Question 1. What are the chances of the fat grafting transfer leaving uneven lumps on patient’s face based on your experience?
Answer: This is pretty rare. It comprises about 30% of our practice or more and we get this about 1-2% if that. It is due to our process of placing fat. We use very small amounts with each passing. For example a cc of fat we will go back and forth with the cannula about 10-20 times.
Question 2. Do you centrifuged/purified the harvested fat cells prior to injecting into the face? I understand this is the standard approach to isolated whole and undamaged fat cells for transfer.
Step One: harvest
Step Two: purify/centrifuge to:
(i) isolate out dead cells/excess fluids, and
(ii) retain Adipose Stem Cells – ASC
Step Three: inject/transfer
Answer: We have tested different speeds and have found the best speed for survival. We have done many different approaches. The standard 3000 rpm, letting the fat sit to separate, harvesting all at once versus staggered, using different cannulas.Based on this we have come up with the best ways to get the best survival.
Question 3. Previously, I had tummy tuck/lipo around torso/abdomen about 7 years ago. I’ve been told that fat cells do not grow back. If the patient gains weight, then the remaining fat cells will grow bigger. Is this true? If so, will the fat cells harvested from my sides/hips be optimal for injection into the face? More importantly, any concerns about scar cells being harvested?
Answer: I don’t typically prefer fat from sites that have had liposuctioning unless those  are the only areas left.
Question 4. What method/tools do you use to collect undamaged and healthy fat cells? use very low suction liposuction? use small gauge hypodermic needle or special cannula?
Answer: I use small 10cc syringes with hand pressure.
Question 5. On average, do people do a second fat transfer 10-15 years as refresher? Just want to set my own personal future expectation 🙂
Answer: Â This depends. You’ll always look better than a twin that didn’t get it done.
Question 6. As a matter of comparison, which procedure do you as a surgeon find easier to perform? Asian Blespharoplasty vs. Facial Fat Transfer?
Answer: Â Fat transfer for sure.
Question 7. Also, which procedure do you see your patients recover easier/faster from? Asian Belspharoplasty vs. Facial Fat Transfer?
Answer: This depends on extent of fat transfer and the area.
Question 8. In your experience, what are patients biggest complaint post-op? bruising? swelling? On average, when do most of the bruising/swelling subside by?
Answer: I would say probably bruising and swelling. Most of it goes away at 1 week. However everybody’s perceptions are different.
My biggest concerns are the following:
a) uneven/lumpiness
Answer: This is rare
b) overfilling/chipmunk look
Answer: you can always reduce the fat. This is rare. Most people want more fat and the biggest risk is less fat survival.
I want to look refreshed and natural with the procedure. These two goals are super important to me. Thanks! 🙂 . okay!!