Health Front: Fat Transfer

Dr. John Q. Cook discusses a revolutionary facial rejuvenation technique: fat transfer. Fat is harvested from an area of the body such as the abdomen, and injected into the face to add volume to the upper cheeks, lips, and other features.

NEWS COMMENTATOR: Today on the American Health front we’ll discover an advanced technique in plastic surgery that restores vitality to the aging face. Next, we will speak with plastic surgeon Dr. John Q. Cook who is on the faculty of Rush University Medical Center. Over twenty years he has developed a repertoire of surgical and non-surgical procedures that have made him a leader in facial rejuvenation. Today he will divulge one of his secrets, fat transfer. And discuss why he refers to fat transfer as a missing link in facial rejuvenation. DR. JOHN Q. COOK: For decades we were limited by our techniques. We could either pull the skin or take away fat. But we didn’t address one of the key aspects of the facial aging process. How faces tend to thin and flatten over time. I have spent years analyzing the facial aging process. Exercise is a key to healthy aging but there’s a price. Eventually the same regimen that keeps your body trim and your heart healthy will make your face look gaunt, even a little unhealthy. NEWS COMMENTATOR: Dr. Cook recognized the potential of fat transfer when he saw early results from the technique. His own approach is influenced by his life long study of art. DR. JOHN Q. COOK: The ancient Romans, one of their representations to be un-idealized warts, wrinkles and all. Even though these two men lived two thousand years ago we know that one is approaching old age and the other is still young and dynamic. It’s not that the older gentlemen has loose skin, it’s the hollowness of his cheeks that makes him look old. And that’s what we correct with fat transfer. NEWS COMMENTATOR: In his technique Dr. Cook borrows fat from areas of excess and restores the fat that is missing from the upper cheeks, the lips and other areas. By itself fat transfer is done in the office under local and with a quick recovery. DR. JOHN Q. COOK: Fat transfer truly is the missing link. It’s key part of my face-lift technique because it restores the soft curves of youth. In our centers fat transfer is often the foundation of our non-surgical treatments as well as relaxants, fillers and other therapies. NEWS COMMENTATOR: John Q. Cook M.D. Chicago’s source on innovative techniques of facial rejuvenation.