Facial Augmentation

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For patients seeking to enhance a specific area of the face, Dr. Epstein offers several options including autologous fat grafting and facial implants. To help you decide which might be best for you, following is information regarding both. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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 is Autologous Fat Grafting  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

Cheeks, Chin, Jaw and Lips

In addition to autologous fat grafting, as mentioned above, many patients turn to Dr. Epstein for facial implants to bring harmony to the face.

Facial implants are specially formed solid materials compatible with human bone and tissue, designed to enhance or augment the physical structure of the face. The precise type and size of implants that are best suited for you requires an evaluation of your goals, the features you wish to correct, and Dr. Epstein’s best judgment.

Plastic surgery with facial implants can produce a marked improvement in the underlying structure that forms facial appearance, improving proportion and balance.  The most common sites for facial implants include the chin (which can increase the size and projection of a small or recessed chin), the jaw (which can increase the width of the lower third of the face), the cheeks (which can add volume to those areas which may be recessed or flat) and the lips (to create more youthful, fuller lips).

All facial implants are placed surgically, through incisions that create a supporting pocket beneath the skin and soft tissues.  Muscle and tissue surrounding the pocket hold the implant in place. Depending on the implant location, size and material from which the implant is formed, it may be further immobilized with sutures.

Initial healing may include swelling or numbness, and any discomfort you may feel can be controlled through medication.  In addition, facial movements may be somewhat restricted or impaired.  While the initial outcome is apparent almost immediately, it will be obscured by visible swelling, which may take several months to fully dissipate.

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.