The Malar Fat Pad is also known as the cheek fat pad. It lies beneath the skin and is what makes the cheeks appear full and youthful looking. As we age, the Malar Fat Pad begins to descend from the top of the cheek bones to the lower part of the face. This results in the area under the eyes appearing hallowed. The jowls may begin to sag and the nasolabial folds deepened. Doctors have a number of procedures at their disposal that will correct a fallen Malar Fat Pad. It can be lifted via surgery. A fat graft, also known as autologous fat grafting, can also be utilized. Fat grafting can be used to fill up the hollowness found in under eye area and the deepened nasolabial folds when the Malar Fat Pad begins to fall. Fat grafting may be used as an adjunct to a Malar Fat Pad lift or instead of it.
Autologous fat grafting, also known as Microlipoinjection and Lipografting, amongst other terms, involves harvesting fat from one part of a patient’s body, typically the thighs, abdomen or hips and then injecting it into a different part of the body. As it concerns the Malar Fat Pad procedure, the fat would be injected into the nasolabial folds and under the eyes which would help to fill out sunken under eyes troughs and deep nasolabial folds.
Though both men and women undergo plastic surgery, women tend to do so more often. The number of men, however, having plastic surgery is on the rise. Both men and women are eligible for Malar Fat Pad fat grafting. Any person whose cheeks have began to take on a flattened appearance and have developed deep lines in the nasolabial folds may want to consider fat grafting, whether they are a female or male. When done correctly, it can significantly improve a person’s appearance.
Autologous fat grafting of the Malar Fat Pad can be quite successful. It can help an individual look much more youthful and refreshed. When the nasolabial folds and under eye are filled, a person looks much younger. This method of achieving the aforementioned is one of the least risky ways. It doesn’t require that the surgeon make any type of incision. Therefore, there is no resultant scarring and fewer risks.
Fat grafting isn’t the only way to correct the slipping of the Malar Fat Pad. Fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, Juvidern, Perlane and Restylane are used as well. The Pad can also be surgically lifted. The latter is obviously a bit more involved and intensive then use of fillers. However, it can also be quite effective.
Procedure
Step 1- Prepare the Donor and Injection Site: The doctor and/or his or her nurse will begin to prepare the donor and injection sites. A local anesthetic is generally used, along with sedation. The donor site is where the fat will be taken from. The injection site is where the harvested fat will be injected. In the case of fat grafting for the Malar Fat Pad, the injection would like take place under the eyes and in the nasolabial folds because these are the areas that look aged once the Pad begins to slip.
Step 2- Harvest the Fat: Harvesting the fat involves the use of liposuction to remove the fat that will be used in the Malar Fat Pad fat grafting procedure.
Step 3- Prepare the Fat: The fat will need to be prepared before it is injected into the face. To prepare it, the fat cells must be separated from the fat fluid. This is often done via a centrifuge. The centrifuge spends the fat, separating it in the process.
Step 4- Inject the Fat: After the fat has been separated, it is injected with a thin needle into the injection site, which will likely be under the eyes and into the nasolabial folds.
Read more details about PRP for fat transfers.
Recovery
After the procedure, an individual will experience some inflammation, bruising and pain. The pain should subside pretty quickly, most often after 2-4 days. It may take a little while longer for the inflammation to subside. The doctor that performed the procedure will likely prescribe a prescription pain reliever. It shouldn’t be necessary to use the medication about 1-2 days. After that time, most people will just fine with an over-the-counter pain medication.
Cost
The cost of Malar Fat Pad grafting will vary based on the doctor performing the procedure. Doctors with an excellent reputation and following will often charge more money. His or her location will also affect how much the procedure costs. Doctors located on the coasts tend to charge more. The best way to determine exactly how much the procedure will cost is to ask the surgeon who will be performing the procedure. However, individuals should look to spend at least $1500 for the procedure and quite possibly, significantly more.
Complications
There are a number of complications that may potentially occur in a fat grafting procedure. Some are pretty common such as the re-absorption of the fat into the body and other are rarer, for instance, fat embolism. A fat embolism is the most dangerous of all the fat grafting complications. It can result in stroke or heart attack. The injected fat can also become hard and lumpy. This can cause a great deal of pain and can be unsightly. It is very important that an individual carefully consider the doctor he or she chooses. This will have a huge effect on the outcome and will decrease the likelihood of complications occurring.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
1. Would I do better having a Malar Fat Pad lift or undergoing fat grafting? What’s the difference? Which one works better?
2. How much does this procedure cost?
3.Will fat grafting result in a noticeable enough difference?
4. How long will the results last?
5.What type of side effects might I experience?
