Facial Rejuvenation
Facial Fat Grafting in Montclair, NJ with Dr. Caroline Szpalski
As we age, we lose fat, bone, and collagen, which can impact our appearance. However, innovative advances in aesthetic medicine have made it possible to restore lost volume by transferring a patient’s fat cells from undesired locations to enhance the facial appearance. Facial fat grafting is a revolutionary treatment to rejuvenate facial appearance and trim other areas of the body.
Fellowship-trained female plastic surgeon Dr. Caroline Szpalski and her team want to help you feel comfortable in your skin and identity. Together, you will develop a customized fat transfer procedural plan to help you achieve your aesthetic vision, making her your choice as one of the best facial fat grafting surgeons in the tri-state area of NJ.
Contact us today at (646) 777-0170 or complete our online form to schedule your facial fat grafting consultation!
What Is New Jersey Facial Fat Grafting?
Fat grafting, also known as autologous fat transfer, is a revolutionary surgical procedure to relocate fat from undesirable locations of the body to restore the contours in other areas of the body, including the face. As a two-part procedure, fat grafting first harvests unwanted fat from a donor location via liposuction. The fat is then purified and injected into the area where volume is desired.
The facial changes that occur with aging can be described as volume loss, downward migration of the once tightly suspended structures such as the fat pads under your eyes and cheeks, and thinning of your skin and bones. Wrinkles develop across your neck, your nasolabial folds (smile lines) deepen, the fat pads in your cheeks descend and shrink creating eye bags, your lips lose volume, and your eye brows droop. Typically, the beginning of this aging journey becomes visibly apparent in your mid to late twenties. Facial fat grafting effectively addresses the issue of volume loss with aging.
While Botox® and dermal fillers are excellent treatments for resolving lines and folds, a facial fat transfer uses no synthetic ingredients. On top of reversing the effects of aging and restoring volume and contour to the face, a facial fat transfer is a safe and natural cosmetic option. The injected material comes from your very own body rather than an animal, cadaver, or synthetic compound. For this reason, facial fat transfer procedure patients do not need to worry about an allergic reaction, as the body will recognize and accept its own fat readily. Transplanting one’s own fat also makes treatment versatile, allowing for contouring, lip augmentation, scar treatment, and correction of any concave or sunken areas on the face.
During facial fat transfer recovery, typically, 50 to 70% of the transferred fat will establish a healthy blood supply and survive. As such, Dr. Szpalski may transfer more fat than necessary to ensure you achieve your desired results.
Facial Rejuvenation
Dermal fillers offer effective temporary results to restore facial volume loss and reduce wrinkles. The results from a facial fat transfer typically last from several months to two years–there are even some cases in which the benefits last indefinitely. On the other hand, dermal fillers (especially those containing hyaluronic acid) break down much faster with their visible only lasting a number of months before disappearing and requiring further treatments.While the recovery process of facial fat transfer is longer, it provides permanent results. Facial fat transfer can be used to restore volume in mildly sagging skin, and is often used to complement facelift surgery. Indeed, facial fat injections can be performed alone or in combination with other procedures such as a face and neck lift depending on the goals and desires of the individual
With long-lasting results, facial fat transfer:
- Softens creases
- Smooths moderate to severe fine lines and wrinkles
- Restores volume and fullness in sagging facial tissues
- Decreases undereye area bags and shadows
- Improves the appearance of scars
- Refines jawline, chin, and jowls
- Rejuvenates hollowed temples and cheeks
Lip Augmentation
While lip augmentation with dermal fillers is temporary, facial fat transfer effectively provides permanent results. It enhances the appearance of thinning or naturally thin lips, creating a plump, youthful look. Fat transfer helps restore lip shape and increase volume, improving overall facial balance.
Fat transfer lip augmentation enhances lip appearance and:
- Restores volume for plumper, younger-looking lips
- Defines natural shape
- Improves lines and wrinkles around the lips
- Tightens skin near the lips
Choosing Dr. Caroline Szpalski as Your NJ Facial Fat Grafting Provider
Dr. Caroline Szpalski is a female plastic surgeon born into a family of medical professionals and caregivers. Growing up in Africa and Europe, Dr. Szpalski brings an international flair and sophisticated European sense of style to her practice. With her distinct multicultural perspective and unique Ethnic identity, Dr. Szpalski recognizes that there are many standards of beauty, identity, color, and culture, so she offers a customized approach for every patient.
As a busy surgeon, wife, mother, and New Yorker, Dr. Szpalski understands the diverse challenges many of her patients face. With a less is more philosophy, Dr. Szpalski tailors her approach to each patient’s needs with meticulous detailing to provide natural-looking, long-lasting results for a sense of timeless elegance.
Your Facial Fat Grafting Consultation with Dr. Szpalski in New Jersey
Patient consultations are a critical element of Dr. Szpalski’s practice. During your consultation, Dr. Szpalski will take the time to identify your goals for facial fat grafting and ensure you have realistic expectations to determine that she is the right surgeon for you. With a focus on providing exemplary care for all her patients, Dr. Szpalski has created a warm, welcoming, nonjudgmental environment that is safe for sharing your concerns.
During your facial fat transfer consultation, Dr. Szpalski will conduct a thorough physical assessment to determine whether you have ample fat for facial transfer. She will also evaluate your facial features to determine where volume can be restored.
Meet Caroline Szpalski, MD
Female Plastic Surgeon in New Jersey
Rediscover your identity with the help of Dr. Caroline Szpalski, a board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon in New Jersey. With a unique multicultural upbringing and a European flair, Dr. Szpalski crafts elegant sophistication into every natural-looking patient transformation. Dr. Szpalski takes a less-is-more approach to plastic surgery to help patients maintain and appreciate their unique appearance and cultural beauty. No matter your aesthetic goals, start your journey toward a more confident you by scheduling your consultation with Dr. Szpalski and her expert team today!
Am I an Ideal Candidate for Montclair, NJ Facial Fat Grafting?
Good candidates for facial fat grafting in the tri-state area want to restore facial fullness with permanent results to enhance their youthful appearance and boost their confidence. If you are young but are unsatisfied with the 3D contour, projection, and shape of certain facial structures such as your cheeks, forehead, and chin, facial fat grafting may benefit you.
Candidates interested in facial fat grafting should:
- Be in good physical and mental health, living a healthy lifestyle
- Not smoke, or be willing to quit at least six weeks before and after surgery
- Be at or near their healthy, ideal weight
- Not be pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have no conditions that impair healing
- Have realistic expectations
- Understand the surgical risks and benefits
Preparing for Facial Fat Grafting Surgery in Glen Ridge, NJ
Before your facial fat grafting surgery, it is essential to be in good physical and mental health. While every fat grafting procedure will be unique, here is some general information to help you prepare.
- Before surgery is not a good time to diet. Maintain your stable weight and avoid crash dieting or weight fluctuations. Commit to a consistent exercise routine before any surgery.
- Eat a well-rounded diet with healthy, balanced meals with plenty of lean proteins to optimize results and recovery.
- Stay well-hydrated before and after your procedure.
- If you currently smoke, vape, or use nicotine products, you should quit. As smoking is detrimental to your health, especially during surgery recovery, patients should stop smoking at least six weeks before and after surgery. Dr. Szpalski orders a nicotine test for all patients who smoke to help avoid complications caused by smoking or the use of nicotine products.
- See your primary physician for a full examination and appropriate testing, such as bloodwork or an EKG, to ensure you are medically fit for surgery.
- For two weeks before and after surgery, refrain from medications, vitamins, and supplements that may increase bleeding or bruising risks.
- Prepare your home and schedule for recovery. Take time off work, purchase necessary supplies, fill pain medication prescriptions, freeze meals for easy preparation, and arrange a clean, comfortable place to rest.
- Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you home from your procedure and assist you with household management or childcare.
Facial Fat Grafting Procedure Overview
Dr. Szpalski performs facial fat grafting procedures in fully accredited facilities at Freedom Surgical Center, St. Joseph’s Health University Medical Center, or Hudson Regional Hospital. On the day of your procedure, you’ll arrive approximately an hour before your scheduled surgery to meet with Dr. Szpalski and your anesthesia provider. Dr. Szpalski will review your surgery details and answer any final questions you have.
Facial fat transfer procedures are completed in two phases. First, Dr. Szpalski will create small incisions to strategically extract fat from the donor regions via liposuction. When the fat has been obtained, it will be processed in a centrifuge to ensure only healthy fat cells are utilized. The fat is then placed into syringes for transfer.
Following the fat extraction, Dr. Szpalski will cleanse the facial areas. A topical anesthetic may be applied to reduce discomfort. Dr. Szpalski will strategically inject fat into the areas of concern to achieve the desired facial volume. This can also be done under general anesthesia. Depending on the extent of your procedure, a facial fat transfer may take one to two hours.
New Jsersey Facial Fat Grafting Recovery
Facial fat grafting procedures are typically performed as outpatient procedures, so you will need someone to drive you to and from the surgical facility and stay with you for at least 24 hours.
Following a fat transfer, incision sites will be dressed, and you may be fitted with a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your new contours. Expect swelling, bruising, or tenderness for one to two weeks. While facial fat grafting is a surgery, it’s a relatively minor one. In some situations, a facial fat graft may be the best and least invasive course of action. Incisions at the donor and transfer sites will be very small. Right after your facial fat transfer procedure, it will be normal to experience slight swelling and bruising at the donor and/or injection sites on your body or face. Any swelling will only last a few days, and pain medication can be used to manage any pain or discomfort you experience.
While facial fat transfer requires minimal downtime, recovery depends upon the extent of your procedure. Most patients need one week off work for the initial recovery. Like all medical procedures, it’s highly encouraged to follow all postoperative instructions given to you by your surgeon or their staff. Most patients return to their routines and everyday light activity within 48 hours of treatment. For at least four to six weeks, you should get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities like exercise and heavy lifting. Instead, take short walks to promote circulation and healing. During your follow-up appointments, Dr. Szpalski will help you navigate when to resume your normal activities.
How Soon Will I See My NJ Facial Fat Grafting Results?
In many cases, patients will notice dramatic results immediately to their face and overall figure following fat grafting procedures. However, it’s important to expect swelling and bruising that may temporarily obscure results. You will continue to see improved results as your body adjusts to its new contours. Full results may take three to six months as transplanted fat settles and residual swelling resolves.
It’s important to note that not all of the transferred fat will survive. Typically, 50 to 70% of transferred fat should survive. This fat is permanent and will respond to weight fluctuations like any other body fat. Following your facial fat grafting procedure, you can expect to experience long-lasting results by maintaining your healthy diet and exercise routine and adhering to Dr. Szpalski’s post-operative instructions.
How Much Does Facial Fat Grafting Cost in New Jersey?
Facial fat grafting in Glen Ridge, NJ costs vary by patient, depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s anatomical needs and aesthetic goals. During your consultation, Dr. Szpalski will determine the scope of your procedure and estimate your facial fat grafting in New Jersey cost.
Refresh Your Appearance with Glen Ridge, NJ Facial Fat Grafting!
Renewing your silhouette while restoring facial volume can rejuvenate your appearance. Renew your confidence when you partner with Dr. Caroline Szpalski, one of the best facial fat grafting surgeons in New Jersey! Learn about facial fat grafting near me options in Glen Ridge, NJ by calling (646) 777-0170 or completing our online form to schedule your consultation today!
