Fat Transfers & Injectable Fillers & Lip Augmentation

Fat transfers are used in a variety of situations and may be performed anywhere on the body. The main premise is replacing volume that has been lost either due to the aging process, following weight loss, or to simply accentuate an area (the buttock for example).Fat is a common choice to restore lost volume because it is easily harvested from almost anywhere on the body with minimal scarring, there is no risk of allergic reaction, and a portion of the transferred fat will become permanent. Repeat sessions can then be used to tailor the final volume. Recovery is usually about 1 week, depending on the area(s) treated.

Injectable Fillers

Injectable Fillers used by Dr. Houser include Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus, and Prevelle Silk. These work in the same way as fat transfers without the need to transfer fat from another part of the body. Recovery time is usually about 1 week, depending on the area(s) treated.

Lip Augmentation

Soft tissue augmentation of the lips may require multiple injections to distribute the filler for enhanced lip fullness and to raise or define a cupid’s bow or vermillion border. Loss of volume in the lips may be the result of aging, or some people are simply born with thin lips. Enlarging the lips is directed at increasing the visibility of the pink portion of the lip (for women, the area where lipstick is applied).

A person’s own tissue may be used for lip augmentation either in the form of skin or fat. Fat is the more common choice because it is easily harvested from almost anywhere on the body with minimal scarring, there is no risk of allergic reaction, and a portion of the transferred fat will become permanent. Repeat sessions can then be used to tailor the final volume. Recovery is less than 1 week.

Injections in Nasolabial Folds

An improved appearance is visible almost immediately, although minor swelling or bruising may appear at the injection sites With some fillers, a slightly “over-filled” appearance may be initially present. These conditions will resolve within a few hours, or at most a few days.

Faqs

Will injectable fillers erase my facial wrinkles?

Injectable fillers are effective in smoothing and softening lines and wrinkles. They are also used for “plumping” areas where volume has been lost. Unfortunately, injectable fillers will not completely erase wrinkles, but most patients are pleasantly surprised and quite pleased at the results following injectable fillers.

I have thin lips and I would really like to plump them up but I’m afraid of looking unnatural. How do I keep that from happening?

The safest and surest way to obtain the best, most natural looking results and to get the results that you want, is to go to a plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Only the best trained and most skilled plastic surgeons can claim these two professional designations. There are many doctors who are performing cosmetic procedures, but are not plastic surgeons; make your choice carefully.

In addition, you should choose a surgeon with whom you feel comfortable and who takes the time to answer your questions and address your concerns.

Help! I’m noticing wrinkles on my face but I don’t want to get a facelift. What can I do?

Injectable fillers and/or fat transfers may be the answer. Although the results will not be the same as a facelift, the effects can range from subtle to dramatic depending upon your desired outcome. Often, by filling the nasolabial folds (the vertical lines around the mouth) and filling some fine facial lines, a patient can look and feel years younger. Many patients also choose to combine these procedures with lip augmentation and Botox injections. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Houser and to find out what injectable fillers can do for you, contact our office.

I’m in my 30’s but I’m really bothered by some of the wrinkles that I’m starting to see. Am I too young for these procedures? What is the average age of a patient for injectable fillers?

Most patients in their 30’s need to focus on caring for their skin. This includes mainly sun avoidance, smoking cessation and treatments such as Nia-24 or Retin-A. When the wrinkles or folds are prominent, then fillers would be an excellent choice as it would be very rare to consider face-lifting procedures in women that are so young. Women often start requesting procedures such as this in their 30’s and their use may be ongoing until larger procedures may be required.

I have noticed that not all surgeons performing fat transfers in Ohio are board certified. Why should I choose a plastic surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS)? Is this important?

An ASPS member surgeon has fulfilled the following requirements:

• Has at least five years of surgical training and a minimum of two years of plastic surgery training.
• Is board-certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
• Is trained and experienced in all plastic surgery procedures, including breast, body, face and reconstruction.
• Is peer-reviewed for safety and ethical standards prior to attaining the honor of active membership.
• Only operates in accredited facilities.

Why is it important to choose a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

Many physicians who perform cosmetic procedures will claim board certification, but it is important to clarify which board. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is a part of the American Board of Medical Specialties and has been in existence since 1937. Certification by this board signifies that the surgeon has completed an approved plastic surgery residency, has passed a comprehensive written examination, and has passed an oral examination. Following this, he or she is then required to maintain certification through case submissions, continuing medical education and written examinations. This rigorous process ensures that those who identify themselves as a diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery are held to the highest standards of patient safety, patient satisfaction and ethical behavior.