr. Burchhardt is an accomplished double board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic surgeries of the face and neck including facial fat transfers in Naples. Her entire surgical background, including a fellowship from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and a residency from the Wayne State University School of Medicine, revolves around the delicate tissues of the face and neck. She takes pride in delivering natural-looking results that enhance each patient’s unique features. If you’re considering facial fat transfers, schedule a consultation with Dr. Burchhardt today.

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