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Dr. Rad has performed thousands of fat transfer procedures (also known as fat grafting) to restore natural volume, symmetry and youthfulness. Fat transfer is particularly useful to treat deflated or sunken areas of the face such as the eye sockets (“orbits”), tear trough (under-eyes), temples, cheeks/midface, nasolabial folds (“parentheses lines”), lips and chin. Fat grafting is a worthwhile alternative to injectable fillers because it offers permanence and the most natural results safely and with little downtime.
The process involves minimal discomfort. The most common sensations are a dull ache, however this is mild and easily controlled with pain medicine taken for a few days. Mild to moderate bruising and swelling are normal and resolve over 5 to 10 days. While healing and recovery will be different for each patient, a quick return to work and going to social outings 1 to 2 weeks after surgery is common.
Facial fat transfer is a very safe and effective approach to looking more rested and a refreshed version of yourself.
Aside from the expectation that patients should be in good overall health, ideal candidates for a facial fat transfer are those who are concerned with lack of volume, hollowing, flattened contours and/or deflation in the following areas: temples, eye sockets, tear trough (undereye), midface (cheeks), lips, jawline and chin.
While the investment is more significant than in-office filler treatment, good candidates for fat transfer recognize the long term advantage of having permanent volume restored for a lifetime which is much more cost effective as compared with injections of filler every 6-12 months.
In Dr. Rad’s hands, facial fat transfer surgery is very safe. For safety of all his patients, Dr. Rad works closely with a board-certified anesthesiologist and performs surgery only in an accredited surgery center associated with a major hospital operating facility. Medical clearance by your primary physician is required prior to surgery and you will be guided step by step through our unique process.
Dr. Rad contours the face by judiciously adding fat to deflated areas or removing fat from overly voluminous areas. Carefully sculpting facial contours is a critical step and requires an aesthetic eye and meticulous attention, areas in which Dr. Rad excels. In facial fat grafting, Dr. Rad removes fat via liposuction from the abdomen and/or thighs, purifies it in the operating room and then carefully injects it into facial tissues using state-of-the-art injection cannulas (long thin tubes designed for this purpose) into deflated or hollowed areas.
The most common areas that Dr. Rad treats are the temples, apples of the cheeks, tear trough, eye sockets, jawline and lips.
Facial contouring involves restoring volume in deflated areas of the face via Facial Fat Grafting, or removing volume from the lower cheek region to create a more chiseled appearance via Buccal Fat Removal. Often deflation is accompanied by skin laxity and sagging; therefore, Dr. Rad often performs Facelift and Neck Lift surgery concurrent with facial fat grafting.
Injectable Dermal Fillers are the most effective non-surgical treatment for facial volume and contouring; the downside is that it is temporary, lasting 6 to 12 months.
Dr. Rad’s approach is unique for each patient, and it combines sophisticated, state-of-the-art techniques to achieve natural and long lasting results.
Your vision for your results will emerge through detailed consultation with Dr. Rad, meticulous examination of your anatomy, and careful pre-surgical planning. While Dr. Rad’s surgical approach is unique for each patient, the goal of naturalness remains constant.
Actual Washington DC Facial Fat Transfer Patient of Dr. Rad’s
See More Facial Fat Transfer Results
Sherber+Rad cannot guarantee specific results.
Individual results may vary.
Facial fat transfer or “grafting” refers to procedure whereby Dr. Rad harvests fat via liposuction from one area of the body, carefully purifies it and then injects it very precisely into areas of the face in order to improve volume, contour, symmetry and proportion with the rest of the face.
Men or women who might benefit from fat transfer include those who have age-related facial atrophy, those who have had filler treatments and now want a permanent option, and those whose facial structure is deficient in certain areas where volume and contour are important (such as cheekbones, jawline, chin, lips, temples and eyesockets).
Think of fat as the permanent version of fillers which are temporary. Your fat is comprised of living cells that are your own, and with meticulous technique you, fat volume transferred to your face is permanent. So you can enjoy the improvements for a lifetime, a significant advantage over fillers which require touch-ups every 6-12 months.
The main disadvantage is that this is a surgical procedure requiring mild anesthesia. For safety Dr. Rad performs surgery under anesthesia in a hospital operating facility. While cost can be considered a short term disadvantage, the cost savings over years as compared with twice annual filler treatment vastly favors fat transfer.
Mild facial soreness and moderate temporary swelling are common. Most patients can expect most swelling to resolve in 7-10 days, depending on areas treated and volume injected. Bruising is mild if at all present. Return to full unrestricted activities depend on how vigorous your work and exercise are, and generally ranges from 2-6 weeks.
Yes! Facial fat transfer synergizes well with facelift, brow lift, upper and lower blepharoplasty, neck lift and lip augmentation/lift. Think of it as a powerful tool Dr. Rad uses to refine features and restore volume in specific areas to achieve balanced and nuanced results.
Our plastic surgery office in Washington DC is centered on your comfort and privacy. You’ll be received by our exquisitely attentive staff, and escorted to your own private cabana wherein you’ll feel relaxed and comfortable while consulting discreetly with Dr. Rad. First Dr. Rad will determine if you are a good candidate for surgery and during your consultation you should decide if Dr. Rad is the right surgeon for you. Credentials are crucial and, in addition to being Board certified in plastic surgery, Dr. Rad is Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins, and he enjoys an impeccable reputation as a top flight aesthetic surgeon. His facial plastic surgery expertise is sought out as one of the best surgeons in Washington DC, northern Virginia and the US. Your safety is Dr. Rad's primary concern and he will review your medical history. You should inform Dr. Rad of any medical problems or medications that may affect your healing. If you are medically appropriate to undergo surgery then Dr. Rad's focus will be to understand what specific aesthetic concerns you have. Washington DC patients expect natural results with minimal downtime. Dr. Rad will spend time carefully listening to your concerns, asking clarifying questions and then masterfully guiding you, step by step, to understand how your unique anatomy can be improved to convey a rested appearance. Dr. Rad’s goal is to determine the most comprehensive approach for long lasting, natural results while minimizing downtime. Dr. Rad first needs to understand your specific concerns and you should prepare your thoughts prior to your consultation. Think of words that convey how you feel about your appearance. For example, Washington DC patients often say they look fatigued, tired or lackluster because of undereye bags or dark undereye circles, or they look sad, upset or disinterested such as from heavy eyebrows, excess skin above the eyes or downturned corners of the mouth. Patients often relate concerns of looking older than how they feel and this can be caused by jowls, nasolabial folds, loose neck skin, lines and wrinkles. Try to put into words how your appearance bothers you, and the priority you give to each area. Dr. Rad will then present to you his expert opinion about which procedures would be best to restore your anatomy to create a rested and refreshed appearance. And since surgery is intricate Dr. Rad will guide you through a stepwise approach of aesthetic analysis and he’ll deliver his recommendations in a clear and honest manner. Dr. Rad will present all options available in modern day surgery, both non-surgical and surgical. Dr. Rad and Board certified dermatologist Dr. Sherber often collaborate to optimize patients’ results and to minimize invasiveness. As such Dr. Rad’s modern approach to surgery harnesses the power of both dermatology and plastic surgery as both specialities address different aesthetic challenges. For example, plastic surgery is effective to lift, tighten and volumize loose, atrophied tissues, whereas dermatologic treatments such as laser, radiofrequency tightening and skincare are best to improve skin texture, pigmentation and tone. Dr. Rad can address any concerns regarding skin quality and how to obtain and maintain optimal results. Dr. Rad will review with you photos of his patients’ results (many of which you’ll not find online due to privacy concerns) to highlight his aesthetic approaches and skill. He will take your photographs, which remain confidential, to assist with the planning of your surgery. For your safety Dr. Rad performs surgery in a hospital-based operating room, considered to be the safest environment, rather than in the office. Anesthesia is delivered by a board certified anesthesiologist (MD) and you’ll be under light anesthesia which is important for your safety and comfort. You will receive a customized quote for the procedures in which you’re interested. Once approved we may then move forward with pre-operative preparations and you will meet with Dr. Rad again at your final in person consultation prior to surgery. Dr. Rad’s reputation as one of the most technically gifted surgeons attracts patients nationally and from around the world. We cater to patients from across the globe by arranging virtual consultations, luxury accommodations at The Jefferson hotel, Washington DC’s most luxurious 5 star boutique hotel, as well as private nursing care. Your privacy, comfort and safely achieving exceptional results are our top priorities.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MY CONSULTATION WITH DR. RAD?
“Dr. Ariel Rad is the finest physician I’ve ever met! I’ve worked with Dr. Rad over the last five years and he encompasses everything you’d hope from a physician and much more. He possesses the highest intellect, sophistication, dedication, and compassion. I can’t say enough about Dr. Rad. Every appointment I’ve had with him has exceeded my expectations. He’s the absolute best! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Dr. Ariel Rad to my family and friends for medical care.”
Esther A. | May, 2018
Dr. Rad’s credentials speak for themselves: Princeton (B.S.E, Magna Cum Laude), Duke School of Medicine (M.D.) and University of London (Ph.D.) educated and Johns Hopkins Plastic Surgery trained, he is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins, and long-standing member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Dr. Rad is considered an expert in facial plastic surgery and microsurgery. He is ranked the #1 plastic surgeon in Washington DC based on aggregate ratings from all independent ranking websites: “top rated local“, “three best rated” top plastic surgeon and “top plastic surgeon reviews“. SHERBER+RAD have never engaged in paid advertising, and all rankings, reviews are from vetted and respected sources.
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Sherber+Rad1101 15th St. NW, Suite 100, Washington, D.C. 20005
