Loss of volume on the face is one of the primary manifestations of the aging process. Facial aging occurs primarily as a result of atrophy of soft tissue including fat and muscle. Aging combined with excessive weight loss can cause many people to develop a thinner face that may result in sagging skin and more evident wrinkling. For some patients, a traditional facelift may produce a very tight, unnatural look.

What is SCAG?

SCAG (Stem Cell Auto Grafting), is a new and safe technique that uses the patient’s own fat and adult stem cells to fill up and improve the atrophied facial muscles; therefore, correcting the lost volume and rejuvenating the aging face. SCAG makes use of different specially-designed cannulas to place the stem cell auto grafts into the muscle bed. It allows the injection of highly purified fat and stem cells directly into the facial muscles to stimulate them to regenerate.

SCAG is permanent and effective and, at the same time, natural and non-allergenic. It is an excellent choice for patients who are not comfortable with skin excision techniques, and have sunken areas on the face that make them looked old and haggard. A second session may be necessary for some patients who a want fuller look.

How is SCAG different from other Fat Transfer procedures?

Fat transfer, also called autologous fat transplantation, has been around since the seventies. This technique makes use of a patient’s own fat which is injected into the subcutaneous layer of the skin. Multiple sessions are required to achieve ideal fullness, since a certain percentage of the fats transplanted get re-absorbed by the body. Based on our experience, the result of SCAG is more permanent compared to Autofat transplant.

What are the benefits of SCAG?

SCAG restores muscle length and volume and creates a more youthful appearance by replacing the volume lost with aging and excessive weight loss in three-dimensional zones through the most advanced technique in fat grafting. It also increases blood supply to the skin, improving skin tone and texture. Augmenting the volume of the muscles in the forehead, eye area, cheeks, mouth, chin and jaw line with stem cells restores a fuller face to make one look younger.

What is the SCAG procedure like? Which part of the body is the fat taken from?

First, fat is harvested by a “mini-liposuction” process from fatty areas like the abdomen, outer thighs and knees. The collected fat is then centrifuged and purified to isolate pure fat and stem cells. This is injected using special cannulas into the muscle bed of the predetermined problem area. The transferred fat and stem cells will re-vascularize and survive in the new location in time.

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure takes about an hour and is performed in our surgicenters, on an out-patient basis, under twilight sedation.

What is the recovery like after the SCAG procedure?

Post treatment care is minimal. Some bruising may be noted on treated areas which can be easily masked by makeup. There will be some swelling which may last for several days. As the swelling subsides, you will begin to notice the rejuvenation effects. Most people resume their normal activities the day after the procedure.

Are there any restrictions after the procedure?

The most important restriction is that hot or cold compresses cannot be applied on the areas treated to keep an ideal temperature for the survival of the stem cell.

How long after the SCAG procedure does the fat last?

SCAG gives long lasting, successful and symmetrical results. It is now the most advanced technique of fat grafting which creates permanent results.

Is SCAG safe? Are there any side effects? Is fat grafting safe?

Both SCAG and Autofat transplant are very safe procedures performed world-wide by a lot of doctors. They are done on an out-patient basis, most of the time under twilight sedation administered by a certified anesthesiologist. SCAG has been demonstrated to have very few complications in the hands of doctors specially trained in this procedure.

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