Facial Fat Transfer San Francisco

Name: Facial Fat Transfer
Brand: The MAAS Clinic
Rating: 4.9 (144 reviews)

Facial fat transfer has become a favorite way to enhance the face, allowing longer-lasting results than other injectable procedures like dermal fillers. This technique offers a way to reverse signs of aging on the face without the scars left behind after surgical procedures.

Revolutionizing Results

While fat transfer has proven helpful for many patients, the lack of predictability in the process has made some plastic surgeons hesitant to use this process. However, Dr. Maas and his San Francisco team have discovered a method of fat transfer that creates a more consistent and effective procedure, bringing facial fat transfer to a brand-new level for his patients.

Fat & Stem Cell Transfer to The Face

What is Fat Transfer?

Fat transfer is a process that removes unwanted fat from one area of the body and places it into areas of the face needing enhancement. The fat is extracted via liposuction, which uses a narrow tube inserted into the treatment area to loosen fat cells and suction them out of the body. Common areas for liposuction include the abdomen, hips, thighs, and back. Liposuction may be performed under general, local, or regional anesthesia, depending on the treatment area and the amount of fat to be removed. After the fat is extracted, it is carefully harvested for injection into the recipient treatment area. Needles are strategically placed so the fat creates a smooth, natural look. The injections usually do not require anesthesia, and downtime associated with this portion of the procedure is minimal. Patients are typically focused on recovering from the liposuction treatment.

Benefits of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Fat Transfer

The addition of mesenchymal stem cells in fat transfer has created an even more efficient and effective procedure. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells with the uncanny ability to transform into any cell. For example, these cells can become skin, muscle, or brain cells over time. These cells also have unique regenerative properties that stimulate the body’s healing processes, making them instrumental in treating diseases and reversing the degenerative cycle of aging.

Scientists have discovered that adipose tissue, or fat, is one of the most abundant stem cell sources. The stem cells can be extracted along with the fat cells and then processed to be added to the recipient site, with the fat cells used for augmentation or rejuvenation purposes. The stem cells have the additional benefit of stabilizing the fat cells so that the body reabsorbs fewer after the grafting procedure. The stabilization produces a more consistent, predictable result after fat grafting, which optimizes the patient’s results.

Treatment Options for Stem Cell Fat Transfer

Fat transfer using stem cells is an invaluable treatment that can be used for a variety of purposes:

Reduce fine lines and deeper facial creases.
Restore youthful volume and definition to the facial contour.
Eliminate the hollow look in the midface, a common byproduct of aging.
Augment specific facial features to create a more proportionate appearance.

In addition to adding natural, long-lasting fullness to the treatment area, the stem cells in the transferred fat work on the skin, regenerating skin cells and producing a firmer, more youthful appearance.

Fat Transfer Harvesting Techniques

One critical factor in the success of fat grafting using stem cells is how the cells are removed from the body and harvested. Gentle techniques must be employed to preserve the cells so they can be injected into the recipient area in a healthy state. Dr. Maas utilizes an innovative technology known as Lipogems, which is a system that harvests, processes, and transfers fat cells for optimal regeneration. In clinical studies thus far, Lipogems has proven safe and successful in transferring fat and stem cells, creating the best possible outcome for each patient.

About the Fat Transfer Procedure

Fat transfer begins with liposuction in our office at The Maas Clinic™ in San Francisco. After anesthesia has been administered, a sterile fluid is injected to make it easier to extract fat cells and minimize bleeding during and after the procedure. Next, Dr. Maas creates tiny incisions in the donor site to insert a small cannula into the fatty tissue. The cannula gently loosens the fat and stem cells and suctions them out of the body to be prepared for injection. Dr. Maas then uses the Lipogems system to wash and harvest the cells, taking care not to damage them during the process. Once the cells are ready, they are placed into vials to be injected into the areas targeted for enhancement. Injections take little time to complete, and you can return home once this step is over. You will likely see some mild bruising and swelling around the incision sites where liposuction was performed and redness around the injection locations. Side effects associated with this procedure should not last long, and most of our patients are back to their routines within about four to seven days.

Results that Get Better Over Time

Like any injectable treatment, you will immediately see preliminary results of your fat grafting. The area treated may be smoother with fewer visible lines. However, the regenerative benefits of the stem cells have yet to begin. In the months following your procedure, you will notice improvements in your skin that suggest time is going in reverse. You may see your skin become softer and more youthful as the cells stimulate the body’s renewal processes. The results of fat grafting using stem cells are dramatic and long-lasting for most of our patients.

Fat grafting using stem cells might be the proper process if you are ready to refresh, rejuvenate, and enhance your appearance. Dr. Maas is one of the few plastic surgeons in California and nationwide to offer this revolutionary technique. To learn more about this treatment, contact The Maas Clinic™ in San Francisco today. Corey S. Maas, MD, reviewed this fat and stem cell transfer information. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.