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Many people are interested in the youthful results of dermal fillers but wish they could achieve longer-lasting results. For these patients, fat grafting may be a great option. Dr. Andrés Sárraga offers safe and effective fat grafting in Aventura, FL.
WHAT IS FAT GRAFTING?
Fat grafting involves removing fat from a donor area, such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, or back, and injecting it into another area to create a youthful or more proportionate appearance. Fat grafting supplements a sagging, droopy face, naturally filling the layer below the skin to plump up a “deflated” area, scar, or post-liposuction dent or divot. Fat grafting can be injected into the face, hands, and other parts of the body. Once injected, fat cells can stimulate stem-cell production, which may further stimulate new collagen production. This can frequently improve the skin’s youthful appearance, as well as improve surface smoothness and shape. Results are generally complete within three to four months after the fat grafting is performed.
These are treatment modalities that can be used by themselves or in combination with other procedures. For example, facial implants, such as chin implants, can really help you balance your other facial features and is frequently done as part of a rhinoplasty. The implants are made of medical grade silicone (the one also used for different prostheses) or medpor. The incisions are usually done through the mouth or through small concealable incisions under the chin or in other areas of the face.
HOW DOES FAT GRAFTING WORK?
To complete a fat grafting procedure, fat is first removed from a donor area using liposuction before being prepared and injected into the treatment area. Fat grafting can help with facial deflation, scars, and post-liposuction deformities. When injected into the hand, it can improve the appearance of the skin and lessen the appearance of veins, tendons, and bones. it is an excellent adjunct to other facial procedures such as facelifts and eyelid or brow surgery.
The injected fat cells are a live transplant from your own body that is carefully, artfully, and skillfully transferred to another part of your body. These fat cells stimulate the production of the stem cells that can rejuvenate the skin and stimulate new collagen production, improving the quality of the overlying skin. This outpatient procedure is usually done under sedation and requires minimal to no incisions. The fat is harvested from your flanks, abdomen and/or thighs and processed for injection.
ANDRÉS SÁRRAGA MD FACS
DOUBLE BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON
Dr. Sárraga was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where he spent most of his life. He decided at a very early age to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and pursue a career in the art of medicine and surgery. Dr. Sárraga has been featured in several publications including Aventura Magazine™ and Healthy Valley® Magazine where he has discussed procedures including Facial Rejuvenation and Breast Surgery. Dr. Sárraga has been awarded one of Castle Connolly’s top doctors in Miami for the last 5 years. He has also been featured with his friend and mentor Dr. Storch. Since Dr. Storch’s retirement, Dr. Sárraga now runs ARTIS Institute Plastic Surgery as a single practitioner.
MEET DR. SÁRRAGA
FAT GRAFTING RESULTS AND RECOVERY
The recuperation time is variable, but usually, you are socially presentable in about three weeks, at which time you may also start easing yourself into your regular exercising routine. The swelling will diminish during the following month as your body is accepting this new “transplant”. Common symptoms throughout the healing process can include swelling, bruising, and some sensitivity. Dr. Sárraga can explain expectations for your procedure and recovery during a consultation. Your body will integrate and keep around 50-70% of the fat that was originally injected, and you will see your final result in about 3-4 months. Remember this is your own natural fat so it will respond to weight changes as well.
FAT GRAFTING VS. DERMAL FILLERS
Fillers such as RESTYLANE, JUVEDERM, RHA, RADIESSE AND BELLOTERO are package-ready injectables that help diminish frown lines, wrinkles and can significantly improve the appearance of nasolabial folds, marionette lines, cheeks, the area around the eyes, brows and many others. They are typically used in conjunction with wrinkle relaxers like (Botox, Dysport, Daxxify and Xeomin) to enhance your overall result.
Several factors should be taken into consideration when choosing between fat grafting and dermal fillers. Generally speaking, fat grafting offers longer-lasting results compared to dermal fillers. The fat grafting also appears to have a rejuvenating stem cell effect on the skin and soft tissue structure improving the surface and tissue quality. However, some patients do not have adequate fat in donor areas to complete a fat grafting procedure – in these cases there are other products such as the RENUVA regenerative fat injections that can be done. In addition, some downtime is necessary after fat grafting due to the time that the body requires for the fat integration to its new home as well as some recovery for the liposuction area where the fat was recovered from. Dermal fillers require no downtime, only minimal swelling and occasionally some bruising, allowing patients to return to their usual routines following the procedure. In many cases, dermal fillers are less expensive than fat grafting. However, to maintain results, patients will require routine maintenance injections, which could represent a higher cost over time when compared to fat grafting. The best way to choose between fat grafting and dermal fillers is to speak with a qualified and experienced professional in this area such as Dr. Sárraga during a consultation.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
If you believe you may be able to benefit from fat grafting, contact our Aventura office today to schedule your initial consultation and to create a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Sárraga will evaluate your concerns, review your health history, and consider your aesthetic goals to recommend whether fat grafting is right for you. Call (305) 932-3200 or contact us online.
“You feel like you’re part of the family”
Dr. Sarraga and his staff are outstanding. Dr. Sarraga is extremely knowledgeable, professional and has a wonderful bedside manner, his office staff makes you feel comfortable during any type of procedure. The minute you step in the office you Yami makes you feel like you’re part of the family. After you have undergone surgery by the doctor Tami (best nurse) will take great care of you, even following up with you at home to make sure that you are feeling well
I highly recommend Dr. Sarraga and his office.
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