FIF(Fat Injection to Face)

The FIF procedure involves two stages. First, removal of fat from the lower part of the body with a procedure similar to Liposuction called Lipo-harvesting. This harvested material is refined by separating the larger fat cells from the fibroblasts, stem cells, and smaller fat cells. The second stage of the operation involves injecting each of the facial muscles with a portion of the harvested material. This is accomplished with the use of specially designed instruments.

How is FIF different from other fat injection procedures?

Fat Transfer, also called Autologous Fat Transplantation, has been around since the seventies. This technique involves injecting fat above the muscle in the subcutaneous area. Since the blood flow in this area is poor, the transplanted fat often does not last. The results are often inconsistent and for many patients, asymmetric. The FIF procedure uses specially designed cannulas to place the fat within the muscles of expression in a non-traumatic manner, thereby restoring fullness following the template of the patient's own anatomy. Patients' photos from their thirties are studied to replicate their look at a younger age. The transplanted fat is placed in an area rich in blood flow and is rapidly re-vascularized resulting in long-lasting, symmetric appearance.

Is fat grafting safe?

Yes. Fat transfer has been performed for many years by thousands of doctors worldwide. FIF injects your face with your own living fatty connective tissue, correcting asymmetry and restoring the fullness of youth. There is no risk of an allergic reaction since it is your own fat. Fat transferred to your face using FIF can provide genuine facial rejuvenation without the presence of surgical scars or that "done look."

Is the FIF safer than regular plastic surgery?

Yes, FIF is much safer than traditional plastic surgery. There is no possible comparison between a microinjection technique and an open surgical technique with the risk of damaging the nerves, arteries, veins and other important structures of the face.

Will the fat move after being placed with the FIF procedure?

No. It has been demonstrated that two days after the procedure, the fat graft is anchored in the surrounding tissues by the healing process and new vascularization has begun.

Who is a good candidate for this procedure?

Ideal candidates for this procedure are those with a gaunt look, hollowing eyes or flattened cheeks and lips. All patients with skeletonization of the frontal, cheek, or chin areas, who are looking for rejuvenation without an open surgery, can benefit from FIF. It can be performed on patients who have had previous facelifts to restore the volume to the face. It is especially good for previous facelift patients who wish to avoid the pulled appearance of multiple facelifts.

FIF is also recommended for localized volume loss in areas such as the lips, tear trough, nasolabial folds, and chin.

What is the recovery like?

After your FIF procedure you will have some bruising around the injection sites. There will be some swelling and it might last as long as 2 weeks. Most patients resume all of their routine activities within 5 days. As the swelling subsides, you and your friends will begin to notice rejuvenation.

Can the procedure be repeated?

Many patients are so excited with their results that they elect to have other facial areas treated in subsequent sessions. Patients can choose the area to be treated first and come back for more treatment in other areas at a later date.