For many people, the most obvious signs of the aging process are reflected in their facial appearance. Although the progression of this process varies with each individual, one very cosmetically obvious effect is the thinning or loss of facial fat and bony tissue. CT scans have identified consistent areas of bone loss that occur with aging and cadaver studies have defined the facial fat pads of the face.

The fat and bone tissue underlying facial skin serves the critical functions of providing support against the downward tug of gravity as well as lending shape, and youthful definition and skin tautness. When this tissue diminishes due to aging - or in some cases, trauma or dramatic weight loss - the result can be the appearance of hollowed cheeks, temples, and jawline.

While bone grafting is more unreliable and difficult to sculpt, a powerful tool for restoring and sculpting lost fat tissues exists: Autologous Fat Transplantation or grafting (AFT). AFT consists of harvesting small amounts of fat tissue from another portion of a patient’s body and grafting it to restore youthful facial contours and fullness.

AFT helps restore a natural balance between the amount of facial skin and subcutaneous fat, promoting a more youthful volume distribution. When performed early in the aging process, AFT helps support the overlying skin against gravity often obviating the need for lifting procedures. In over 20 years of performing AFT, Dr Kornstein has noted a dramatic rejuvenation of the facial tissues, as well as a slowing the aging process in the areas grafted.

The transplanted tissue is the patient’s own so there is no risk of tissue rejection. Another consequence of grafting a patient’s own fat cells is its longevity and continued aesthetic improvement long after initial healing process is complete, presumably a function of the presence of biologically active stem cells.

Postoperative recovery may entail a mild amount of bruising.  Initial swelling can be considerable due to the nature of this technique involving the grafts obtaining blood supply from the surrounding tissues.  It is a powerful biological rejuvenative process than can positively impact the way one ages.  Most patients feel comfortable returning to work or other social activities after ten days, but are often out of the house with sunglasses at about five days.