Nonsurgical Face Lift: Facial Fat Grafting a Way to Enhance Youthfulness

An Interview with Dr. Richard Ellenbogen, the Guru of this Procedure

Ron Shane, Ph.D., OMD and Jeffry Schafer, M.D., FRSM

Known as the “father of fat grafting”, this world-leading expert has been performing facial fat grafting for 25 years. He has achieved remarkable results. Dr. Ellenbogen stated, “I no longer routinely perform a traditional mid-face lift or a SMAS dissection; as it is in some cases unflattering to the patient in terms of aesthetic consequences.” For example, a male who is thin with limited subcutaneous body fat may experience facial deformity with facelift tightening.

Many plastic surgeons are now using the new technique of fat grafting to augment the midface lift, in order to deal with the phenomenon of facial deflation after executing a SMAS procedure. Psychologists have demonstrated that the human brain unconsciously determines another person’s age primarily as a function of facial physiognomy and aesthetic factors. Dr. Ellenbogen believes that it is not necessary to open up a face in order to obtain the exquisite results associated with fat grafting. However, a novice practitioner may not achieve the same aesthetic results as Dr. Ellenbogen.