Facial Sculpting in Colombia

CHEEK ENHANCEMENT IN COLOMBIA

Your cheeks help define your face, just like your jawline.  For centuries, well-defined facial features have been considered traits of physical beauty.  A common trait among many models is prominent and well-defined facial bones and cheeks.  Sculpted checks can provide balance and definition, and can even enhance overall self-confidence.

Perhaps you never warmed to the look of your cheeks, or maybe they have changed with age. Perhaps your cheeks were once high and full, but have now started to sag. If any of these scenarios speak to you, you may want to consider cheek augmentation to get the look you desire.

Thanks to modern technology, there is a safe, permanent method to provide those high cheekbones sought after by men and women worldwide.

CHEEK IMPLANTS SURGERY (MALAR IMPLANTS) – Facial Sculpting in Colombia

Cheek implants increase the projection of the cheekbones by adding volume to areas, which may be recessed, or flat.  By improving midfacial contour, cheek implants can provide balance the face and approve overall appearance.

Cheek implants are most useful for individuals who lack adequate prominence of the cheek bones related to the way that their facial architecture developed. Prominence in the cheekbone area is a very attractive feature for men and woman. Fat injections or filler substances can be used to increase cheekbone contour but in general those results are temporary.

Silicone cheek implants, which are placed through a small incision inside the mouth, can produce excellent cheek contour and the results will be permanent. In some patients the cheekbones are asymmetrical and Dr. Smith, Dr. Campbell or Dr. Restrepo carves the cheek implants individually to correct the asymmetry.

Facial implants are specially formed solid, biocompatible materials designed to enhance or augment the physical structure of your face. The precise type and size of implants best suited for you requires an evaluation of your goals, the features you wish to correct and your surgeon’s judgment.

Cheek implants can increase the size and definition of cheekbones that do not project in proportion with the forehead, mid-face, and chin.  Cheek implants help improve the appearance of weak malar regions, achieving a harmonious balance to the facial features and enhancing the facial profile.  Our plastic surgeons at Premium Care use soft silicone cheek implants, which are customized to the patient’s anatomy.  Cheek implants provide a permanent, natural-looking solution for patients unhappy with the appearance of their cheekbones and overall balance of their facial features.

CHEEK IMPLANTS OR A FACELIFT?

Our plastic surgeons feel that in general, the loss of cheekbone prominence that is part of the aging process due to the decent of the facial soft tissues, should not be corrected with cheek implants.  Instead, the patient will get a much more natural result and will have their cheek contour restored to a more youthful appearance with a proper facelift procedure.

If symmetry among facial features is part of your goal, facial implants may be recommended to augment more than one facial region. It’s important to remember that all of our faces are asymmetric to some degree and your results may not be completely symmetric. The goal is to create balance and proportion. Your procedure may be performed alone, or as a complement to other facial contouring procedures such as nose or ear surgery.

Ready to move forward with your cheek enhancement – Facial Sculpting in Colombia?  Want to learn more about your options?  Why not plan to meet with one of our plastic surgeons in Colombia soon?  You can book a consultation online or call us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 8481909 in United States to schedule an appointment.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING CHEEK IMPLANT SURGERY

When the patient is a candidate for cheek implants the procedure takes approximately 1 hour and is performed under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. Like all other procedures the amount of swelling associated with cheek implants varies from person to person, but in general many patients return to regular activity within a few days.

STEP 1 – ANESTHESIA

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

STEP 2 – THE INCISION

The cheek: The specific area to be augmented in the cheek determines where an implant will be positioned on the cheekbone. Cheek implants are most often placed through incisions in the mouth. When performed with other procedures, alternate incisions may be recommended including placement through an incision inside the lower eyelid or one within the hairline.

STEP 3 – CLOSING THE INCISIONS

Your incisions will be closed with absorbable sutures or stitches that will be removed within 1-2 weeks following your surgery.

STEP 4 – SEE THE RESULTS

While the initial outcome of plastic surgery with facial implants is noticeable almost immediately, it will be obscured by visible swelling. It may take several months for swelling to fully dissipate.

RECOVERY

A cheek implant procedure takes less than an hour to perform, and it usually associated with a few days of swelling and minimal bruising. There is some discomfort which is treated with mild analgesics such as Tylenol.  Patients can resume their normal diet the day following surgery.

SAFETY OF CHEEK IMPLANTS

Facial implants have proven to provide a safe, predictable, low-cost, low-risk cosmetic surgical procedure. To date, millions of facial implants made from non- toxic materials such as silicone have been implanted, with no reported cases of allergic reaction. The implants, designed specifically for use in the midfacial cheek area come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. These implants can be custom-trimmed by your surgeon for a more natural fit.

When you request your consultation at Premium Care Plastic Surgery, our plastic surgeons will take the time to discuss all aspects of facial sculpting in depth, and answer any questions you may have.

CHEEK AUGMENTATION & FAQ’S

WHAT IS CHEEK AUGMENTATION SURGERY?

Cheek (malar) augmentation surgery is used to enhance the shape and size of your cheekbones in particular and your face overall. As we age, our face tends to lose some of its fullness, making it appear to sag. Facial Sculpting in Colombia with Cheek augmentation surgery can restore fullness for a more youthful appearance.

There are several available options for cheek augmentation including a combination of a mid-face lift and fat injections.  For a permanent fix, malar augmentation using implants made of silicone may be the way to go.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL CHEEK AUGMENTATION CONSULTATION ENTAIL?

A consultation is an opportunity to learn about the cheek augmentation procedure and the surgeon you are considering to perform it. Your surgeon will ask you about what you hope to achieve with cheek augmentation, and then he or she will give a professional opinion of what can be achieved realistically taking into account many variables, including your facial dimensions and shape. He or she will also help you decide the best option for cheek augmentation (be it injections or implants), the risk involved and how much the procedure will cost.

HOW IS CHEEK AUGMENTATION WITH IMPLANTS PERFORMED?

Cheek augmentation with implants takes from one to one-and-a-half hours to perform. Incisions will be placed as inconspicuously as possible within the mouth or lower eyelid area. A pocket is crafted over the cheekbone and the implant is inserted and affixed to bone or soft tissue. The surgeon then closes the incisions with sutures.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT POSTOPERATIVELY?

Extensive pain is not typical with malar augmentation with implants; however, if you have a low threshold for pain, ask your surgeon to prescribe an analgesic in advance. Swelling and bruising are typical. What’s more, you may feel a degree of numbness that will normally disappear within one to three months.

WHEN WILL THE SUTURES BE TAKEN OUT?

If there are sutures, they will be removed in approximately five to 10 days.

WILL THERE BE SCARRING?

Yes, there will be scarring; how visible it is depends on the type and location of incision your surgeon uses.

IS THERE A LOT OF SWELLING INVOLVED WITH CHEEK IMPLANTS?

Considerable swelling may occur due to tissue trauma, especially if screws are used to affix the implant to the cheekbone. Your cheeks will look over-augmented for a while, and the definition you are seeking may not be apparent for a few months.

WHAT IS THE DOWNTIME ASSOCIATED WITH CHEEK AUGMENTATION?

You can expect to resume regular activities in about one to two weeks. Major social functions should be postponed for at least four weeks to be sure that all the swelling and bruising has subsided.

WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO SEE THE RESULTS?

The results are immediate, although you may think that the implants are far too large at first due to the swelling. It may take a few months for more refined results to emerge.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF CHEEK AUGMENTATION?

There is a chance of infection, hematoma (blood pooling), seroma, numbness from nerve damage, asymmetry and hyperpigmentation (permanent discolorations) caused by the bruising. There is the risk that the implant will shift, requiring additional surgery to reposition it. Also, there is a chance you won’t like the final results, in which case you may need to undergo a revision surgery or removal of the implant.

HOW LONG DOES CHEEK AUGMENTATION LAST?

Standard cheek implants were designed to last your lifetime. If you go the filler route, the augmentation will last several months to a year.

If you’re ready to meet with our plastic surgeons at Premium Care in Colombia, you can request a consultation online or contact us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 8481909 in United States.

BUCCAL FAT EXTRACTION IN COLOMBIA

Chubby check, or “Chipmunk cheeks,” may work on some people, but it’s not a look everyone can carry off.  If you have chubby cheeks and want a thinner, more chiseled-looking face, buccal fat extraction or cheek reduction may be an option.

Considering cheek reduction surgery? Try this easy test: Purse your lips to whistle or drink through a straw, then look in a mirror. Do you like how you look? If so, this procedure may be right for you.  But be aware: You may start to lose fat on your face as you age, which can result in a thinner appearance. If you choose to have this surgery and your face naturally thins, you may look gaunt and sickly. While there is no crystal ball to show you how your face will age, your parents can be a good guideline. If your mother and father still have chubby cheeks, yours are probably here to stay also. In this scenario, buccal fat extraction can help.

KEEP IN MIND THAT IF YOU GAIN A LOT OF WEIGHT, YOUR CHEEKS MAY PUFF UP AGAIN.

During a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons at Premium Care Plastic Surgery in Colombia, your surgeon will explain the various techniques and incision placement options, and discuss the risks associated with buccal fat extraction – Facial Sculpting in Colombia.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Buccal fat extraction is done on an outpatient basis with light sleep sedation, regional anesthesia with sedation, local anesthesia with oral sedation or general IV sedation; the choice is up to you and your surgeon. The procedure usually takes about an hour. It can be combined with other procedures.

During buccal fat extraction, your surgeon removes the fat pads that augment your lower cheeks. These pads, which can be found in your cheeks and along the sides of your face, give your face that rounded look. Some of this buccal fat can be removed surgically through incisions inside the mouth.

To do this, your surgeon will make an incision that is about  one or two centimeters in length. The incision is located in the back of your mouth above your second upper molar. He or she will then cut through the buccinator muscle (one of the main muscles of your cheek). Then, by pressing on the outside of your cheek, your surgeon will cause the buccal fat to push through this incision. He or she will use a forceps to remove the unwanted cheek fat before closing with dissolvable sutures.

Your surgeon may put a piece of antibiotic-soaked gauze between your upper molars and gums and/or apply a pressure dressing that spans from top of your head to underneath your chin.

Ready to move forward with your cheek reduction surgery?  Want to learn more about your options?  Why not plan to meet with one of our plastic surgeons in Colombia soon?  You can book a consultation online or call us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 8481909 in United States to schedule an appointment.

CHEEK REDUCTION RECOVERY

After surgery you are then awakened and brought to the recovery room where you will be monitored until you are ready to be released. As you regain consciousness after cheek reduction, your face may feel tight and tender.  These are common feelings and will pass. You cannot drive yourself home after surgery and must be driven home by a responsible adult, so make arrangements prior to surgery.

You may be groggy from the anesthetic and/or pain medications for the first day or two. Expect some swelling and bruising.  Take it easy for the first few days. Sleep with your head elevated on at least two pillows or a foam wedge for as long as your surgeon suggests.

Eating can be a challenge after buccal fat extraction because you will have incisions inside your mouth. Eat carefully and avoid highly acidic foods such as tomatoes, oranges, grapefruit and cherries. These foods can irritate the incisions.

You may be instructed to rinse with a mouthwash or an antiseptic solution several times a day. Keep your tongue away from your incisions and sutures.

In most cases, these sutures will be taken out about a week to 10 days after your buccal fat extraction. Do not participate in contact sports until your surgeon gives you the go ahead.

BUCCAL FAT EXTRACTION RISK

Buccal fat extraction does have its share of risks and complications. All surgeries do. Risks of buccal fat extraction include:  Anesthesia problems, Infection, Nerve damage, Numbness of the cheek and inside of the mouth, Puckering of the skin on the cheek, Excess scar tissue, Lumps, Asymmetry, Cosmetic dissatisfaction.

When you request your consultation at Premium Care Plastic Surgery in Colombia, our plastic surgeons will take the time to discuss all aspects of facial sculpting in Colombia in depth, and answer any questions you may have

BUCCAL FAT EXTRACTION: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is buccal fat extraction?

Buccal fat extraction is the removal of a part of the buccal fat pads in the cheeks. These fat pads are located in the lower cheeks and can contribute to an overly round or plump face, sometimes referred to as “chipmunk cheeks.”

At what age can a buccal fat extraction be performed?

Buccal fat removal can be done at almost any age. However, keep in mind that many people begin to lose facial fat in their 20s and 30s. If their fat reserves are removed before then, they may end up with a gaunt appearance — a face that looks too thin and possibly unhealthy.

What does a typical buccal fat extraction consultation entail?

During your buccal fat extraction consultation, your surgeon will discuss your aesthetic goals, review your options with Facial Sculpting in Colombia and explain what can be realistically achieved with buccal fat extraction. He or she will also discuss the risks and complications of the surgery, anesthesia choices, fees, and what to expect postoperatively. This consultation is when you can ask questions about the surgery and determine if the surgeon is a good choice for you. Do not hesitate to ask lots of questions.

 How is buccal fat extraction performed?

Buccal fat extraction is done on an outpatient basis under light sleep sedation, regional anesthesia with sedation, local anesthesia with oral sedation, or general intravenous sedation, depending on your surgeon’s preference and whether or not you’re having additional procedures done at the same time (for example, a facelift). After you are anesthetized, your surgeon will make an incision on one side of the inside of your mouth between your upper molars and inner cheek. He or she will then push a bit on the outside of the cheek to push the buccal fat back through the incision, removing small bits of the fat pad a little at a time. This process is repeated on the other side of your face and the incisions are closed.

What should I expect postoperatively?

Following your buccal fat extraction surgery, your lower face and mouth will be sore, swollen and tender. Any bruising will be on the inside of your mouth. You may be put on a special diet of foods that are not acidic, and you may be instructed to sleep with your head elevated and to rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash several times each day. The swelling should dissipate after about two weeks.

When will the stitches be removed and does this hurt?

The stitches will usually be removed within a week to 10 days after your buccal fat extraction surgery. The process may be uncomfortable, but not overly painful. Suture removal is usually quick.

 When will I be able to see the results?

You should see preliminary results within a week or two as the swelling subsides, but it may take anywhere from two to four months to see the full results of your buccal fat extraction procedure.

What are the risks of buccal fat extraction?

Buccal fat extraction, like all surgery, has risks and complications. These risks include allergic reaction to the anesthetic used. There is also a chance of nerve damage, numbness in the cheeks or lower face, skin puckering, unwanted depressions in the cheeks, lumps, hematoma (a pocket of blood), seroma (a pocket of fluid) and infection. Results could be asymmetrical, or you may just be unhappy with the final results.

Are the results permanent?

The results of buccal fat extraction are permanent. However, if you gain a marked amount of weight in the future, your cheeks may plump up again.

If you’re ready to meet with our plastic surgeons at Premium Care Plastic Surgery in Colombia, you can request a consultation online or contact us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 8481909 in United States.

FACIAL LIPOSUCTION IN COLOMBIA

Are you bothered by excess fat around your cheeks, chin, and neck?  Your face says a lot about you as a person. In many ways, it provides others with a lasting impression of who you are, how you feel, and what you think.

Diet and exercise can help many areas of the body, but nothing seems to affect those fatty deposits on your cheeks, chin, jawline, or neck. These areas don’t usually respond to diet and exercise. Sometimes, a sensible diet and dedicated exercise routine does not decrease this stubborn fat. Many women and men in the United States, Europe, and Latin America turn to Facial Sculpting in Colombia with facial liposuction in Cartagena as a solution.

FACIAL LIPOSUCTION FOR THE CHIN AND NECK

Facial liposuction is a Facial Sculpting in Colombia procedure, also called submental liposuction, can remove unwanted fat from under the chin and neck, helping to improve your appearance by banishing your double chin, jowls or even your turkey neck. It can change the look of your face, and others will be none the wiser — often leaving them thinking you have simply shed a few pounds.

Chin / neck liposuction does not differ much from liposuction elsewhere on the body, except in scale. A smaller area is being treated and a smaller amount of fat (usually just a few ounces) is being removed.  Liposuction surgery is performed to actually remove unwanted localized deposits of fat cells from the body. Liposuction was originally designed for body contouring.  Your liposuction surgeon uses a special tube called a cannula. The cannula is inserted through a tiny incision placed in an inconspicuous location on the face or neck.  Using a suction syringe or pump attached to the cannula, the fat cells are extracted.  The result is a resculpting of bulging areas into more attractive and more youthful facial contours.

In younger patients, facial liposuction is often effective on its own. In older patients, it may produce optimal results when combined with a face lift, brow lift, eyelid surgery, or nose surgery. It is often performed with the addition of chin or cheek implants for better definition.

Sometimes chin augmentation with implants can be performed in conjunction with facial liposuction to create or restore facial harmony. Neck / chin liposuction can also be done in conjunction with buccal fat extraction if you are bothered by chubby cheeks.

Who are the best candidates?

• Men and women with localized facial fatty deposits
• Are in good health.
• Have fat deposits disproportionate to the rest of their bodies.
• Have good skin elasticity.
• Have realistic expectations.

Is facial liposuction – Facial Sculpting in Colombia –  for you?

If excess fatty tissue in your face or neck is bothering you, facial liposuction may be your answer. Your doctor can help you determine what the best treatment will be to obtain your desired results.

Facial liposuction – Facial Sculpting in Colombia – can make a dramatic change in the way you look by removing the excess fat from your cheeks, chin, and neck. To find out if it’s right for you request a consultation online and schedule your visit with one of our plastic surgeons at Premium Care.

FACIAL LIPOSUCTION PROCEDURE

Facial liposuction is usually done with light sedation plus local anesthesia, unless you are having other facial procedures done at the same time. In that case, your surgeon may opt for general anesthesia. On its own, facial liposuction typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour to perform.

Your surgeon will make an incision that is about two to four milimeters long either in the angle of your lower jaw, just beneath your chin. Your surgeon then inserts a thin tube (cannula) into the area via a tiny incision. The cannula is moved back and forth to break up the fat, making it easier to vacuum out.

Once the liposuction procedure is complete, your incisions are closed. The results are immediate.

FACIAL LIPOSUCTION: YOUR RECOVERY

One or two small stitches may be needed to close the tiny incisions. You will wear a snug elastic dressing over the treated area for a few days, and you may be advised to wear it at night for a few weeks. You will go home after the procedure and rest for at least 24 hours. Mild pain relievers may be needed along with cold packs for a few days. Most patients resume normal activities after 2 – 4 days.

Recovery after facial liposuction – Facial Sculpting in Colombia is not as grueling as with a facelift or some other more invasive facial rejuvenation procedures. There will likely be some mild discomfort that can be controlled with prescribed or approved over-the-counter painkillers. Some swelling and bruising is also normal; ask your surgeon whether there is anything you can do or take to help minimize it.  Certain homeopathic remedies such as bromelain or Arnica Montana may have a role.

You will likely be asked to wear a compression garment for several weeks. Most people can return to work in five days; you may be back at work faster than this if you sport a turtle neck or scarf to cover the treated area.

When you request your consultation at Premium Care Plastic Surgery, our plastic surgeons will take the time to discuss all aspects of Facial Sculpting in Colombia in depth, and answer any questions you may have.

FACIAL LIPOSUCTION: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Facial liposuction – Facial Sculpting in Colombia can make it look like you have lost a few pounds. If you are thinking about facial liposuction, you probably have lots of questions and you may have some concerns. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about facial liposuction:

WHAT IS FACIAL LIPOSUCTION?

Facial Sculpting in Colombia with Facial liposuction can vacuum out a few ounces of fat under the chin and jawline — and the loss of those few ounces may make it look like you’ve dropped several pounds. Facial liposuction can be performed in conjunction with other cosmetic techniques, such as a face lift or chin augmentation. If you have a double chin or chubbiness around your lower face, you may be a candidate for facial liposuction

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL FACIAL LIPOSUCTION CONSULTATION ENTAIL?

A facial liposuction consultation is your chance to sit down with a plastic surgeon and discuss your goals. You lay out what you’d like to achieve aesthetically, and he or she explains what can be accomplished realistically with facial liposuction. During your consultation for facial liposuction, the surgeon should examine your face and underlying bone structure, especially around the chin and jawline, to determine how much fat can be removed. The surgeon should also provide you with information about how the procedure is performed, its cost, risks and what to expect after treatment.

IS THE FAT REMOVAL PERMANENT?

Yes! After puberty, we do not create many new fat cells. When you gain weight, you expand the fat cells that you have. Facial Sculpting in Colombia – Facial liposuction permanently removes fat cells to improve your facial contour.  Should you gain weight after liposuction, it will go to the fat cells that remain in your body. The localized fatty deposits that existed prior to liposuction can no longer balloon up out of proportion to the surrounding areas.

WILL I NEED A SECOND PROCEDURE?

One procedure is usually sufficient. However, some patients require a fine-tuning procedure at a future date.

HOW IS FACIAL LIPOSUCTION PERFORMED?

Facial liposuction is usually performed under light sedation plus local anesthesia, or possibly general anesthesia if you are having other facial procedures done at the same time. Small incisions are made within the natural folds under the chin or jawline. Using a cannula (thin tube), the surgeon breaks up the fat and suctions it out through the incisions. Sometimes a tumescent technique is used where a solution of sterile saline, lidocaine (anesthetic) and epinephrine (vasoconstrictor to reduce bleeding) are injected into the targeted area, engorging the tissues for a firmer working area. There is also a liposuction technique that involves ultrasound. The sound waves liquefy the fat cells, making it easier to remove them by suction. At the end of the procedure, sutures are used to close the incisions and a support garment is applied.

WHERE ARE THE INCISIONS MADE, AND ARE THERE ANY SCARS?

The incisions are usually made within the natural folds of the face, under the jawline or chin. Scars are usually inconspicuous.

HOW WILL I LOOK AFTER SURGERY?

The changes following Facial Sculpting in Colombia – facial liposuction can be dramatic for our patients. The use of smaller cannulas allows the fibrous connections between your skin and body to remain. These connections will contract over time. As a result, excessive neck skin folds are so rare that many patients avoid the necessity for surgical skin removal by having excellent results with facial liposuction alone.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT POSTOPERATIVELY?

Recovery after facial liposuction is less grueling than after a more invasive facial rejuvenation procedure, like a facelift, but you should expect some discomfort, swelling and bruising. Your surgeon should be able to recommend an analgesic for discomfort as well as something to help with the swelling and bruising (Arnica and Bromelain are two homeopathic remedies that are often used.)

IS FACIAL LIPOSUCTION PAINFUL? IS THERE MUCH BRUISING?

You may experience moderate discomfort with Facial Sculpting in Colombia – facial liposuction. Take your pain medication as prescribed by your surgeon. Bruising, like pain, is very individualized. Swelling may be more of an issue; it generally takes about 10 days for it to subside. Wearing the compression garment or bandage prescribed by your surgeon will help.

WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO RETURN TO WORK?

Most people plan to take off a week from work and other activities after facial liposuction to recover and give the swelling time to go down. A longer recovery period will be required if you have other procedures, such as chin implant surgery, performed at the same time as the liposuction.

WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO SEE THE RESULTS?

After the swelling subsides, you will begin to notice a difference in your chin and jawline. The change will begin to emerge after about 10 days and will continue as the swelling disappears.

If you’re ready to meet with our plastic surgeons at Premium Care, you can request a consultation online or contact us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 8481909 in United States.

FACIAL FAT GRAFTING IN COLOMBIA

Facial wrinkles and creases are part of the aging process. They begin to appear as the underlying collagen and elastin fibers break down and wear out. While this breakdown is part of the natural aging process, it can also result from excessive squinting, frowning, and smiling.  Patients from the United States, Europe, and Latin America visit us for fat transfer to smooth out wrinkles and enhance their look.  Fat can be removed from one part of the body and transferred to another area where it adds volume. This is commonly performed for facial sculpting in Colombia with lip augmentation, filling of the nasolabial folds, and augmentation of facial tissues.

Facial Sculpting in Colombia with Fat transfer, also lipoaugmentation or micro-lipoinjection, plumps up facial features with a patient’s own fat and is a popular alternative to other wrinkle treatments.  Fat transfer to the face is a safe, natural, non-allergenic procedure designed to recontour your face and provide definition to your cheeks and chin. It can also be used to correct facial deformities.  With fat transfer in Cartagena, the doctor can liposuction fat from your stomach, hips, or thighs and transfer a portion of it to any area of your body.

Re-injected fat lasts longer in larger areas of non-movement, so it is very successful for the correction of sunken cheeks.  Facial Sculpting in Colombia with Fat transfer can also correct post- surgical and post-traumatic defects. But not every area of the body responds well to fat transfer.  Some areas are more difficult to augment than others. Success can generally be achieved with a sound surgical plan. Most areas require two or three lipoaugmentation procedures to get the desired result. Of course, individual results may vary depending on desired effect, previous surgery, and availability of quality, transferrable fat.

 FAT GRAFTING OVERVIEW

When we age our underlying collagen and elastic begin to break down and wrinkles emerge. We also tend to lose some subcutaneous fat on our faces. This brings about a haggard, hollow, or even skeletal look.

Facial Sculpting in Colombia with Fat grafting is a natural approach to restoring a youthful look to the face that does not involve removal of skin, stretching the skin, or the risk of an unnatural looks that can result from a facelift.  Fat grafting can be combined with a facelift, if that is what you need.

WHAT IS FAT GRAFTING?

Fat grafting is also called facial fat rejuvenation, fat transfer, free fat transfer, Facial Sculpting in Colombia, autologous fat grafting or transfer, micro-lipoinjection, and fat injections.  For simplicity, we’ll just call it fat grafting.

Fat grafting is the process of taking small amounts of fat from one part of the body and reimplanting it elsewhere, where it is needed. This fat can be implanted to the lips, the nasolabial folds (the folds from the corners of your mouth to your nose), the under eye areas, the cheeks and other parts of your face and body. It is minimally invasive and can help correct problems such as acne scars and restore a youthful look to an aging face.

As an injectable filler, your own fat is almost perfect. It is soft and feels natural, it does not cause immune problems, and you already have some! The fat is harvested from some other spot on your body, such as you abdomen, and can be a by-product, if you will, of liposuction.

The main downside to fat grafting is that your body tends to absorb it at least to some degree. The amount of fat that is implanted and then absorbed by your body varies depending on who you talk to.  Some studies have found that almost all the fat is absorbed, but there have been a lot of improvements in harvesting, treating, and injecting the fat and many cosmetic surgeons are reporting very good, lasting results.  A lot depends on factors including how the fat was removed, how it was concentrated and treated, how much was injected, where it was injected, how still you kept the treatment area in the time right after treatment, and your metabolism and how well your body heals itself.

 BENEFITS OF FAT TRANSFER:  WHAT TO EXPECT

• Fat transferred to the face can last as long as three years.
• Fat transfer can be very cost effective when combined with another procedure.
• With fat transfer there’s no chance of an allergic reaction.
• Patients are up and around immediately following fat transfer at Premium Care Plastic Surgery. Any discomfort following the procedure can be controlled with medication. Some swelling at the treatment site may last up to 36 hours. There may be some bruising, which can be covered with make- up.
• Your initial injection should last up to 6 months. Over the first few months about 65% of the fat will be absorbed by your body. The remaining 35% will usually stay in place for years.

 CANDIDATES FOR FACIAL FAT GRAFTING

To be a good candidate for Facial Sculpting in Colombia with facial fat grafting, you have to be in good health, not have any active diseases or pre-existing medical conditions, and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of this procedure. Fat grafting can make you look more youthful, but it will not change anything else about your life. If you think anything else will change, you don’t have realistic expectations.

You need to talk to your cosmetic surgeon about what you want and make sure the he or she understands your needs. Discuss you goals with your surgeon so that both of you can reach an understanding of what can realistically be achieved.

FACIAL FAT RESHAPING: MOST POPULAR TREATED AREAS

Fat grafting can be done on almost all areas of the face and body. However, the most common treatment sites are the areas under the eyes, the tear troughs under the eyes, the temples, the cheeks, the chin, the lips, the jaw line, the forehead, and the glabella (the area just above your nose in between the brows).

Facial Sculpting in Colombia with Fat grafting can also be used to help fill in scars on the face and has been used on the buttocks and hips and the sternum.  The site being treated must have good blood circulation and enough capillaries and larger blood vessels so that the injected fat cells are nourished and can form their own blood supply. This is a key factor in getting the best and longest lasting results.

Ready to move forward with your Facial Sculpting in Colombia?  Want to learn more about your options?  Why not plan to meet with one of our plastic surgeons soon?  You can book a consultation online or call us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 8481909 in United States to schedule an appointment.

WHAT YOU EXPECT AT YOUR CONSULTATION

You can make an appointment at Premium Care for a consultation about fat grafting with one of our plastic surgeons.  Your surgeon will explain the technique and incision placements for fat removal and the grafting methods that are most appropriate for you.  He or she should discuss all risks, including the risk that the fat will be absorbed by your body, which would mean that any improvement does not last.

You will also discuss the anesthesia that will be used for your procedure. Most fat grafting procedures are performed under local anesthesia for the site where the fat is harvested and regional anesthesia for the treated area.

PREPARING FOR YOUR PROCEDURE

You will be given an information packet that explains everything you should do and know before your procedure date. The packet should include a list of any medications you should not take before your procedure. These will include any products containing aspirin or ibuprofen. Make sure your doctor has a complete list of all medications that you take, including dietary supplements and herbal products.

HOW FAT GRAFTING IS PERFORMED

This procedure involves both a donor site (where the fat is taken from) and the treatment site (where it is being put). You may be given an oral sedative and receive injections of sterile saline, xylocaine, and possibly epinephrine. If you are having liposuction for body contouring and will be having some of that suctioned fat injected, you will probably be under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.  If all you are getting is fat injections, the fat will probably be removed from a site treated with a local anesthetic. Usually, the donor site will be the thighs or abdomen.

Although you would think they could just use a syringe to suck out the fat from one spot and use the same syringe to inject it where you want it, this is not done. The fat must be treated to remove blood and other fluid and any damaged fat cells. Whole healthy fat cells are best for reimplantation. So the surgeon suctions out a little fat and this fat is then spun in a centrifuge or treated in some other way to remove excess fluids and the damaged fat cells are separated out. The fat (which looks like a yellowish liquid in the syringe) is then injected using a separate smaller hypodermic needle.

Rather than inject fat cells, some surgeons implant individual strands of fat cells one by one. This procedure takes time, but is said to last the longest. The down side is that there may be extremely small incisions.

After the procedure, you will be brought to the recovery room where you will be monitored until you are ready to be released. Most people are released about 2 hours after the procedure is finished. Your face may feel tight and quite tender as the anesthesia wears off and your donor site may be sore as well.

You will need to be driven home by a responsible adult because you will not be able to drive yourself home. Most patients do not have too much pain or discomfort. However, if you believe your pain to be out of the ordinary once you get home, call your surgeon or the on-call staff immediately.

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

You shouldn’t wear cosmetics until at least the day after. You will be told to try not to move the treated area or massage it for a few days after a fat grafting procedure. I know it is impossible to keep it totally immobilized, but try. The reimplanted fat cells can be given a better ‘chance at life’, if you are careful not to move the area around.

Some patients report mild or moderate bruising, although swelling can be pretty moderate to severe. Most of the swelling will last anywhere from 24 to 72 hours; although it should be gone completely in 2 to 4 weeks. If you have excessive pain, redness, pus or other symptoms that do not appear normal, contact your surgeon immediately! Take your temperature regularly. An elevated temperature could mean an infection.

With fat grafting, anywhere from 30% to 60% of the fat may be absorbed by the body.  Many patients may need more than one treatment. The benefits of fat grafting can last anywhere from 3 months to 3 years, and probably more.  You will be asked to see the surgeon about 6 to 8 weeks after your treatment. This is when most swelling has subsided and early results can be evaluated. If you need more treatment, you will probably to asked to wait about 3 months after your first treatment to allow all swelling to resolve and blood vessels to grow and support the fat grafts.

THE RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OF FAT GRAFTING

The most common problems with fat grafting are aesthetic ones. You may have too little fat tissue grafted or too much. You may also be happy with the results for several weeks or months, but then have most of the transferred fat be absorbed.

However, the answer to fat absorption is not simply injecting large amounts of fat the first time, assuming some of it won’t last. Placing too much fat in a particular area can overwhelm the growth of new blood vessels and the fat cells can all die at once, leading to irregularities or migration of fat out of the area where you want it.

Other risks include an allergic reaction to the anesthesia or local anesthetic. There is a risk of infection, bad bruising, and asymmetry. Occasionally, bruising caused by a ruptured superficial blood vessel at the treatment site may be permanent.

You may simply be unhappy with the results for many reasons, whether it is due to the decreased longevity of the graft, improper placement, or the overall outcome. Choose your surgeon wisely and your chance of a positive outcome is certainly increased. However, even the best doctor can’t perform miracles. If your body just doesn’t “take” the fat transfer, there is not much that can be done and another form of filler will be needed.

When you request your consultation at Premium Care Plastic Surgery, our plastic surgeons will take the time to discuss all aspects of facial sculpting in depth, and answer any questions you may have.

FAT GRAFTING: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Fat grafting can add volume to the face and lips — or almost anywhere else you need a little fullness. If you are thinking about fat grafting, you probably have lots of questions and perhaps a few concerns. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about fat grafting:

WHAT IS FAT GRAFTING?

Fat grafting — also referred to as free fat transfer — is really two procedures. First the fat is harvested from one part of your body and then it is injected into the treatment area. This cosmetic procedure can be used to rejuvenate the face, augment the cheeks or lips, or correct problems such as hollowness around the eyes or acne scars. Fat grafting can also be used as a corrective measure when too much facial fat has been removed during a facial rejuvenation procedure like facial liposuction or buccal fat extraction.

AT WHAT AGE CAN FAT GRAFTING BE PERFORMED?

Fat grafting can be performed at any age to help correct deep acne scars or fix facial asymmetry. Its other applications — lip augmentation or cheek augmentation, filling in hollows in the face — are typically reserved for people in their 20s and up.

During a fat grafting consultation, you meet and interview a plastic surgeon who specializes in the procedure to go over your aesthetic goals and learn about your treatment options. The surgeon will discuss what can realistically be achieved with fat grafting, review the risks of the procedure, determine the amount of augmentation you will need and lay out the cost. The two of you will also discuss your medical history. This is also a good time to ask to see photos of previous patients so you can see if you like the surgeon’s work.

HOW IS FAT GRAFTING PERFORMED?

Fat grafting is an office-based procedure that is usually performed under local topical anesthesia. The fat used in fat grafting is harvested through liposuction from elsewhere in your body, usually an area where you have some to spare. The fat is then sterilized, processed and injected into the target site in a process called autologous fat transplantation or microlipoinjection.

 What should I expect postoperatively?

You can expect to be swollen, bruised and sore at both the donor site and the treatment site. Your surgeon will tell you how to care for the treatment area, including staying out of the sun while you are healing.

WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO SEE THE RESULTS?

Your face may be a bit swollen at first and it might look like you were over-filled. Many surgeons inject extra fat because not all of it will survive in its new location. The swelling will subside and the final results will emerge in three to four months.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF FAT GRAFTING?

Complications from fat grafting are rare but can include infection, asymmetry, fatty cysts, hematoma, fat embolism, seroma, and permanent discoloration from the bruises. Also, it is possible that you will not be happy with the final results.

ARE THE RESULTS PERMANENT?

There are many factors that determine how long fat grafting lasts. Your body naturally absorbs fat, so the surgeon must over-inject initially, and success rates can vary considerably. If you gain a considerable amount of weight after fat grafting, it may show up in the area that was treated.

When you request your consultation at Premium Care Plastic Surgery, our plastic surgeons will take the time to discuss all aspects of facial sculpting in depth, and answer any questions you may have.

NASOLABIAL FOLD CORRECTION IN COLOMBIA

Nasolabial folds are the deep folds that run from the side of your nose to the corner of your mouth. These folds develop as we age and can be one of the first visible signs of facial aging. That’s why nasolabial folds are also one of the first areas of the face targeted by anti-aging or facial rejuvenation procedures.

There are many options to choose from if you are considering nasolabial fold correction. This includes injectable fillers, nasolabial fold excision and certain types of facelift which incorporate this area of your face into the surgery.

The first step is to consult with one of our plastic surgeons at Premium Care to discuss your concerns regarding your nasolabial folds. He or she will evaluate your nasolabial folds along with your other facial features. Once you explain your concerns and aesthetic goals, along with what you are hoping to achieve with nasolabial fold correction, your doctor can make some treatment recommendations.

Ready to move forward with your nasolabial fold treatment?  Want to learn more about your options?  Why not plan to meet with one of our plastic surgeons soon?  You can book a consultation online or call us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 8481909 in United States to schedule an appointment.

ARE INJECTABLES THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR NASOLABIAL FOLD CORRECTION?

The most common treatments for nasolabial fold correction are injectable fillers. These basically work by pushing the folds outward. Popular options include hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane.

IS FACELIFT THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR NASOLABIAL FOLD CORRECTION?

Facelift is a major surgery with significant downtime and risks.  You should not have a facelift solely for the purpose of nasolabial fold correction.  If, in addition to your nasolabial folds, you have other concerns about your face and how it is aging, a facelift may be an option.  A mid-facelift can improve nose-to-mouth nasolabial folds and lift sagging cheeks. These areas are also targeted by the deep plane lift procedure, also known as SMAS. No facelift type completely corrects nasolabial folds

ARE CHEEK IMPLANTS THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR NASOLABIAL FOLD CORRECTION?

Sometimes, a small cheek implant can be placed in the submalar (below the cheekbone) region to soften the upper part of the nasal labial folds. This is a permanent solution, but it also comes with more significant downtime and risks than do injectables. The results are also permanent. For more information, please visit cheek augmentation.

IS NASOLABIAL FOLD EXCISION THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR NASOLABIAL FOLDS?

If you have very deep or inverted nasolabial folds, nasolabial fold excision may be your best bet. Your surgeon numbs the area and then removes your nasolabial folds from your face and sutures the area. The main downside is a visible scar. Other risks of nasolabial fold excision may include a bad reaction to the anesthesia (especially if general anesthesia is used), seroma (collection of fluid under the skin), hematoma (blood pooling), asymmetry, incision puckering, incomplete nasolabial fold correction and/or general cosmetic dissatisfaction with the results.

When you request your consultation at Premium Care Plastic Surgery, our plastic surgeons will take the time to discuss all aspects of facial sculpting in depth, and answer any questions you may have.