Facial Autografting Muscle Injection System

Please visit our Before and After Images for actual patient photographs.

What is FAMI?

FAMI is an acronym which stands for Facial Autografting Muscle Injection System. Fat Grafting is not new, but the technique of grafting refined fat into the 30 muscles of the face using specialized cannulae is a medical/scientific breakthrough which was pioneered by Dr. Roger Amar of the International FAMI Academy.

Why or How does FAMI Work?

The reason FAMI is successful, whereas previous facial fat grafting procedures have been variable in their outcomes, is due to the culmination of many years of research and applied scientific and technical breakthroughs in this field. Firstly, the fat which is liposuctioned from the patient is refined using centrifugation which yields the highest stem cell concentration. Secondly, the fat is grafted into the muscles whose vasculature is rich and abundant, thus making it an excellent recipient bed and viable host. Moreover, this virtually bloodless, minimally invasive technique features the use of blunt tip cannulae which are specifically designed for the delicate structures of the face.

Results are very symmetrical and smooth. All of these factors make the FAMI technique an extremely reliable and predictable means of achieving facial rejuvenation.

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How Long Does it Last?

FAMI is so exciting because it successfully addresses the issue of long-term survival of facial fat grafts. Because the quality of the donor fat is monitored and the injection sites are specifically targeted due to their desirable vascularization, patients as far out as seven years have continued to see sustained benefits. In as little as two days, the transplanted fat will be encompassed into the surrounding tissues and the healing process will actually anchor the fat into place as well as provide vascularization from the host tissues.

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What is the Recovery Period?

Basically, since this is a minimally invasive procedure, one of its benefits is the short recovery period. Post-Operatively, patients can expect minimal bruising or swelling and can return to work or their usual activities within a few days. Camouflage makeup can easily hide the bruising which is usually limited to the area around the eyes. At two weeks, there is virtually no residual bruising or swelling present.

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What are the Possible Complications?

Since FAMI is a minimally invasive, virtually bloodless procedure which utilizes a patient’s own fat, the risks and/or possible complications are very low. Although extremely rare, the theoretical possibilities of infection, bleeding, asymmetry, or nerve injury exist. Patients are informed of these improbable complications.

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Who is a Good Candidate for FAMI?

Patients who have signs of facial aging can benefit from FAMI. In many patients, signs of facial aging are loss of volume resulting in sagging cheeks and jowls, hollow depressions around the orbital regions, bags under the eyes and skeletonization of the face in general. Women in particular tend to notice the effects of aging in and around their mouths and eyebrows. All of these issues can be successfully treated and corrected using the FAMI technique.

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Conclusion

FAMI is a safe, reliable and predictable means of achieving facial rejuvenation by providing a minimally invasive means of restoring the fullness of youth. FAMI can also be combined with a traditional Face Lift or other minimally invasive procedures such as the FeatherLift. For any patient who wishes to achieve a total rejuvenation without pursuing a more aggressive means of surgical intervention and all that that implies, FAMI is realistic alternative. Dr. Ortega has been performing liposculpture and fat grafting for about 10 years and is extremely pleased to be able to offer FAMI to his patients as an alternative to the traditional Facelift.

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Copyright 2004 Mel Thomas Ortega, MD, FACS