Over time, we begin to lose youthful volume in our faces and lips, which can accentuate the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. Fortunately, however, there are several facial rejuvenation treatments that can help to restore lost facial volume to achieve a natural, youthful-looking complexion.
Injectable fillers and fat injections are two treatment options to add volume to your mid-face area and lips. However, there are some key differences you should know before deciding which could be right for you.
Facial Fillers
Although there are many types of facial fillers, hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are among the most commonly used to add volume to your face or lips. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found throughout your body and has the ability to retain up to 1,000 times its molecular weight in water. This quality allows HA fillers to provide a plumping effect to your skin, resulting in a very smooth, natural appearance.
Hyaluronic acid can also be dissolved using a special enzyme if you would like to reverse the effects of your facial filler for any reason.
Facial Fat Grafting
Facial fat grafting is a two-step process that begins with liposuction in order to remove fat from another area, such as the thighs or abdomen. That fat is then injected into the face to add volume, similarly to the way in which injectable fillers work.
However, there are several notable downsides to facial fat grafting vs. facial fillers. Fat injections can create an uneven or bumpy appearance, whereas injectable fillers create a very smooth, seamless end result. Fat injections also do not offer the same stability as facial fillers, as fat is a softer material than injectable hyaluronic acid.
In the vast majority of cases, injectable fillers are recommended over fat grafting to restore facial volume. If you still have questions about either treatment option or would like to schedule a consultation, call our Boston office at 857-350-4205 or contact us online.
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Author: Dr. Waleed Ezzat
Dr. Waleed Ezzat is double board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology/head and neck surgery. At the Boston Center for Facial Plastics, he specializes in face, head and neck reconstructive procedures, congenital and traumatic deformities, and skin or tissue abnormalities resulting from a previous surgery or illness.
