Top Facial Cosmetic Surgeon Located in National Harbor, MD
In our ongoing commitment to bring you the latest and most effective aesthetic treatments, we are excited to highlight a procedure that has gained immense popularity for its natural and long-lasting results, as well as its regenerative properties.
Dr. Costeloe, a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon at Bella Cosmetic Surgery in National Harbor, uses advanced facial surgery techniques like facial fat grafting to help patients in the Washington, D.C. metro area, Maryland, and Virginia.
Advances in cosmetic surgery have made facial fat quicker, longer-lasting, and easier to recover from. You can combine facial fat grafting with other facial procedures, such as eyelid surgery or a facelift, for more comprehensive results.
If you’re considering facial fat grafting, schedule a consultation with Dr. Costeloe to learn more about the procedure and get personalized recommendations based on your goals. Call us at 301-567-6767 to book your appointment.
WHAT IS A FACIAL FAT GRAFTING?
Facial fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, is a procedure that uses your body's own fat to restore volume, enhance contours, and rejuvenate your skin and facial appearance. This technique involves harvesting fat cells from areas of your body where they are plentiful, such as the abdomen or thighs, and precisely injecting them into areas of the face that have lost volume over time.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
Natural Results: Because the procedure uses your own fat, the results are incredibly natural-looking. The transferred fat integrates seamlessly with your facial tissues, providing a soft and natural enhancement.
- Long-Lasting Effects: The transferred fat provides long-lasting volume enhancement.
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure is less invasive than traditional facial surgeries and generally involves minimal downtime, allowing you to return to daily activities quickly.
- Versatility: Facial fat grafting can address a variety of concerns, from filling deep nasolabial folds and hollow cheeks to enhancing lips and under-eye areas.
- Reduced Risk of Allergic Reactions: Since the procedure uses your own tissue, the risk of allergic reactions or rejection is significantly reduced compared to synthetic fillers.
Facial fat grafting offers multiple skin benefits, making it an attractive option for those seeking rejuvenation and a more youthful appearance. Here are some key skin benefits associated with this procedure:
- Improved Skin Texture: The injection of fat cells can enhance the overall texture of the skin, making it appear smoother and more refined. This is partly due to the regenerative properties of fat, which can stimulate collagen production.
- Enhanced Volume and Contour: By restoring lost volume, facial fat grafting helps to fill in deep lines, wrinkles, and hollows, leading to a more youthful contour. This added volume can diminish the appearance of aging signs like nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
- Natural-Looking Results: Since the procedure utilizes your own fat, the results are soft and natural-looking, integrating seamlessly with the surrounding tissues. This helps maintain the natural expressions and appearance of your face.
- Long-Lasting Effects: While some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body, the remaining fat offers lasting results. This prolonged effect contributes to sustained improvements in skin quality and appearance.
- Improved Skin Tone: The regenerative properties of fat cells, including the presence of stem cells, may aid in improving skin tone and elasticity, contributing to a more even and youthful complexion.
- Reduction in Scarring and Irregularities: Fat grafting can help in reducing the appearance of scars and skin irregularities by promoting healing and providing a smoother skin surface.
- Hydration and Elasticity: The fat cells can enhance skin hydration and elasticity, leading to a more supple and youthful appearance. This can be particularly beneficial for areas that have become thin and crepey with age.
Overall, facial fat grafting not only addresses volume loss but also enhances the quality and appearance of the skin, offering a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY FROM FACIAL FAT GRAFTING?
Dr. Costeloe will provide specific instructions for aftercare, depending on the type of procedures you have. This timeline shows what to generally expect after, from the first few days to several months later:
First 48-72 Hours
- Rest with your head elevated to reduce swelling and bruising. Using extra pillows or sleeping in a recliner can help.
- Apply cold compresses to the eye area to help minimize swelling and discomfort. We usually recommend doing this for the first 48 hours.
- You may shower and gently wash your hair with baby shampoo two days after surgery.
- Pain is generally mild, and you can manage it with over-the-counter and prescribed pain relievers. We may also prescribe antibiotic ointment or eye drops to prevent infection.
Week 1
- Any bruising around your eyes will reach its peak and then begin to fade. You may use make-up to cover up bruising.
- We typically remove sutures within 7-10 days after surgery.
- Most patients can go back to work after 7-10 days.
Weeks 2-4
- Most of the inflammation will disappear, and you’ll start to see the effects of your surgery.
- You may resume strenuous activities, including bending and lifting.
Several Months
- You may color your hair six weeks after your surgery.
- It can take several weeks to a few months for all swelling to fully resolve and for the final results to become apparent.
- The incision lines will gradually fade and become less noticeable over time.
WHY CHOOSE BELLA COSMETIC SURGERY?
Dr. Anya Costeloe is a fellowship-trained, facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over a decade of experience specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures for the face, head, and neck. She completed five years of advanced surgical training in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Michigan State University, and refined her skills during a fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.Â
Beyond her technical skills, Dr. Costeloe actively gives back through humanitarian efforts, providing surgical care to individuals in need through programs like FACE TO FACE. Dr. Costeloe’s combination of advanced training, board certification, and commitment to patient care makes her a trusted choice for patients from Maryland, Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and beyond.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS A BLEPHAROPLASTY (EYELID SURGERY) OR A BROW LIFT BEST FOR SAGGING EYELIDS?
Deciding between a blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and a brow lift depends on the cause of your concerns. If sagging eyelids are primarily due to excess skin on the upper eyelids, a blepharoplasty might be the right choice. However, if the drooping is caused by descending eyebrows that push down on the eyelid area, a brow lift could better serve you.
In many cases, combining blepharoplasty with a brow lift will give you the best results to address both excess eyelid skin and eyebrow position.
Dr. Costeloe will assess your facial structure during a consultation and recommend the procedure, or a combination of procedures, that will help us reach your goals.
WHAT IS A FOX EYE LIFT?
The Fox Eye Lift is inspired by the “fox-like” eyes seen in many models and celebrities (think Bella Hadid), characterized by a sleek, lifted look.
The lift typically combines a temporal brow lift and a canthoplasty (a surgical reshaping of the outer corners of the eyes). The temporal brow lift elevates the outer brow area, while the canthoplasty adjusts the eye's angle for a more elongated appearance.
Dr. Costeloe often performs the Fox Eye Lift under local anesthesia, offering a less invasive option with minimal downtime.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A BROW LIFT?
A good candidate for a brow lift is someone who experiences drooping brows, forehead lines, or frown lines that make them look tired, angry, or older than they feel. Ideal candidates are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and are looking for a long-term solution to rejuvenate the upper face. During your consultation, Dr. Costeloe will evaluate your concerns and determine if a brow lift is the right option for you.
HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS OF A BROW LIFT TYPICALLY LAST?
The results of a brow lift can last for 10-15 years or more. While the procedure can significantly delay visible signs of aging, natural aging will continue over time. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following skincare recommendations can help prolong your results.
WILL A BROW LIFT CHANGE MY HAIRLINE OR CAUSE HAIR LOSS NEAR THE INCISION SITE?
Depending on the technique used, a brow lift can slightly alter your hairline position. For example, a coronal or pretrichial brow lift may move the hairline upward or closer to the brow area. Temporary hair thinning near the incision site can occur but typically resolves as the area heals. Dr. Costeloe uses precise techniques to minimize these effects and preserve your natural hairline as much as possible.
CAN A BROW LIFT IMPROVE VISION PROBLEMS CAUSED BY DROOPY EYEBROWS?
Yes, a brow lift can improve peripheral vision issues caused by heavy, drooping brows that obstruct the upper field of vision. By elevating the eyebrows and reducing excess skin, a brow lift can help open the eye area, making it easier to see.
HOW CAN I MINIMIZE SCARS AFTER A BROW LIFT?
To minimize scars, follow Dr. Costeloe’s post-surgery care instructions closely. Keep incisions clean, avoid direct sun exposure, and use sunscreen once the area heals. Silicone gel or sheets may also be recommended to improve scar healing. Over time, scars will fade and become less noticeable, especially when incisions are strategically placed in natural creases or the hairline.
SCHEDULE YOUR BROW LIFT SURGERY
At Bella Cosmetic Surgery, our skilled facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Costeloe, is dedicated to helping you achieve your desired look. Dr. Costeloe will meet with you to discuss your concerns, evaluate your facial structure, and outline the best surgical options for your needs. Call today to book an appointment for a brow lift.
