Facial Fat Grafting

Smooth , firm skin is often associated with youth and vitality. Aging and substantial weight loss can often contribute to loss of volume in the face. This can be present as fine lines and wrinkles throughout the face, bags under the eyes, loss of the youthful cheek projection and shape, and thin lips. This loss of volume can often make the individual look and feel older than their age, and cause them to become self-conscious. While a facelift and neck lift can lift and reshape the face, cheeks, jawline and neck, they cannot increase volume. For patients looking to restore youthfulness by regaining lost facial volume, fat grafting may be the solution. Fat grafting consists of removing fat from one area of the body to be used as a natural filler in another area.

What is Fat Grafting?

Fat grafting, also known as facial fat transfer, is used to treat volume loss in the face. It is a two part procedure which involves the extraction of fat from one area of the body, and the injection of that fat into an area that requires more volume. Fat injections in the face can restore lost volume, eliminate the signs of aging, enhance the cheek shape, reduce lines and enhance lip volume, enhance and contour the jawline, and fill temporal volume loss. In addition, Dr. Barr has extensive experience in Nanofat grafting that is used to rejuvenate and correct aging facial skin in the lower lids, upper lids, upper lips and other areas of the face.

The area from which the fat will be harvested will be determined with Dr. Barr prior to your procedure. Common areas that serve as the extraction site include the abdomen, love handles, hips, thighs and back of arms. The fat is extracted in a microscopic liposuction procedure through a 2 mm access point under a dilute solution of local anaesthetic. This fat is processed, purified, concentrated and then injected into the desired treatment area.

Educate Yourself on Your Procedure

If you are a patient considering a fat grafting and nanofat grafting procedures, please continue reading for further information on this procedure and what you can expect. If you have any questions about fat grafting or any of our other procedures, please contact us.

Who is a Candidate for Facial Fat Grafting?

The ideal candidates for facial fat surgery are healthy men and women who need some volume correction in the facial region or who want to harness the regenerative healing capacity of nanofat grafting. Younger patients tend to pursue fat grafting procedures to augment areas which they would like to add volume to such as their lips or cheekbones, while in older patients it is used to restore the volume loss that occurs naturally with aging.

What are the Benefits of the Fat Grafting Procedures?

Fat Grafting patients often pursue these procedures in order to correct a number of issues, including:

  • Restoring volume to the face
  • Contouring the face and jawline
  • Filling in depressions in the face from age, injury or hereditary condition
  • Improving the look of wrinkles and lines
  • Filling in hollows in the upper eyelids, lower eyelids and temples
  • Enhancing the projection of cheeks and thin lips
  • Improving confidence

Like the thousands of patients who undergo this procedure every year, you too can acquire the proportional measurements you’ve always wanted, and gain the confidence you deserve.

Risks of Fat Grafting in the Face

There are very few risks associated with facial fat grafting. You may experience some minor swelling and bruising at the harvest location and some mild swelling following your fat graft face procedure. Your expected results and recovery will be detailed for you during your consultation with Dr. Barr.

Why Сhoose Dr. Barr

Choosing the right surgeon is essential in realizing your aesthetic objectives from facial fat grafting. Dr. Scott K. M. Barr is dedicated to delivering extraordinary results tailored to each patient’s desires. His commitment to an in-depth, thorough consultation ensures that patient decisions are well-informed and educated.

Communication is vital to achieving the best possible surgical outcome. Dr. Barr’s approachable demeanor fosters trust and security, creating a comfortable environment for effective communication, easing anxiety, and generating excitement for the transformation ahead.

Choose Dr. Barr for a professional and technologically advanced approach to achieving the rejuvenated appearance you’re seeking.

Fat Transfer on Face Before and After

Preparing for Your Fat Grafting Contouring Procedure

What is the first step in pursuing the fat grafting procedure?
The first step when considering a fat grafting procedure would be to schedule your consultation with Dr. Barr. The consultation process provides an opportunity for you to obtain important information about the procedure and to have all of your questions answered prior to proceeding with surgery. It also enables Dr. Barr to properly assess you and determine whether you are a suitable candidate for these procedures.

You should be prepared to discuss your medical history, including any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, previous surgeries, all current medications, as well as any significant weight gain or loss.
During your consultation Dr. Barr will carefully examine your areas of concern and assess your general health. Different surgical approaches and options will be discussed and he will explain which surgical approach would be best suited to you based on your individual characteristics and aesthetic goals.

The benefits, risks and potential complications associated with fat grafting procedures will be thoroughly explained during this consultation. The information provided at this initial consultation will be comprehensive and thorough, and should enable you to make an informed decision as to whether or not either of these procedures is the right choice for you. A comprehensive instruction package will also be provided to you at the time of consultation, and includes instructions for before and after surgery as well.

Am I a candidate for a fat grafting procedure?
The ideal candidates for a fat grafting procedure are healthy men and women who have realistic expectations of surgical outcomes.

Younger patients often use fat grafting techniques to augment areas which they would like to volumize such as lips or cheekbones. Older patients or patients who have lost a lot of weight typically use the procedure to restore fat to areas that have lost fat such as smile lines, marionette lines, eyelids, temples, cheeks and lips.

Fat grafting is often pursued by patients who prefer the use of use of their own fat, rather than injectable fillers for volume, as it is longer lasting and reduces the risk of allergic reaction.

Can I combine another surgery with my fat grafting procedure?
It may be possible to schedule another surgery at the same time as your fat grafting procedure. Dr. Barr may recommend fat grafting at the same time as rhytidectomy or blepharoplasty surgery to improve your results. You should be prepared to discuss all possibilities during your consultation with Dr. Barr.

The Procedure

What will I need to do prior to surgery?
Prior to surgery you will be scheduled for pre-op session with our Registered Nurse to review your medical history and your post-op instructions. She will review all of the information you will need to know to prepare you for surgery.
Where will my procedure be performed?
Your procedure will be performed within the state-of-the-art facilities of Barr Plastic Surgery, located within the Northern Ontario Surgical Centre.

Northern Ontario Surgical Centre has been awarded accreditation by the CAAASF (Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) for meeting the standards of a hospital in regards to monitoring, emergency and resuscitation equipment. With two levels and entrances that conceal the actual size of the facility, the centre itself spans 8000 square feet and incorporates fully equipped major and minor operating rooms, a monitored multi-bed recovery area, 10 laser and treatment rooms, spacious consultation areas, private offices to discuss financing options, elegant waiting areas and a private waiting room and secure rear entrance/exit for additional privacy when desired.

How is the fat grafting procedure performed?
The fat grafting procedure is used to treat volume loss in the face. It is a two stage procedure which involves the extraction of fat from one area of the body and the injection of it into areas requiring more volume.

The area from which the fat will be harvested will be determined with Dr. Barr prior to your procedure. Common areas that serve as the extraction site include the abdomen, love handles, hips, thighs and back of arms. The fat is extracted in a procedure similar to liposuction, processed and purified, and then injected into the treatment areas. Prior to treatment you may be given local anaesthetic with sedation.

How long will my results last?
The treatment areas will appear more plump and voluminous, giving you a more rejuvenated, and often younger appearance. Skin texture may also be improved. Your results will depend on a number of factors including how the fat was harvested and processed and the skill with which it was injected. Once injected, the fat transfer will be long lasting. In some cases your body will absorb some of the fat that does not obtain an adequate blood supply. This may necessitate an additional transfer to achieve the volume you desire. Your expected outcomes will be discussed during consultation with Dr. Barr.
How soon can I expect results?
While many patients report immediate results, full results are noted after a few weeks once any residual swelling and/or bruising has dissipated.
Who can I contact if I have any questions or concerns?
During office hours our Patient Coordinators and nursing staff are available to answer any questions or concerns following your surgery. After hours, Dr. Barr is available by pager.

Pricing

How much does a fat grafting procedure cost?
Most patients find that pricing for their fat grafting procedure is quite affordable. We don’t believe that the cost of surgery should keep you from investing in your self-confidence and happiness. Our knowledgeable Patient Coordinators are happy to spend time with you discussing pricing and your many payment options.
Is full payment required or do you offer a financing plan?

Affording your procedure can be made simpler by using Medicard which enables you to pay for your surgery with monthly payments. Please note that this company is not affiliated in any way with Barr Plastic Surgery. For more information on how financing can help you afford your procedure, visit:

MEDICARD
www.medicard.com
1-888-689-9876

  •  Fax, online, phone application
  • Approval within 1 business day
  • Payment terms: 6 months to 5 years
  • No down payment
  • Rates based on overall credit history (11.9% – 25%)
  • No penalties for early payments
Is my procedure covered by insurance?
Fat grafting is considered cosmetic surgery and therefore not usually covered by private or provincial insurance such as OHIP.
What is included in the surgical fee?
The facility fee, surgeon, nurses, anaesthesia and anaesthetist, surgical supplies, and equipment used are all covered in the fees.
You will also be provided with prescriptions for medications to be taken after surgery. These prescriptions are subject to the same coverage you would receive from your medical insurance. If you do not have personal insurance then these are extra costs to you.
Is a deposit required? When is it due?
There is a $500 deposit for any surgery under $5,000 and a $1000 deposit for any surgery over $5000.
This deposit is payable upon scheduling a surgery date.  This fee is non-refundable should you change, reschedule or cancel your surgery within 4 weeks of the surgery date.
When is payment for the surgery due?
    Payment for your surgery is due 14 days prior to your surgery date. Payment can be made by:
  • Cash
  • Certified Cheques
  • Mastercard or VISA
  • E-transfers
  • Financing plan

Recovery

Will I need to stay overnight during my surgery?
Fat grafting is an outpatient procedure and does not require an overnight stay at Barr Plastic Surgery. Following your surgery you will need a friend or family member to pick you up and care for you for 24-48 hours after surgery. This person should also be familiar with your prescriptions and post-surgery instructions.
How long will it take me to recover from my procedure?
Patients can expect some swelling and bruising which may last up to a week. You should avoid strenuous activities and avoid putting pressure on the treatment area for the first two weeks. Your progress will be monitored by Dr. Barr and his medical team through a series of follow up appointments.

Out Of Town Patients

Many clients travel from out of town to pursue cosmetic surgery at Barr Plastic Surgery. We often welcome patients from cities located in the Northern Ontario region, including North Bay, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins and all the towns and cities in between, as well as patients located in Southern Ontario and across various regions of Canada. Patients requiring information or assistance in selecting appropriate accommodations can discuss travel arrangements with our patient coordinators.

More information on Facial Fat Grafting

Welcome Patients from Across Ontario!

Southern Ontario

  • Toronto
  • Niagara
  • Ottawa
  • Windsor
  • Hamilton
  • Oshawa
  • Kitchener
  • Barrie
  • Cambridge
  • Kingston
  • Waterloo
  • Guelph
  • London
  • Brantford
  • St. Catharines
  • Peterborough

Northern Ontario

  • Greater Sudbury
  • Kenora
  • Thunder Bay
  • Elliot Lake
  • Sault Ste. Marie
  • Temiskaming Shores
  • North Bay
  • Dryden
  • Timmins