Fat transfer refers to the surgical removal of fat from problem areas of the body (flanks, thighs, abdomen etc) and injection of this fat into the face. This procedure is often combined with facelifts or eyelid surgeries, As Dr. Mehta has increasingly focused his surgical practice on nasal surgery, he no longer performs surgical fat transfer. That said, we do work closely with a number of colleagues in the San Francisco Bay Area who specialize in fat transfer/facelifts and can provide natural-appearing and precise results. We would be happy to refer you to surgeons with whom we work closely!
Dr. Mehta and staff do offer a number of in-office treatments for rejuvenating the face and restoring lost volume, short of surgery. These include:
- Neuromodulators (Botox/Dysport)
- Facial fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, Sculptra, etc).
- Ultherapy (nonsurgical skin and muscle tightening of the face and neck)
- Halo laser (in-office laser skin resurfacing: fine lines, brown spots, etc.)
- Broadband Light (BBL, for brown spots, redness, tiny blood vessels)
- Coolsculpting (nonsurgical fat reduction, can treat the double chin/neck area)
In particular, Sculptra can be an excellent in-office alternative to surgical fat transfer. Sculptra (Poly-L-Lactic acid, PLLA) is a semi-permanent filler which can last 3-5 years or more. It is a dissolvable powder which we reconstitute with local anesthetic and sterile water a few days prior to treatment. The product is refrigerated after reconstitution and warmed for a few minutes prior to injection. Once mixed in solution, Sculptra looks a little like skim milk.
Dr. Mehta applies ice and numbing cream to the injection sites to ensure comfort and reduce the risk of bruising. A small amount of local anesthetic is then injected at the entry sites for the same reasons. Finally, the Sculptra is injected, typically one or two vials in a single session.
Common areas which benefit from volume restoration with Sculptra include the temples, cheeks, chin, nasolabial folds, jawline, chin, marionette lines, acne scars, and the décolletage. There may be some improvement in the quality of the skin as well, as the Sculptra works by triggering collagen stimulation.
Most patients require between two and six vials of Sculptra, depending on age, weight, and facial shape. The product is typically administered over one to three sessions, spaced a few weeks apart. Each time, the recovery is short, usually one or two days of swelling. Bruising is possible but uncommon.
Call us to find out if you are a candidate for Sculptra for volume restoration or one of our other filler/nonsurgical options!
