When it comes to the face, fat is the key to youth. In the right places, volume has a massive effect on our appearance and what people perceive as aged versus young. A loss of volume in the face is a natural part of aging. If you’re in need of facial volume, one of these three solutions can help restore a youthful look.
Fat Transfer
Fat grafting involves surgically removing fat from one area of the body (with microliposuction) and transplanting it to another. Even though some of the fat will be absorbed, the majority of it lasts indefinitely. “Fat is not totally predictable and may not ‘take’ as much as one desires, whereas fillers are pretty predictable in terms of what you can expect,” says Richmond, VA, plastic surgeon Ruth L. Hillelson, MD. Most doctors inject fat with a microdroplet technique, placing fat into the deep and superficial compartments of the cheeks. Fat transfer is good for those who want long-lasting results and are willing to endure a downtime period.
Areas it’s best for: Under the eyes, smile lines around the mouth, creases between the brows, the lips, cheeks, temples, jawline and above the brows
Fillers
Both short-term hyaluronic acid injectables (Restylane, Juvéderm and Perlane) and long-lasting fillers (Sculptra Aesthetic and Radiesse), as well as permanent fillers like Artefill, can be injected into various areas of the face to restore volume. Fillers are good for those who want immediate correction that’s noninvasive.
Areas they are best for: Under the eyes (off-label use, not recommended for all), the cheeks, temples, lips (off-label for some fillers, and not recommended for others), chin and jawline
Facial Implants
For those who either don’t have enough fat to harvest or desire the most permanent results possible, facial implants can restore volume in select areas. Facial implants, which were once more popular, have become second choice behind fat and fillers. Facial implants are good for those with weak cheeks or chins.
Areas they are best for: The cheeks and chin
