A smooth face with soft, round contours is the picture of a youthful appearance. However, as we age, collagen in the skin decreases and the skin becomes weaker. This results in fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. With fat transfer, volume can be restored to regain a rejuvenated and healthy look.
Facial Fat Transfer, known as Lumen Fill at The Lumen Center, is a specialized way to remove, process and concentrate your own fat for positioning elsewhere in your body. Through gentle liposuction, unwanted fat is taken from an area of the body (such as the love handles and abdomen) and used to fill in lines and wrinkles on the face and restore lost facial volume in the cheeks, lips, temples and brows.
Compared to synthetic fillers, fat transfer is a natural and longer-lasting approach. Unlike dermal fillers, the Lumen Fill is not limited to small volumes. The average filler is 1cc of temporary product and the average fat transfer utilizes 50cc of your own natural fat.
The fat is extremely clean and concentrated. It is processed in a “closed loop” system that reduces chances of contamination and filters unwanted cellular debris and excess water. Often, the quality of fat transfer results is largely dependent upon the quality of the fat injected and injecting in very small, discrete amounts. Our fat transfer success rates are extremely high compared to older, less refined techniques.
Fat transfer can be performed as a standalone facial procedure. However, it is often performed with a facelift or other body contouring procedure, such as Breast Enhancement and the Brazilian Butt Lift. These procedures offer the added benefit of a narrower waistline to accentuate your curves and profile.
The Lumen Fill process begins by administering local anesthesia, similar to what is provided at a dentist office. Only small nicks (“freckle indents”) in the skin (no stitches) and a tiny injection cannula are needed. Using gentle liposuction, unwanted fat from the abdomen, love handles or another area is transferred into a special closed loop system. The fat is then strategically reinjected in small, discrete amount into your upper face to provide structural filling.
Fat transfer makes the face and other areas look and feel as natural as possible because it is soft, organic and enduring. In addition, fat transfer is generally considered safe because it uses your body’s own tissue. It’s an effective solution for patients who aren’t interested in using synthetic fillers or have allergies that prevent the use of other fillers.
Dr. Andrew Kwak, founder of The Lumen Center, will provide a full consultation to discuss your goals, plan and vision to achieve the best results possible. After reviewing your medical history, he will perform an examination, identify potential areas from which to extract the fat and discuss expectations. You will receive detailed instructions on how to prepare for your procedure and what to expect during and after your fat transfer procedure.
The fat transfer procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in The Lumen Center office in Bryn Mawr, PA.
Results can be seen immediately and will usually reach full maturity at 3-4 months. The longevity of fat as a facial filler is 5-7 years.
Yes, financing is available through CareCredit. Patients can complete an easy application to pre-qualify.
The recovery process for Fat Transfer is fairly short with most people only taking 3-4 days off from work. Mild associated discomfort and bruising is common. A compression garment must be worn over the areas where the fat was taken for one month.
Lumen Center patients are carefully monitored post-procedure and at regular checkpoints for up to a year.
At The Lumen Center, we individualize every treatment plan so that you see maximum results from your treatments. We offer complimentary consultations with Dr. Kwak where he’ll determine if you are a good candidate and review what you can realistically expect. We take our time to discuss your goals and concerns, provide instructions and answer any questions you may have.
