There are many non-surgical and surgical procedures which can lift, sculpt, tone and volumised areas of an ageing face. At Dr. MediSpa in Loughton, Essex and Harley Street in London, we offer dermal fillers and fat transfer procedures to dramatically improve the appearance of ageing and volume loss in the face. But which one is right for you?
Firstly, it’s worth knowing that fat transfer injections and dermal filler injections can perform very different tasks in various facial areas. Not all dermal fillers are the same and not all fat injections do the same thing. For example, some fillers are designed to add volume whereas some are injected to improve hydration.
There are many areas of the face where dermal fillers and fat transfer injections can be utilised. Both can combat wrinkles around the eyes and the mouth and can be used to add volumes to the cheek, jaw and temples.
Fat transfer injections can be a little more versatile as they can be placed anywhere around the face, as the substance used is from your own body. They can even be used as alternatives to wrinkle-smoothing injections such as Botox to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles around the forehead or eyes.
Surgical vs Non-Surgical
Dermal fillers are a less invasive procedure as they are non-surgical which can be a more attractive option for patients. You can go in for your consultation and have the treatment the same day and then continue with your daily activities afterwards. Dermal fillers don’t need any incisions or general anaesthetic so there is a fast recovery and less risk of complications associated with a GA. Topical anaesthetic can be applied to minimise discomfort and most dermal fillers now also contain Lidocaine, an integrated local anaesthetic, making the procedure far more comfortable for patients nowadays. Downtime is minimal and can include some swelling and tenderness and perhaps a little bruising, but this is nothing that a little mineral makeup can’t cover and will ease a day or so after the procedure.
Fat transfer does require some surgical intervention as the fat used needs to be harvested from somewhere else on the body such as the buttocks or thighs. A liposuction technique is used and this involves a small incision in the harvest area and then a small tube is inserted and moved back and forward to break up the fat deposits under the skin. Once this fat is harvested, it is treated and prepared ready for re-injection into the skin. Because fat transfer is a surgical procedure, usually carried out under a GA or sedation, it requires a little more recovery time than dermal fillers and will involve a small wound which will be closed with stitches or surgical tape. Downtime and healing will take around a week and there may be some swelling and tenderness at the site of harvest.
Results with both fat transfer and dermal fillers can be seen straight away, however, with some swelling and bruising it may be a few days before you see your optimal results. Those wishing to take a more ‘natural’ and long-lasting approach may prefer to undergo the lengthier process of fat transfer as the substances used are harvested from the body and results can last up to 2 years, far longer than those of dermal fillers. However, dermal fillers may be the preferred choice for those who would like to minimise downtime and would prefer a non-surgical approach.
To help you decide which treatment is best for you, we offer a no-obligation consultation with Dr. Somji to discuss your individual concerns and desired results.
For more information on fat transfer and dermal filler injections for the face at our London and Loughton clinics, contact the team on 0208 418 0362.
