Washington, DC Fat Injections

Fat injection, also known as fat transfer, is a procedure which can add volume to the facial features in order to restore a fuller, more youthful appearance. Fat injection may also be used to fill in wrinkles and lines, skin depressions and some types of scars. During the procedure, fat is removed from another area of the patient's body, such as the abdomen or thighs, and then transferred to the facial area. Fat injection may be performed on its own or it may be combined with other procedure such as a facelift, eyelid lift, brow lift or skin resurfacing. Good candidates for fat injection include healthy patients who are looking for fuller, more youthful facial features.

Dr. Naderi performs the fat injection procedure at one of the INOVA system hospitals, which include Fair Oaks Hospital, Loudoun Hospital, Fairfax Hospital, and Mt. Vernon Hospital. The procedure takes about an hour to complete and may be performed with MAC (monitored anesthesia care) or general anesthesia. A small incision is made in the donor area and fat is removed through gentle liposuction. The fat is then injected with a small needle into the facial area. Overfilling is typically necessary as about 50% to 70% of the fat will survive permanently after treatment. A bandage may be applied over the injection site.

Recovery after fat injection generally takes one to two weeks. Discomfort tends to be minimal. Some swelling, bruising and redness may occur at both the donor and recipient sites, and swelling may last for several weeks. Due to the necessary overfilling, the face may also appear puffy at first. Stitches, if required, will be removed in about a week. Patients can usually return to work within a week, though more strenuous activities will need to be postponed for two to three weeks. Some patients may require a second or third follow-up procedure several months apart.

Q - What is fat injection?
Fat injection, also known as fat transfer, is a procedure which can restore a fuller, more youthful appearance to the face by using fat to add volume to the facial features. Fat injection can fill in and improve the appearance of skin depressions, wrinkles and lines, and some types of scars. The procedure may be performed on its own or in combination with other procedures like a facelift, brow lift, eyelid lift or skin resurfacing.

Q - Are there any alternatives to fat injection?
Artefill, a permanent facial filler, is a good alternative to fat injection.  Facial implants such as malar implants or sub-malar implants are also valid options.

Q - Is fat injection right for me?
If you are healthy, under the age of 65 and interested in fuller, more youthful facial features, then fat injection may be right for you. You must not be so thin as to not have any extra donor fat for harvest.  

Q - What does a consultation for fat injections entail?
During a consultation for fat injections, Dr. Naderi will examine your face, take a thorough medical history, and discuss your goals. All aspects of the fat injection procedure will be explained including the technique, the anesthesia, the facility, the recovery, the risks, the costs and so on.

Q - Where is the fat injection procedure performed?
Dr. Naderi performs fat injection procedures in INOVA system hospitals which include Fair Oaks Hospital, Loudoun Hospital, Fairfax Hospital, and Mt. Vernon Hospital.

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