Much of facial aging happens with loss of underlying fatty tissue. With age, the fatty tissue of the face diminishes, and support is lost to the skin. This contributes to the drooping and wrinkling of facial aging. In traditional rejuvenation surgery, we have always been limited to repositioning or tightening existing tissue and skin. Tightening and lifting the skin is not always the answer to facial rejuvenation. Sometimes tighter isn’t younger, fuller is younger. Fat Transfer has added a whole new dimension to cosmetic surgery. By using one’s own fat to fill in areas on the face and hands Dr. Finn is able to plump up the cheek bones, define a jaw line, improve the hollow look underneath the eyes, and more. This revolutionary technique of replacing tissue is now being used at Aesthetic Solutions. FAT TRANSFER Dr. Finn performs a mini liposuction to gently take out fat by hand from any area of excess. The abdomen, thighs or hips are the best areas. The fat is carefully purified and concentrated. The facial areas are anesthetized and micro droplets of fat are injected into the subcutaneous tissues. By injecting small droplets, longevity of transferred fat is enhanced. Initially, areas are overfilled and there is some resorbtion of the injected fat. There is some bruising and swelling on the face that may last for several days. Fat Transfer is done without any incisions and patients are up and about immediately following the procedure. WHAT MAY BE ACHIEVED WITH FAT TRANSFER? A multitude of areas can be enhanced. Lips can be augmented, the nasolabial folds can be filled, hollows under the eyed can be filled, and cheekbones and jaw lines can be made more prominent. It has also been used effectively to improve atrophic aging of the hands, and post-surgical and post-trauma defects. The net effect of Fat Transfer is a more natural rejuvenation without any hint of a “stretched” look. By using one’s own tissues, allergic reactions and side effects that can be seen with other filling materials are minimized. Improved contour of the donor area is an added benefit. Some patients choose to proceed with contour liposuction on various areas as well. Fat transfer is long lasting but results vary for each individual patient. People metabolize the transferred fat at different rates. Different recipient areas respond differently to injected fat. For example, cheeks tend to hold onto fat better than the mouth area. Fat transfer can last from 4 months to years on many patients. Fat transfer can be repeated if necessary and results can be further enhanced with other injectable fillers. PREPARING FOR SURGERY Once you decide to proceed with the fat transfer, you will be given a detailed explanation as to what to do to prepare for surgery. In order to minimize bruising and swelling, we ask that you avoid any aspirin or aspirin-containing products as well as any non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or naproxen (including Motrin, Aleve, and Advil) for at least two weeks before surgery. It is fine to go ahead and take acetaminophen (Tylenol) before surgery. In addition, we ask you to avoid taking vitamin E or herbal supplements as this may also result in more bruising. We have found using a vitamin K cream and using a homeopathic herb called "Arnica Montana" tends to reduce bruising. We have both of these available in our clinic and will be happy to discuss this with you further. It is important to be well rested for surgery, and if you are anxious, a mild sedative may be given for the night before surgery. If you are undergoing sedation, it is important to avoid anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery. If you have high blood pressure or take other medications, these medications may be taken with a sip of water the morning of surgery. If you have any questions, please feel free to call our staff for details. DR. FINN Dr. Finn has extensive training and experience with all aspects of both cosmetic and reconstructive facial plastic surgery. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Yale University and while at medical school at Case Western Reserve University, was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. He completed a six-year residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas where he received the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Residency Research Award for his study in wound healing. He is board-certified by the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery and has been awarded the Jack Anderson Award for Academic Excellence by that academy in 1998. Dr. Finn is also board-certified in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Finn presents at many national medical lectures and authored the chapter “Broad Nasal Tip” in the eMedicine online surgery textbook, Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery. In addition to private practice, Dr. Finn is an Assistant Consulting Professor of Surgery at Duke University. Dr. Finn donates one day a month to help teach Duke physicians facial plastic surgery at the Durham Veterans Hospital. He holds admitting privileges at several hospitals including North Carolina Specialty Hospital, Durham Regional Hospital, UNC Hospitals and the Durham Veterans Hospital. Academic achievements, however, only tell part of the story. With patience and understanding, Dr. Finn will carefully explain and teach you about your anticipated procedures. Only with discretion, trust and compassion may optimal results be achieved. At Aesthetic Solutions you may be assured that our physicians and staff will try to provide the best available treatment in a most warm and friendly atmosphere. Aesthetic Solutions 5821 Farrington Road Suite 101 Chapel Hill, NC 27517 Tel: 919-403-6200 Fax: 919-403-6242 info@aesthetic-solutions.com