As people age, deep lines and wrinkles begin to set in, often causing individuals to become displeased with their personal appearance. Fortunately, for those in the Washington, D.C. area, Dr. M. R. Khalifeh performs a stem cell transfer procedure to the face using undamaged fat cells from another part of the patient’s body to fill in lines, wrinkles and sunken eyes. The procedure revitalizes and sculpts the face for a more youthful look. This fat transfer procedure incorporates a higher concentration of adult stem cells for improved, longer lasting results.

Dr. Khalifeh has locations in both Chevy Chase, Maryland, and Frederick, Maryland. A consultation with Dr. Khalifeh will help to determine the treatment that is best for you. Candidates for stem cell transfer to the face are typically over age 40. Tissue for grafting is extracted from an area where there is an excess of fat, such as the love handles. Dr. Khalifeh sometimes combines the stem cell transfer procedure with a face lift. This combination procedure is generally used to address both loss of volume and the gravitational effects of aging. This process can produce the most realistic, youthful look. The fat grafting procedure may also be combined with a blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery.

The procedure begins with the removal of fat cells from another area of the body. A small needle is used. The removed fat is then spun in a centrifuge after which the damaged cells are removed and only the intact cells are used. Stem cells are the longest lasting and most viable cells, so these are the most important in the grafting procedure. After harvest, the cells are slowly and carefully injected into the face using a separate smaller blunt cannula.

Surgery takes place at Dr. Khalifeh’s accredited surgery center in Chevy Chase, Maryland, or at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C. if an overnight stay is needed. During the procedure, a local anesthetic is used, which is almost always less risky to the patient than general anesthesia.

Recovery is generally quick as the procedure is less invasive, however some patients experience bruising. This is usually mild. Swelling disappears within two weeks, though some patients may experience mild swelling past this point. Cosmetics should not be worn until at least one day post-surgery. Patients administered with a sedative should not drive themselves home after surgery. Potential risks may include persistent swelling and bruising. Stem cell fat transfers are known to be long lasting, however, it is impossible to know exactly how long the cells will last.

Call today for a consultation with Dr. Khalifeh at (301) 244-0148.