Can a total facial fat transfer be done while I am awake?

Question

I am interested in facial fat transfer to my cheek, chin, hollowness under eyes, crows feet, marionette lines and little bit volume to the shape of my face that was lost during an unsuccessful lower face/neck lift. I wonder how much fat is needed and if it can be done local, while I am fully awake? Thanks for your help

Trevor M. Born, MD · Answer

Dear Nosrat1
Thank you for your question. Fat grafting can be done under local - preferably with some sedation. There is the fat donor site which needs to be frozen and the grafting site of the face.

With Warm Regards
Trevor M Born MD

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

It is possible for a facial fat grafting operation to be performed while the patient is fully awake, however, depending on the extensiveness of the operation, other methods of anesthesia may be preferred. It will be best to discuss this face to face with your surgeon.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Fat transfer to multiple sites in the face is best done in twilight anesthesia. However, it can be done, with minimal discomfort, entirely in local anesthesia as well. In person consultation is recommended.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

This procedure can be done as an office-based procedure with local anesthesia, with local anesthesia and sedation or under general anesthesia.

There are advantages and disadvantage is for each type of anesthesia for the procedure. The decision should be discussed during an in person consultation.

Fed volumes harvested and transferred will vary from patient to patient and based on the stylistic difference of each surgeon. A full face can easily use 30 to 70+mL of fat.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Layth Gurgia, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Dear Nosrat1 
Thank you for your question . Fat transfer can be down while you are fully awake. We would you local anaesthesia or numbing medicine  to block the sensory nerves inte the face so you would not feel pain with or without some sedation . 
As every face is different it is difficult to say how much volume of fat you need with out having photo or examining you. Some volume of the fat placed is lost in the first few months after the procedure  too.
I hope this helps 
Best Regards
Dr Layth Gurgia 
Swedish board certified 
Stockholm 
Sweden

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

Total facial fat transfer is easily possible under local facial block anesthesia. I, in fact, do it all the time with excellent results. Your exact problem determines the amount needed. Make sure you see a plastic surgeon with significant experience in this with survival of at least 75% of the injected fat.

Can a total facial fat transfer be done while I am awake?

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