BEAUTY AND THE FAT THAT ENHANCES YOUTHFULNESS

By Jeffrey Raval, MD FACS
It’s ironic. The fat that we’ve accumulated and invest hours in trying to shed is the very same fat that Jeffrey Raval, MD, FACS is using to turn back the clock on patients seeking facial rejuvenation.

Dr. Raval’s innovative Combo Face Lift addresses the two major aspects of aging—volume and aging—and abbreviates the downtime of a facelift to a bare minimum. Plus the results last seven to 10 years.

The Combo Lift includes a minor incision at the hairline in front of the ears and behind the ears where the deeper layers of skin are pulled taut. That is combined with a fat transfer, something Dr. Raval, who is triple board certified in Reconstructive and Facial Plastic Surgery, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery and Cosmetic Facial Surgery, has performed successfully for the past two years. The transfer of fat cells effectively recontours the face as the hollow areas under the eyes and sunken cheeks are filled in which effectively raises the jowl line too. On the hands, the doctor injects fat in the areas of lost collagen returning the back of the hand to its youthful plumpness disguising the boniness and veins that come with age.

When performing a fat transfer, Dr. Raval assess where to harvest the fat for transfer: the tummy around the naval, the thighs and buttocks are optimum because the fat in these areas is generally more compact. The first step is removal of the fat by liposuction. Using a small needle attached to a syringe, Dr. Raval harvests fat taking great care to do so evenly and proportionally. The fat is temporarily stored in sealed canules, stainless steel tubes in which it is processed, spun at high rates of speed to separate excess fluids from the essential fat cells.

Then Dr. Raval re-injects the fat, using another needle, into areas of the face that have been predefined prior to surgery with a marker pen as needing plumping up. These are the areas that have over time lost their fullness due to the natural breakdown of underlying elastin fibers and reduced collagen production—two factors that are an unavoidable part of the aging process.

Following the procedure, Dr. Raval positions adhesive bandages over the treated areas on the face for five days, preferable he says, to earlier expert recommendations of leaving the bandages on for only three days. “I’ve found over time that leaving the bandages on for the longer period—five days—nets far better results and that is why I now recommend the five days,” Dr. Raval notes. Bandages can remain on the hands for just three days, he adds. The earlobes require no anesthesia and no bandages.

Immediately after the procedure, the patient is able to get up and around. There is no real downtime, but most patients prefer to stay at home vs. going out in public with the bandages. Some swelling may last up to 36 hours and for that a series of steroid medications is prescribed. Any additional discomfort after the procedure can be fully managed with prescription medication, although most patients claim there is no need for pain medications. Some patients experience slight bruising, but even that can be covered with make-up. Because this procedure it is a transfer of one’s fat cells from one area to another vs. the injection of foreign materials into the body, there is no risk of allergic reaction.

“This is a paradigm shift in how we view aging,” explains the triple-board certified facial plastic surgeon. “We used to just pull things and now we’re realizing that a lot of the sagging and drooping that comes with age is due to lose of volume in the face and skin. So we pull a little bit and we add a little volume. The results are much more natural and result in less pain and less downtime.”

Dr. Jeffrey Raval has practices in Denver at Harvard Park and in Lone Tree, Colorado. He is also medical director and owner of Rocky Mountain Laser Aesthetics. Visit his websites at www.ravalmd.com and www.rockymountainlaser.com. The clinic, where fat transfers are performed, is reached by calling 303-744-2300.