Fat Injection Questions

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 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.

Q - What type of anesthesia is used for fat injections?
MAC (monitored anesthesia care) or general anesthesia may be used for fat injections.

Q - How are fat injections performed?
Fat injections are performed by making a small incision in a donor area such as the hips, buttocks or thighs. Fat is removed through gentle liposuction, prepared, and then injected into the facial area with a small needle. Because only 50% to 70% of the injected fat survives after treatment, is necessary to overfill the treatment area. Some patients may require a second or third follow-up procedure. 

Q - How long does fat injection take to perform?
Fat injection takes about an hour to complete. A second or third follow-up procedure may be necessary for some patients.

Q - Does fat injection involve much pain?
Any pain or discomfort that patients experience us usually very minor.

Q - What is the recovery like after fat injection?
Recovery after fat injection takes one to two weeks. Both the donor and recipient site may appear bruised, swollen or red. Swelling typically fades within several weeks. The face may also appear puffy at first as overfilling is necessary.

Q - When will I be able to return to work after undergoing fat injections?
Patients can return to work in about one week after the fat injection procedure.

Q - How soon will I be able to exercise after my fat injection procedure?
Patients will need to wait for two to three weeks after the fat injection procedure before partaking in strenuous activities or exercise.

Q - When will my stitches be removed after my fat injection procedure?
Sutures are not always necessary with fat injection. If they are required, they will removed in about a week after the procedure.

Q - What are the risks or complications associated with fat injection?
All surgery carries potential risks. Those associated with fat injection may include possible edema for several weeks and, though infrequent, infection.

Q - Are fat injections covered by insurance?
Insurance typically does not cover fat injection procedures that are performed for purely cosmetic purposes. Some degree of coverage may be available when used to treat a scar or other indentations resulting from injury or accident. Patients should check with their own insurance company.

Q - Can I finance my fat injection procedure?
Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures.

Dr. Naderi's office in Herndon, VA is conveniently located near the following: