The skin of the neck and décolletage (upper chest) are the most susceptible areas to sun exposure and damage. As such, they are the first to show visible signs of aging. Although it is normal to have horizontal lines across the neck, these lines tend to deepen as we get older, a direct by-product of sun exposure and thinning skin. These lines multiple and the skin laxity increases, leading to sagging skin around the neck. Sun damage may cause the décolletage to appear permanently red as well as the appearance of brown ‘sun spots’.

Lasers and topical creams might prove useful in temporarily improving the discolorations and might even have a lifting effect on the skin around the neck, but only Fat Grafting can truly address and arrest the aging of the skin by restoring the lost volume using your own fat. Furthermore, the surge of mesenchymal stem cells from the fat causes the skin to thicken giving it a youthful and rejuvenated look.

The Procedure – How does it work?

The entire procedure only takes 90 minutes with a small amount of fat harvested from a donor site, usually the abdomen or inner thighs. The harvested fat is then placed in a centrifuge, which separates the fat from the unnecessary by-products. It also ‘super concentrates’ the fat, which becomes a reservoir of its inherent stem cells as well as associated biological anti-aging messengers.

The fat is then injected subcutaneously using specially designed mini cannulas (injection tubes). The use of these mini-cannulas prevents bruising and excessive swelling. The fat is meticulously placed in a thin layer under the surface of the skin to smoothen out the fine lines and creases visible on the skin.

The procedure is non-invasive and there are no cuts, no incisions or stitches. As such, there is no need to worry about there being any scars or marks on such a visible area of skin.

The EMPIRE Centre for Regenerative Medicine is the only facility that offers this modality of treatment in Manila and the Philippines. While the use of lasers and prescription of topical creams are rife in many dermatological practices in the Philippines and Asia, they are still unable to achieve the results of that of a single fat graft.

Results The results come to full bloom at 3 months. It is also important to remember that the stem cells in the transplanted fat continue to rejuvenate the skin for years following the procedure, resulting in a smoother, firmer and more youthful appearance. Any discoloration of the skin tends to fade substantially.