At some point, we all look in the mirror and realize that ageing has made us look a little less like, well, us…and a lot more like our mother!! Mother Nature is indeed funky and formidable, but it’s no longer true that she can’t be slowed down. After the 30s, our collagen and elastin levels start to decrease, and the skin becomes looser. Hence, our faces start to soften. As fat deflates, we lose volume in our faces. A smaller chin, hollowed under-eyes, hollowed cheeks, deeper frown and smile lines, narrower lips, and sunken temples are all effects of this volume loss. Ligaments weaken, leading to herniation and downward movement of tissues. Gravity is the strongest of all universal forces.
At some point, we all look in the mirror and realize that ageing has made us look a little less like, well, us…and a lot more like our mother!! Mother Nature is indeed funky and formidable, but it’s no longer true that she can’t be slowed down. After the 30s, our collagen and elastin levels start to decrease, and the skin becomes looser. Hence, our faces start to soften. As fat deflates, we lose volume in our faces. A smaller chin, hollowed under-eyes, hollowed cheeks, deeper frown and smile lines, narrower lips, and sunken temples are all effects of this volume loss. Ligaments weaken, leading to herniation and downward movement of tissues. Gravity is the strongest of all universal forces.
Facial enhancement can become a confusing minefield regarding what to do when to do it, and why to do it. The introduction of countless innovative and affordable rejuvenation techniques means there’s now a plethora of options for clients to choose from. This all conspires to make selection quite difficult. You want what’s right for your face and your needs. Whether you’re considering plastic surgery or non-surgical treatments, you need to weigh up how effective they are and how protracted or expensive the treatment may be compared to how long the benefits last. It can feel a lot like a war we’re sometimes waging! What may prove invaluable is a consultation with someone who can guide you through the minefield, who can advise what treatments mitigate what symptoms, and how to look younger for longer.
Coming from one of the most recognised and renowned plastic surgeons in London, Dr Rozina Ali, in this article, we will discuss two of the most popular options for restoring youthful volume to the face: fat grafting versus dermal fillers.
What is fat grafting for the face?
Fat grafting is one of the most pioneering, innovative and useful methods to and improve facial contours and skin quality using the patient’s own excess fat (purified fat cells and enriched stem cell fraction ). If your main concern is loss of fullness in the face, deflated cheeks, hollow temples or empty buccal fat pads, then facial fat grafting (also known as fat transfer) is likely the best overall choice. Especially so if soft volume enhancement is needed around the eyes, cheeks, and temples. Fat grafting not only lasts longer than HA fillers in terms of maintaining fullness, but it also improves overlying skin quality and feels and looks beautifully natural.
Harvested, purified, prepared fat is strategically injected into your face using a fine cannula designed to enhance your natural contours and fill in displeasing facial troughs and hollows. During the healing process, regarding safety and risks, which is a huge concern for many people when looking into plastic surgery, there is little to no risk of an adverse immune system response or rejection.
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers—also referred to as injectable fillers, injectables, or just fillers—are Hyaluronic acid liquid serums injected directly into the skin to fill areas that exhibit volume loss and smooth out wrinkles, fine lines, and crow’s feet. Fillers are designed to cross-link the HA molecules to different degrees, so there can be soft non-crosslinked fillers that rehydrate tissues (mesotherapy) versus minimally or moderately crosslinked fillers that offer volume or more structural support and can be injected deeper into tissues to offer volume enhancement and structural support as well as hydration.
As deflation or lack of mid-face volume leads to drooping, sagging, and wrinkling, HA fillers can restore a more youthful appearance by recreating volume in this area. Adding volume can restore youthful curves by lifting sagging, smoothing the skin, and lifting the area.
More advanced fillers have maximal crosslinking, offer maximal support and are designed to be injected deep to augment bone – these are excellent fillers to build a strong jawline or chin.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is naturally found in the skin and subcutaneous tissues and plays an important role in skin hydration. It helps keep the skin looking smooth and supple. An HA filler can replenish facial volume when injected into the centre of the face. Additionally, it enhances skin quality and reduces wrinkles.
The volumiser par excellence for lips is a selection of HA fillers, which fat will not do. There is, therefore, a time, place and depth for all kinds of fillers, one size does not fit all, and your face deserves individual attention from someone who can use all the technologies and products at their disposal.
Which option is suitable for you?
Aside from the procedure itself, the main difference between fat transfer and dermal fillers comes from the results. While dermal fillers come with a shorter recovery period, fat grafting ensures long-lasting results. Each procedure has its pros and cons, and what you should always keep in mind are your facial aesthetic needs and preferences
Aside from all your personal research, always seek the advice of a certified plastic surgeon (FRCS Plast). They are best positioned to guide you to discover what is the best option for your face.
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