Facial Fat Grafting vs. Dermal Fillers
At Copeland Cosmetic Surgery, many of our patients are interested in removing age-related concerns on the face. These issues typically result in loss of volume in the cheeks, jaw, or forehead, and can manifest as wrinkles, lines, folds, and sunken facial features. While Jeffrey Copeland, MD, FACS, our board-certified plastic surgeon, can surgically treat such concerns, we understand that many patients are ineligible for, or even simply uninterested in, surgery – and we are happy to accommodate these patients, as well. We offer a few options to restore volume in the face, the most popular of which are the following:
- Dermal fillers. A dermal filler is a type of cosmetic injectable. They often contain hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a naturally occurring substance in the human body that can aid in the production of collagen. As such, HA fillers such as JUVÉDERM® can smooth wrinkles, plump up lips, and reduce the appearance of marionette lines. While our patients are typically delighted with the results of our dermal filler treatments, it should be noted that they are not permanent and usually require touch-ups.
- Facial fat grafting. An extremely innovative technique, facial fat grafting is a surgical procedure that uses the patient’s own fat (autologous) to restore facial volume. During the treatment, excess fat cells are extracted from the patient’s body. The harvested fat is then purified and injected into the treatment area (e.g., the cheeks or nasolabial folds), restoring volume and shape to the face. Fat grafting is a highly sought after method, as using one’s own fat as an injectable is typically very effective and reduces the risk of adverse reactions. Additionally, the results of facial fat grafting tend to last longer than those of dermal fillers, providing anti-aging benefits for many years.
If you are unsure which of these (or possibly one of our other non-surgical treatments) is right for you, don’t worry. Dr. Copeland can meet with you for a consultation to evaluate your concerns, examine your overall health, and help you choose a facial rejuvenation treatment to meet your needs. Please feel free to schedule your consultation with Dr. Copeland today.
