July 14, 2023 | Facial Rejuvenation
4 Minute Read:
Many people with wrinkles, deep creases, skin laxity, and excess skin around the face and neck turn to facelift surgery. This procedure tightens the skin and underlying tissue, restoring a youthful appearance in a way that other treatments can’t match.
However, there is one common sign of aging that facelift surgery doesn’t address: the loss of facial fullness. And while decreased facial fat isn’t necessarily the first thing most people think of when looking at their aging faces, it is a significant factor, and several cosmetic treatments exist to address it.
Dermal fillers and fat grafting restore volume and plumpness to hollow areas of the face and cheeks. When combined with a facelift, these procedures rejuvenate the face and take years off your visible appearance.
But which is best for you?
Below, we will discuss what dermal fillers and fat transfers are, how they enhance volume, and how they are essential to your facial rejuvenation.
Restore Volume and Fullness
Wrinkles and skin laxity are usually what people focus on when looking for cosmetic procedures to restore a youthful look — and sure, they play a role in people’s perceptions of themselves. But the hollowness of the face and cheeks are other factors that contribute to older, worn-out appearances.
Defined contours, high cheekbones, and chiseled jawlines are all refining qualities that contribute to a younger-looking appearance.
How Do Dermal Fillers and Fat Grafting Procedures Work?
Dermal Fillers
When it comes to dermal fillers, you have plenty of options to discuss with your surgeon about what is best for you and your goals.
Dermal fillers are non-surgical injectables performed in our office. These are designed to add volume and fullness to targeted areas of the face by plumping the areas just beneath the skin.
Most fillers are composed of hyaluronic acid or poly-L-lactic acid.
Hyaluronic acid-based fillers (like JUVÉDERM®) restore volume by attracting and maintaining moisture, essentially keeping the treated area well-hydrated and plump. Poly-L-lactic acid fillers (like Sculptra® Aesthetic) increase the body’s production of collagen, the protein responsible for the strength and health of the skin and tissues.
Dermal fillers are injected into specific treatment areas with a small needle. They can add fullness to creases around the mouth, eyes, and forehead and plump hollow cheeks, under-eyes, and temples or fill out thin lips.
Fat Transfer
Fat transfer is a longer-lasting alternative to dermal fillers that use a natural augmenting material.
With fat transfer, also known as fat injections or fat grafting, your surgeon will remove unwanted fat from the body, such as the waistline, thighs, or buttocks, purify the removed fat, and then re-inject it into the desired area of the face or jawline.
Like dermal fillers, a fat transfer can restore volume lost by aging, rejuvenating the overall contour of the face and neck. Additionally, fat transfer can enhance the cheeks and jawline and plump wrinkles and creases.
Fat transfer is becoming increasingly popular for a few reasons. First, it uses fat from your body, minimizing the risks of rejection or abnormal reactions. Second, it involves removing fat from other areas with liposuction, so it’s like two procedures in one!
How Long Do Dermal Fillers and Fat Transfer Last?
Dermal fillers are known to be temporary. Your body will eventually metabolize these solutions; additional injections are needed to maintain results. Results can last anywhere from six months to two years (or more), depending on the filler selected.
Fat transfer is the longer-lasting alternative. While not all fat cells will survive the transfer, those that do are often considered permanent or at least long lasting.
Patients who are unsure if they want to commit to increased fullness sometimes opt for dermal fillers first. This allows them to essentially undergo a trial run.
However, if patients are ready to commit to a more plump, harmonious facial appearance, fat transfer might be the best option to include with your facelift.
How Do Dermal Fillers and Fat Transfer Enhance the Results of a Facelift?
The keys to natural results for any cosmetic procedure include the skill of your plastic surgeon and their ability to achieve aesthetic cohesion.
Choosing a board-certified and highly experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Agullo is paramount to ensuring you achieve the best results for any of your cosmetic concerns.
As the facelift works to tighten and restructure lax skin and facial tissue, it is important to balance this with restoring volume and plumpness to hollow areas of the face. This results in a balanced, natural restoration of youthful facial harmony.
Want to Learn More About Dermal Fillers and Fat Transfer in El Paso, TX?
If you are looking for a complete facial transformation, you may benefit from two or more cosmetic techniques. Call us today at (915) 590-7900 or complete our online contact form to schedule an appointment.
