Autologous Fat Grafting
What is Autologous Fat Grafting?
Autologous fat grafting is an excellent procedure if you are looking to minimize the appearance of deep facial wrinkles, creases, furrows, sunken cheeks, skin depressions and certain types of scars. This procedure can also be used to add fullness to your lips, hands or buttocks.
Autologous fat implanting uses your own fat supply. By using your own fat, the risk of rejection is low and there is no chance of allergic reaction. Autologous fat implants tend to be permanent, however over time they may dissipate with fat being reabsorbed back into your system. As a result, subsequent procedures may be needed.
How are Autologous Fat Implants performed?
Autologous fat grafting is an outpatient surgical procedure performed at our facility, Northbrook Plastic Surgery. This procedure can be done under local anesthesia or sedation depending on the complexity of the procedure. Dr. Epstein starts by liposuctioning fat from a fat-rich part of the body such as the thighs, abdomen or buttocks. The fat is then cleaned, excess fluid is removed, and a small needle is used to inject the fat into the areas being treated. This procedure takes approximately 1 to 2 hours depending on the size of the areas to be treated.
What to expect during the recovery period:
- Minor discomfort is normal and can be controlled with medication
- Redness, bruising and swelling are normal and will dissipate within a couple of weeks
- You can return to light activity in 1 day
- You can return to full activity in 3-5 days
In private practice since 1992, Dr. Michael A. Epstein has received critical acclaim for his exceptional results and advanced surgical techniques. An active member of the prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, he has been featured on numerous television programs and quoted in dozens of newspapers and magazines nationwide. A trusted resource who is highly respected by both the media and his peers, Dr. Epstein’s training, education and surgical skills have made him one of Chicagoland’s leading and most gifted plastic surgeons. His offices are in Northbrook, Illinois.
