What is facial fat transfer? Combat a loss of volume with your own body fat

Loss of facial volume happens to everyone as they age and may be exacerbated by genetics. A facial fat transfer takes excess fat from another part of one’s body to fill in hollow areas in the cheeks and temples while smoothing out superficial wrinkles. Patients may undergo facial fat transfer as a standalone procedure, or in tandem with a facelift. Dr. Markelov recommends this option for those who don’t want to rely on makeup to hide their imperfections but aren’t comfortable with synthetic fillers. It is true that natural fat in your face breaks down over time; however, fat transfers last longer than synthetic fillers. Here is a sampling of what facial fat transfers achieve:

  • A reduction in wrinkles around the brows, eyes, chin, jawline, and nasolabial areas
  • Enhanced volume in the lips
  • A natural-looking volume boost in the cheeks 
  • Overall more youthful facial appearance
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Dr. Markelov explaining fat transfer to a patient

Facial Rejuvenation with Dr. Alexey Markelov

Dr. Markelov explaining his practice

Meet Dr. Alexey Markelov of AM Plastic Surgery

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Why choose Dr. Markelov ? Patient-centered expert care

Dr. Markelov places high value on patient education, and he makes time to answer any questions his patients have before any procedure. He only moves forward if he is certain the results will exceed patient expectations. 

In addition to making sure each patient is knowledgeable and excited about their procedure, Dr. Markelov draws on his elite training at among the best medical institutions in the country. Dr. Markelov is particularly qualified in facial sculpture, with a special focus on men’s faces.

Dr. Markelov's education and accomplishments:

  • Double board-certified
  • Garnered a Patient’s Choice Award in 2012
  • Trained at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, one of the top medical institutions in the US
  • Published in medical journals worldwide
  • Completed general surgery training at Drexel University College of Medicine at Easton Hospital
Dr. Markelov talking to a patient on the bed.

Advantages of facial fat transfer

Facial fat transfers can make the skin look plump, healthy, and youthful. They don’t require the amount of maintenance synthetic filters do, which means patients don’t need to return constantly for touch-ups. Benefits include:

  • Minimally invasive 
  • Long-lasting changes
  • Results look natural
  • Excellent choice for those who don’t wish to rely on synthetic fillers or implants

This procedure takes years off a person’s face without resulting in a stiff or frozen appearance. Facial fat transfer in Tampa is often used to enhance the lips or smooth out acne pockmark scars.

A meticulously detailed technique

Dr. Markelov studies each person’s medical history and listens to their goals before recommending this procedure. Facial fat transfer is performed under local anesthesia, which means a shorter recovery time and less discomfort.

Dr. Markelov will extract donor fat from another area via liposuction (usually the stomach, thighs, or hips). The fat is purified and processed before it is injected into the desired areas. The procedure length varies by target area but normally takes 1-2 hours.

Recovery 

Patients can return to normal activity immediately. Patients are advised to keep pressure off the procedure areas for one month. Typically, patients can expect the following during recovery:

  • Minimal to no downtime
  • Mild swelling and bruising 

Dr. Markelov will monitor your progress to make sure everything is healing nicely.

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Benefits of a facial fat transfer procedure

You will see the results immediately.

Fat transfers work in a more gradual fashion than synthetic fillers and take a few weeks to settle to see the final results. Overall, the procedure is very safe and has a high patient satisfaction rate. 

Benefits include:

  • Long-lasting outcome
  • Nothing foreign is introduced into the body, so there is no risk of allergic reactions

Is a facial fat transfer in Tampa right for me?

If you want a natural alternative to synthetic fillers, a facial fat transfer could be an ideal option for you. Here are some other good signs that you could benefit from this procedure:

  • You want a long-lasting result
  • You do not want a synthetic filler
  • You are in good health 
  • You desire a natural appearance
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AM Plastic Surgery can restore elegant, balanced facial contours

Dr. Markelov and the staff at AM Plastic Surgery in Tampa are highly qualified and always place their patients’ well-being first. Schedule a virtual consultation for your facial fat transfer in Tampa with Dr. Markelov today.

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