Facial Augmentation

Facial Implants

Dr. Sawisch utilizes the latest technology in facial implants. They are used to fill deep wrinkles or folds, or to enhance, augment or repair soft tissues of the facial area. Placement of implants are performed in one brief minimally invasive procedure resulting in predictable patient outcomes with results that last for years compared to injectable fillers that are reabsorbed within months and require multiple treatments to sustain aesthetic results.

Fat Transfer Augmentation

Age and sun damage take a heavy toll on our skin and over time the facial skin thins, creating droopy cheeks, unattractive lines, and hollowness under the eyes.

For many men and women, rather than removing tissue, Dr. Sawisch suggests fat transfer to round out the facial contours by filling in hollow areas, grooves and folds so a more youthful, natural appearance can be achieved. This is performed with less surgery and less down time.

Treatable areas consist of sunken cheeks, deep facial folds, depressions under the eyes, vertical lip lines, thin lips, and lines around the mouth. These can be filled and smoothed to restore attractive, youthful contours.

Because fat transfer uses the patient's own fat cells to plump up facial features, the face maintains its soft, natural feel, and long lasting improvement has been noted in most patients.

The Procedure

Fat transfer is performed on an outpatient basis in our office surgical suite under I.V. sedation anesthesia. Fat is harvested from the abdomen or thigh of the patient with a small needle. The fat is centrifuged to compact the cells for the most uniform augmentation, and injected into the face to fill-in grooves and lines, increase cheek fullness, and restore youthful and attractive contours. Because the fat is injected in tiny parcels through a fine needle, the edges of the added fat can be feathered to blend beautifully into the surrounding tissue contour. The surrounding blood supply keeps the fat alive and it becomes part of the facial tissues. The augmented areas look and feel perfectly natural because it is your own living tissue. The tiny injection sites heal within a few days.

Fat transfer is ideal for lip augmentation, and it is an excellent alternative to a facelift in patients with only moderate skin folds and laxity. It works well to help fill in acne scars and it can even be combined with liposuction of the neck to develop an ideal jaw-neck line. Recovery is rapid, and most patients are able to resume normal activities within a few days.