Orbital (Eye Socket) Fat Transfer | Fat Grafting

Dr. Rad has treated several thousand patients with fat grafting, and his artistry is customized for each patient whose anatomy and needs are unique. Having an appropriate artistic vision is crucial because too much or too little can give undesirable results. In Dr. Rad’s experience the key to artistry is to view a face holistically and artistically rather than in individual parts or by following some “recipe” or rote formula. The reason behind this is because volumizing one area will influence the relative contour of adjacent areas and change the overall balance of a face. Furthermore, following a “recipe” for injecting the same volumes in each face rarely works well. So, knowing exactly how much and where to inject is a very artistic endeavor. How much fat to inject in each facial region, at what tissue depth, direction and rate of injection, as well as the method of fat harvest, purification and injection cannulas to use take years of experience to perfect, especially given that fat grafting can be somewhat unpredictable in its degree of fat “take.” Dr. Rad also believes it’s crucial to assess facial bone structure because if it is severely deficient, then fat grafting won’t work well for 2 reasons: much of the fat will be absorbed, and also an unnatural balloon-like facial appearance can result (witness the overfilled celebrities we see in the popular press). However, for the right patient who has favorable facial bone structure and therefore needs only subtle volume correction, fat grafting is a highly effective technique.

Since aging causes both shrinkage (atrophy) and droop (ptosis), fat grafting can synergize with deep plane face and neck lift very beautifully. Dr. Rad also routinely uses fat grafting to smooth contours after lower blepharoplasty, facial optimization and facial skeletal implant augmentation. Fat grafts act as “molding clay” for blending tissues to create smooth transitions from one facial area to another. Overall, Dr. Rad’s artistry is rooted in his deep experience treating thousands of patients and his deep focus on facial aesthetics at the highest level!

Recovery is a process of tissue healing and feeling back to normal that requires time. The length of time depends on which facial areas are treated, the complexity of surgery, and individual healing factors. The key principle of surgery that Dr. Rad always adheres to is minimizing surgery to achieve best results, thus minimizing healing and recovery time. Since each case is different, Dr. Rad will make sure to guide each patient through the recovery process with comprehensive information based on your unique situation.

The process involves minimal discomfort – mild facial soreness and moderate temporary swelling are common. Patients often feel sensations such as 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. Return to full unrestricted activities depend on how vigorous your work and exercise are, and generally ranges from 2-6 weeks.

Care post-surgery is important for both your recovery and results whether at your home or at a hotel. For your safety, as you’ll be somewhat sleepy, you will need a responsible adult to stay with you for at least the first night. If you’re interested in having an experienced private duty nurse, we can help facilitate this care.

Once home or in a hotel, you will mostly rest, although you should be able to perform “activities of daily living,” meaning being up and about and doing basic self care. Since your head will be wrapped, you’ll defer showering until your first post-op appointment with Dr. Rad 1-2 days after surgery.

During the daytime you should walk 10-15 minutes each hour and should not be on bed rest. Pain is relatively mild and most patients need a mild pain medicine to help them sleep. Tissues react with swelling and bruising that distorts facial appearance and causes facial muscles not to work normally, but this is normal and temporary. Cold compresses and head elevation helps with comfort and swelling.

Since nausea is not uncommon after anesthesia, no matter how light the anesthesia given, nausea prevention is essential and straightforward by taking an anti-nausea medicine such as Zofran (Ondansetron). Nausea side effects typically wear off in 24-48 hours. Other side effects of anesthesia include feeling a bit groggy or “out of it”, but this is relatively mild and wears off quickly. Dr. Rad recommends not planning important work-related activities or phone calls as you will not feel your sharpest.

Drinking liquids is most important to maintain hydration. Dr. Rad recommends Gatorade, or Drip Drop and Liquid IV electrolyte replacement powders mixed in water. If neck lift has been done then patients often feel some neck tightness that is normal, common and temporary. You will see Dr. Rad within the first few days to check on your early healing.