Facial Fat Transfer
in Greenville, SC
Dr. Shawn Birchenough is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast surgery and aesthetics. Dr. Katherine Birchenough is certified in functional medicine and an expert in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. We are Greenville’s premier physician-run medical Wellness and Aesthetic center. At OptimalSelf MD, we offer facial fat transfer for men and women in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Spartanburg, and the surrounding communities in South Carolina.
WHAT IS FACIAL FAT TRANSFER?
Facial fat transfer treatments are options for men and women who don’t need plastic surgery and may want other options besides dermal fillers and injectables. There are minimally invasive ways to improve the face, particularly removing fat from the lower cheeks and under the chin in the neck, because these fat deposits can make the jaw look too round or full, or blunt the angle between the jaw and neck.
Liposculpting is the precise removal of smaller pockets of fat, with resulting skin tightening and better definition of the angle of the cheeks, chin, jaw, and middle neck. Recovery time is less than in a neck lift procedure. For the appropriate patient, the results can look dramatic in slimming the neck, creating a more defined angle between the jaw and neck and restoring a youthful appearance. The fat that is extracted can be used to enhance other areas of the face, such as the cheeks. Another technique that Dr. Shawn uses is facial fat transfer under the eyes to help with hollowness and dark circles.
HOW MUCH DOES FACIAL FAT TRANSFER COST?
At OptimalSelf MD, we understand that you want to feel good about yourself, yet cost may be a primary consideration. We recommend that you schedule a consultation as a first step. We charge a fee for an in-office consultation. As part of the consultation, we explain the price of your facial fat transfer, and payment can be made by cash, check, and credit card. We also work with CareCredit® and Alphaeon® to offer our patients financing options.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR FACIAL FAT TRANSFER?
Ideal candidates for facial fat transfers are those who can benefit from some precise sculpting of facial features to enhance balance and correct signs of aging.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING A FACIAL FAT TRANSFER TREATMENT?
Typically, facial liposuction is done in the clinic with oral sedation medicine and local anesthesia injected in the area. Small, hidden incisions are used to place the tumescent (saline-based) fluid that absorbs heat and fluffs up the fat, making it easier to remove. A laser cannula (small round tube) is inserted and the laser is used to break up fat, and to treat the underside of the skin to tighten it. Another hollow cannula is then placed to remove the broken-up fat. The incisions are closed with stitches and a compression band is placed to minimize swelling and optimize the resulting jaw and neck profile.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO RECOVER FROM A FACIAL FAT TRANSFER PROCEDURE?
As a standalone treatment, facial fat transfer recovery is minor, but the liposculpting may require some additional time. For facial liposculpting, the swelling can last from seven to 10 days, depending on the extent of the surgery and the post-operative care. Bruising may be present for five to 10 days. You will be allowed to walk and do some daily activities immediately after the surgery, but strenuous activity, cardio workouts, and heavy lifting will be restarted under close supervision by Dr. Shawn in two to four weeks after surgery, depending on how you are healing. While you will notice changes within three weeks, the final results – with the most definition – come at two to three months. Once any swelling has subsided, you can see the facial fat transfer results.
CAN I SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION FOR A FACIAL FAT TRANSFER TREATMENT?
Why throw away the good fat that is removed during liposuction when it can be washed and re-used to fill in grooves and lines on the face? Fat grafting has become increasingly popular for the breasts, buttocks, and face. Ask Dr. Shawn whether fat grafting would work well to enhance your facial procedure. You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Shawn in our office. Some questions that you may want to ask during the consultation are:
- “I have this small area of fat and skin under my chin that ‘I got from my Mom’ – can facial liposculpting remove it easily?
- “Can you just do liposculpting on my neck instead of doing a neck lift?”
- “Does having liposculpting hurt much?”
OptimalSelf MD is the first center in South Carolina to offer plastic surgery, aesthetics, and wellness for men and women in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Spartanburg, and the nearby areas of South Carolina. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your facial fat transfer options.