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Fat
Injections (Lipostructure)
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Today
a wide
array of methods and materials
is available to restore a smooth and youthful
appearance to aging skin. Injectable
treatments are one of the
most popular methods, and fat is
one of the most widely used
materials.
Like
other injectables, fat helps
reduce or eliminate wrinkles.
Fat comes from the patient’s
own body, so there’s no chance
of an allergic reaction. And fat
can be used in higher volumes
than most other injectable
materials. |
This means that,
instead of merely eliminating
aging lines and crow’s feet,
fat injections can provide a
fuller, more youthful face with
high contours and smooth skin. Injections of fat into the deep
layers of facial tissue can
virtually eliminate the angular,
thin appearance that often
accompanies age. This
technique was developed and refined by
Sydney
Coleman, M.D. from New York City. Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl
spent time there and
learned those delicate techniques.
If
you're considering having fat
injections, the following information
will provide you with a good
introduction to the procedure. For more detailed
information about how this procedure
may help you, please schedule a
consultation with Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl.
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What
are some of the most common benefits
of fat injections?
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"Lipostructure"
can significantly
reduce or eliminate wrinkles
and other skin imperfections.
It can also give patients a
more youthful appearance by
reestablishing pleasing
contours. Fat is the first
choice of material when
injections are needed in
deeper layers of tissue or
larger volumes.
The
procedure attempts to keep the
extracted fat cells alive so
that blood supply can be established
in the recipient zone and results will last longer.
However,
injected fat may not last as
long as some other materials.
The fat is slowly absorbed by
the body, although the amount
of absorption is variable, and
frequently hard to predict.
Typically, more than half of
the fat used in injectable
treatments is absorbed with
six months of the procedure.
Almost all patients will
permanently retain some of the
injected fat. However this
percentage varies from patient
to patient. If a significant
amount of fat is absorbed, a
second procedure may be needed
to achieve the desired result.
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What
will happen at the initial
consultation?
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During
the consultation, you and Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl
will discuss the
changes that you would like to
make in your appearance. Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl
will examine your skin
and facial structure, and
explain the different options
available to you. Once
you’ve settled on an option,
Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl will explain the
procedure itself as well as the
anesthesia required.
Be sure to
as all the questions you have
about the surgery. Learning
everything you can about your
options, risks and benefits is
the key to making an informed
decision.
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How
are these procedures performed?
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A
fat-injection procedure is a
two-step process. The fat must be
harvested from somewhere on
your own body - typically
from the abdomen or inner
thighs. This can be done in
conjunction with a liposuction
procedure. After the fat is extracted,
it is placed in a centrifuge
to separate the fat from
surrounding tissues. The fat
is then packed into several
small syringes and thereafter
injected in different layers,
locations and amounts.
Because
fat is a bit larger than other
injectable materials, it is
almost always injected more
deeply into the skin. Volumes
of up to 50-100 cc can be used
to over the entire face. The
injected fat plumps and
tightens the skin, thereby
decreasing and in some cases
eliminating wrinkles, scars
and lines from sagging skin.
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How
long do these procedures take?
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This
depends on the extent of the
procedure. Fat injections
normally take between 30 and
60 minutes.
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Where
will the procedure be performed?
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Fat
injection procedures are
almost always done on an
outpatient basis in the office. In more extensive
procedures such as injections
into the lips, cheeks, or
folds between nose and cheeks,
mild sedation may be required.
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How
much pain is there?
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The
amount of pain during any
cosmetic surgery varies from
patient to patient. However,
the discomfort associated with
injectables is normally
relatively mild. In many
cases, fat injections are
performed without anesthesia.
This may be somewhat painful
to patients, depending on the
site of injection. For
instance, the area of skin
around the lips is one of the
more sensitive parts of the
face. Injections performed on
the cheek, chin and eye area
are usually less painful.
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What
can I expect after the procedure?
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Most
people experience some
swelling and redness for the
first 24-48 hours. Itching and
mild discomfort is not
uncommon either. Recovery time will
depend on the extent of the
procedure. When larger amounts
of fat are injected into the
face, swelling may last
several days to several weeks.
However, don't confuse the desired
volume increase with the temporary
postoperative swelling.
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What
is the long-term outcome like for most
people?
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Most
patients who have had a
fat-injection procedure are
pleased with the results. The
treatments can, in many cases,
significantly reduce facial
wrinkling and increase tissue
volume. You should be aware
that a part of the injected
fat cells are going to vanish
so that a partial volume loss
is to be expected. After two
to three treatments, the
result usually remains
constant.
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Ideal
candidate:
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In
general, the best candidates
for are:
- Individuals
with scarring, sagging or
wrinkling on the face.
- Missing
some of the youthful
plumpness or high contours
on the face.
- In
good physical health.
- Psychologically
stable.
- Wanting
to improve their
appearance.
- Realistic
in their expectations.
The
above is only a partial list
of the criteria that Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl
will consider in
determining whether or not
this procedure is appropriate
for you. Be sure to ask Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl
if he considers you an
ideal candidate for a fat-injection
treatment.
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Alternatives:
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In
some cases, laser
skin resurfacing, microdermabrasion
or a
chemical
peel
will work better
than injections – especially
for smoothing very fine
surface wrinkles. These
procedures do not directly
restore volume to the face,
but they do eliminate the high
points of the wrinkles by
removing the outer layers of
the skin and inducing skin
regeneration. Any of these
treatments can be used in
combination with fat-injections.
Consult with Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl
for
more information about the
best options for you.
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Risks:
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Infection
can be associated with all
injectable procedures. This
risk can be minimized by the
sterile technique used and a
short antibiotic prophylaxis. As
injected fat cells continue to
function in their new
location, weight gain even a
long time after the procedure
may be associated with
increase in size of the
injected fat cells. This must
be considered when a future
weight gain is anticipated, especially in
the lips.
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Be
sure to:
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- Tell
Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl about any
allergies you have (to
foods, drugs,
environmental elements)
- Tell
Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl about all
medications, herbal
supplements or natural
supplements you are taking
(both prescription and
non-prescription)
- Carefully
follow any instructions Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl
gives you
regarding eating and
drinking and smoking.
- Avoid
aspirin and
aspirin-containing
medicines for two weeks
prior to surgery.
- Please
inform Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl
immediately in case you
should experience fever or
symptoms of an infection
after surgery.
The
information on this web site
is only intended as an
introduction to this procedure
and should not be used to
determine whether you will
have the procedure performed
nor as a guarantee of the
result.
The
best method of determining
your personal options is to
schedule a personal
consultation with Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl.
He will be able to answer
specific questions related to
your situation.
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