More permanent facial volume options - would you recommend ALMI?

I do not know what AMLI is, unfortunately. More permanent solution for volume replacement is your own fat by means of fat grafting. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this procedure is recommended.

For those seeking permanent facial volume, ALMI (Autologous Lipocyte Micronized Injection) is an excellent option. It uses your own fat and stem cells to restore volume with natural and long-lasting results. Unlike traditional fat grafting, ALMI has improved fat survival rates, making the results more predictable and durable. The procedure is minimally invasive with little downtime, targeting areas like the cheeks, under-eyes, and jawline.

When comparing ALMI to other options like Sculptra or fat transfer, ALMI offers a semi-permanent solution similar to fat transfer, but with enhanced predictability. While Sculptra lasts up to two years by boosting collagen production, ALMI provides a natural, permanent result, making it a great choice for those looking for a more lasting, natural enhancement.

Don’t be fooled by the hype.Adding fancy technical words to an established procedure doesn’t make it any better.The technology involved is rudimentary, fundamental and has not changed for the last 30 years.In order for grafted fat to remain viable, it has to be carefully harvested, carefully placed, and there has to be sufficient amount of host tissue to support the grafted fat.Other variables that increase fat graft survival include minimizing pressure and immobilization.This is difficult in the face since people usually continue having facial movement after the procedure. The biggest , problem is usually insufficient host tissue to support the grafted fat.This is especially true in the upper midface just below the lower eyelids.Facial fat transfer is by its very nature unpredictable, imprecise, and potentially unforgiving if people don’t like the outcomes.Some patients are really good candidates for the procedure.These are usually the people who need a fat transfer the least.Patients who are completely devoid of volume also have no host tissue to support the grafted fat, leaving them with the lower percentage of fat graft survival.Highly experienced providers should be able to predict reasonably well who is going to have a better fat graft take, and then others.They should also have a clear understanding of what parts of the face grafted fat is more likely to survive than others.Fillers is without a question, the standard for facial restoration.If you want longer lasting results, then switch over to fillers with better longevity like Radiesse. In the end provider selection is by far the most important variable, regardless of what procedure you choose.To see what can be accomplished using only facial fillers, consider looking up the website of Dr. David Mabry MD in San Francisco.Real self does not allow me to include the website links so you’ll have to look for the website on your own.A simple search under the doctors name should show you the website.He has an incredible collection of before and after pictures, and in my opinion, his work is the best I’ve ever seen.David is a facial plastic surgeon whose practice is devoted exclusively to doing only facial volume restoration using fillers. I’m not suggesting everybody get out of flight and come to San Francisco to get facial fillers done.Reviewing his website and seeing what is possible with this treatment is a good educational tool to understand what can be accomplished in the hands of the right provider.Once you understand what quality results should look like you can start vetting providers in your own community to try to find the right provider.Provider selection is in the end by far the most important variable even more important than what procedure you choose.Fat transfer can deliver quality outcomes, but it’s really important to make sure you get a clear understanding of the timeframe of when after pictures were taken when vetting providers.Early fat transfer results can look very impressive but do not represent long-term final results.In order to be accurate or representative after pictures should only be taken at least 3 to 6 months from the date of surgery, not sooner.I have a little faith that the way that is processed is going to increase the survival rate.If anything, the more mechanical manipulation of the fat, the less likely it is to be viable.Best,Mats Hagstrom MD