Our Summary

This research paper is about a study on the effectiveness and potential complications of combining two cosmetic surgery procedures - facelift and fat grafting. Fat grafting, which involves transferring fat from one part of the body to another, is often used alongside facelifts to address the loss of facial volume that comes with aging. However, there’s a lot of variation in how these combined procedures are carried out.

The researchers looked at multiple scientific databases to find all clinical reports of facelifts combined with fat grafting. They collected data on the techniques used, the results, any complications, and patient satisfaction. They found 248 articles to review, but after excluding some based on certain criteria, they ended up with 15 primary studies to analyze.

Different facelift techniques were reported in these studies, with fat grafts commonly injected into areas like the folds next to the nose, the hollows under the eyes, the cheeks, the lines around the mouth, the lips, and the ear lobes.

The results showed that adding fat grafting to facelift surgery significantly improved facial volume and the overall aesthetic look. In conclusion, the combination of facelift and fat grafting is a safe and effective way to address sagging skin and volume loss due to aging. However, the researchers state that more research is needed to validate and improve existing treatment methods.

FAQs

  1. What are the benefits of combining facelift and fat grafting procedures?
  2. What areas of the face are commonly targeted by fat grafting during a combined facelift procedure?
  3. Why does the research paper suggest that more research is needed on the combination of facelift and fat grafting procedures, despite stating that it’s a safe and effective treatment?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about facelift surgery is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. This may include avoiding certain medications, quitting smoking, and following a specific skincare routine. Following these instructions can help ensure a successful outcome and reduce the risk of complications. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise can also help support the results of the facelift surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for facelift surgery are those who are experiencing sagging skin, loss of facial volume, deep wrinkles, and other signs of aging in the face and neck area. These patients may be in their 40s to 60s, although age is not the only factor to consider when recommending a facelift.

Patients should be in good overall health, have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery, and be willing to follow post-operative care instructions. Patients with certain medical conditions or who smoke may not be good candidates for facelift surgery.

Overall, the decision to recommend a facelift to a patient should be made on an individual basis, taking into account the patient’s specific concerns, goals, and medical history. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is typically necessary to determine if a facelift is the right option for a patient.

Timeline

Before the facelift:

  1. The patient consults with a plastic surgeon to discuss their concerns and goals for the surgery.
  2. The surgeon evaluates the patient’s facial structure and skin condition to determine the best approach for the facelift.
  3. Pre-operative tests and evaluations are conducted to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery.
  4. The patient receives instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including avoiding certain medications and alcohol.
  5. On the day of the surgery, the patient is given anesthesia to numb the area and make them comfortable.

During and after the facelift:

  1. The surgeon makes incisions along the hairline and/or behind the ears to access the underlying tissues.
  2. The skin is lifted, excess fat is removed, and muscles are tightened to create a smoother, more youthful appearance.
  3. If fat grafting is included, fat is harvested from another part of the body, purified, and injected into specific areas of the face to restore volume.
  4. The incisions are closed with sutures, and the patient is monitored as they wake up from anesthesia.
  5. After the surgery, the patient may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication and cold compresses.
  6. The surgeon provides post-operative care instructions, including how to care for the incisions, when to follow up for a check-up, and when to resume normal activities.
  7. Over time, the swelling and bruising subside, revealing the final results of the facelift and fat grafting procedure.
  8. The patient can enjoy a rejuvenated appearance with improved facial contours and a more youthful look.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about a facelift combined with fat grafting include:

  1. What specific techniques will be used during the facelift and fat grafting procedures?
  2. What areas of the face will the fat grafts be injected into?
  3. What are the expected results in terms of facial volume and aesthetic improvement?
  4. What are the potential complications or risks associated with combining these two procedures?
  5. How long is the recovery period expected to be, and what can I do to ensure a smooth recovery?
  6. How long will the results of the facelift and fat grafting last?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could achieve similar results?
  8. Can you provide before and after photos of previous patients who have undergone a facelift with fat grafting?
  9. What is the cost of the combined procedures, and does insurance cover any part of it?
  10. How many times have you performed this combined procedure, and what is your success rate?

Reference

Authors: Molina-Burbano F, Smith JM, Ingargiola MJ, Motakef S, Sanati P, Lu J, Taub PJ, Hill ME. Journal: Aesthet Surg J. 2021 Jan 1;41(1):1-12. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjaa002. PMID: 31907534