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FAT GRAFTING SYDNEY old 11-06-2018
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After
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Before
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Before
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Fat transfer to restore body defects were first reported in 1893 and fat grafting using syringe injection was first published in 1910.
In recent years, studies of fat tissue have shown that fat contains large amounts of stem cells, which are capable of differentiating into all types of body tissue, therefore fat may be considered to provide the basis for tissue regeneration. Following Fat Grafting, permanent volume restoration and local tissue regeneration is expected. Over several months following the procedure, improvement in skin texture, suppleness, colour and also improvement of existing scars is noted.
Most people age by losing facial volume resulting in hollowing around the eyes, temples, forehead, cheeks and thinning of the lips. Subsequent to deflation of the face and force of gravity, a sagging appearance of the face and neck becomes evident and can be improved by Fat Grafting.
Loss of volume in other areas of the body eg. breasts, hands and other defects including deformities following over aggressive liposuction can also be addressed by Fat Grafting. In view of this Dr Zurek is convinced Fat Grafting is the most important method for rejuvenation of the face by restoring volume.
Fat Grafting consists of transferring your own bodies purified tissue, containing stem cells and the biological messengers (growth factors) necessary for the tissues living cycle to continue.
Fat Grafting Procedure
Dr Zurek performs the procedure under local anaesthetic and sedation. Fat Grafting involves 3 steps.
- Harvesting
- Purification/processing
- Fat Injection
1. Fat Harvesting: Preferred donor areas are where the fat is “stubborn” and persists during body weight changes. In women commonly the abdomen and thighs. In men flanks (love handles) and lower abdomen. Fat is gently removed through a tiny skin puncture using a special cannula attached to a syringe, extracting tiny parcels of fat (micro-fat). 2. Purification: The fat is immediately processed by centrifuging, allowing removal of oil and anaesthetic fluid and producing condensed fat rich in stem cells and growth factors.
3. Fat Injection: The condensed fat is transplanted using a delicate micro cannula, allowing precise deposits of tiny fat parcels at different levels to create volume and skin improvement.a As the Fat Grafting procedure involves transplantation of living tissue, Dr Zurek believes it is essential to do this as quickly as possible to prevent deterioration of the fat tissue outside the body.
- Upper Level (least dense layer), oil from ruptured fat cells
- Middle Level (30 – 70%) potentially viable parcels of tissue
- Lower Level (most dense) water, blood, lignocaine
Dr Zurek’s technique of Fat Grafting
Dr Zurek’s technique of Fat Grafting involves transplanting tiny parcels of fat, allowing better “take” of the graft by increasing the surface of contact with the recipient site tissue and also decreasing the risks of lumpiness. “Super Charging” of the purified fat with extra isolated stem cells or adding of PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) is controversial, with no convincing scientific evidence of a better outcome. Transplanted fat undergoes the normal dynamic cycle of cell life, manifesting in shrinkage and loss of volume initially, followed by regrowth of tissue. It takes approximately 6 months for the Fat Graft to stabilise.
Fat transplantation is expected to be “permanent” however, the natural cycle of ageing and patient’s individual response must be considered. The most important factor compromising the Fat Graft is smoking as this affects the blood supply to the grafted tissue and may be considered toxic to the graft. Dr. Zurek has no doubt a patient’s own fat is the best filler. It is safer with no risk of reaction to a foreign material (artificial filler), with the additional benefit of skin improvement by rejuvenation from “inside out”.
Fat Grafting is extremely cost effective, for example the cost of a full face Fat Grafting is currently $5,000 plus GST, which involves injection of 30-50mls of purified fat. Say 50% of fat will stay as a permanent graft (15-25mls) of volume. The cost of artificial filler is approx. $600 per ml which equates to $9,000-$15,000 and lasting only several months, often leaving some degree of tissue deterioration after prolonged usage.
Common areas for Fat Transfer include:
- Nasolabial and marionette folds – Fat grafting adds support to facial structures.
- Lips – Fat grafting produces long lasting enhancement for the upper and lower lips.
- Cheeks and grooves under eyes – Fat grafting supports and replenishes volume in these regions, making the traditional approach of cutting and suspending this area unnecessary.
- Brow, upper eyelids and temples – Fat grafting creates fullness in these areas, which is essential for a healthy appearance.
- Chin and jaw line – Fat grafting creates a well contoured jaw line, an important feature of a youthful appearance.
- Neck – Deep horizontal folds in this area can be softened by fat grafting.
- Acne and other scars and improvement in vitiligo.
- Rejuvenation of earlobes.
- Nose – Bridges or defects. Asian nasal enhancement instead of implant.
- Hands – Fat grafting restores youthful fullness to the back of the hands.
Complications
As in any surgical procedure, Fat Grafting carries a risk of complications. Although very uncommon they include:- infection, bleeding, injury to an underlying structure, fat necrosis (death of a lump of fat and subsequent inflammatory process). This may present as an abccess however, there are no germs involved. Fat embolism with subsequent blindness has been reported (incidentally the number is similar due to using artificial fillers in the face). This complication is almost impossible using a blunt cannula. Deformity (minor indentation) can occur at the donor site. There have been no significant complications in approximately 1000 cases performed by Dr Zurek.
Where We Service
Dr Zurek has serviced customers from the wider Sydney area for decades, and while predominately servicing many customers with fat grafting and fat transfer procedures in Canterbury, Cronulla, Darlinghurst, Double Bay, Kogarah, Miranda, Paddington, Woolahra and the Eastern Suburbs region, is available and willing to service all customers across Sydney. Contact us today to make an enquiry or booking.
FAQ
How long does fat transfer last?
Fat transplantation is expected to be “permanent” however, the natural cycle of ageing and patient’s individual response must be considered.
Fat Growth?
Transplanted fat undergoes the normal dynamic cycle of cell life, manifesting in shrinkage and loss of volume initially, followed by regrowth of tissue. It takes approximately 6 months for the Fat Graft to stabilise. Rare cases of excessive fat growth have been reported. This occurred in patients with substantial weight gain. Localised fat growth can be removed by liposculpture or direct excision. The most important factor compromising the Fat Graft is smoking as this affects the blood supply to the grafted tissue and may be considered toxic to the graft.
Bruising swelling
In the majority of cases swelling and bruising is usually minor and will subside within 2 weeks.
Is the procedure painful?
Dr Zurek performs the procedure under local anaesthetic and sedation, adjusted to individuals requirements.
When can I return to work?
Most patients are fit to return to work after 1-2 days however, due to some swelling and bruising some patients take longer.
Can Dr Zurek do selected areas only?
Yes, isolated areas can be treated eg. around eyes, cheeks, lips, temples, mouth, naso-labial area only.
What is the cost of Fat Grafting? – all inclusive
Pricing on application
Read articles about Fat Grafting
Click on a cover to read.
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Cosmetic Surgery & Beauty Magazine #58 – Reshaping The Ageing Face – Sydney Cosmetic Surgeon Dr Longin Zurek explains his approach to restoring youthful volume to the ageing face. |
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Cosmetic Surgery & Beauty Magazine #57 – Reshaping the Aging Face – Sydney cosmetic surgeon Dr Longin Zurek explains his approach to restoring youthful volume to the ageing face. |
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Cosmetic Surgery & Beauty Magazine #56 – Restoring Youthful Volume – Dr Longin Zurek explains his pioneering approach to minimally invasive facial rejuvenation procedures. |
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Cosmetic Surgery & Beauty Magazine #55 – Refining Facial Techniques – Less is more |
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Cosmetic Surgery & Beauty Magazine #54 – Fat Graft – An ideal and sustainable filler |
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Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #51 – Combined Facial Rejuvenation |
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Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #47 – Fat Grafting: from filling to tissue regeneration |
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Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #46 – Restoring the rounded contours of youth |