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A couple of decades ago, many Americans began to buy into the idea that eliminating fat from their diet was a sure-fire way to solve their weight loss woes. Items labeled “fat-free,” “low-fat,” and “light” began to multiply on grocery store shelves. It may be no coincidence that, since then, obesity rates have doubled. We now know that the low-fat revolution did nothing to shrink our waistlines and that fat itself is not the true enemy.

In fact, those who cut out all sources of fat increase their risk of developing energy deficiency, ease in bruising and bleeding, and osteomalacia. This is because fat – the good kind of fat – is necessary to allow the body to function efficiently. Those who opt for a “low-fat” diet, complete with pre-packaged, processed food often experience the reverse: weight gain.

In order to compensate for the lack of taste (because we all know that fattier foods taste better), companies fill their grab-and-go snacks with sugar, salt, and chemicals that digest quickly and are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. This causes a spike in blood sugar followed by a sugar crash, which tricks the body into thinking it needs more food. Studies have shown that a diet that includes fat from good sources, such as avocados, salmon, nuts, and seeds, helps the body to absorb vitamins K, E, and D, and can actually help with weight loss. So, when eaten in moderation, the right kind of fat is actually a good thing!

Interestingly, fat is also an ally when it comes to the fat grafting procedure. Fat is taken from certain areas of the patient’s own body and is injected into the face to add youthful volume and to decrease wrinkles. Fat grafting is a wonderful and effective procedure because the body is highly unlikely to reject its own tissues. However, if the patient does not have enough fat in the donor site (usually the hips, thighs, or abdomen), the procedure cannot be performed. In this case, Dr. Santos would recommend that the patient either gain weight for the procedure or choose another option to restore facial volume. A facelift is another option for the correction of wrinkles and sagging skin, but it will not restore volume like fat grafting. Sometimes both procedures are performed at the same time to reap the best results.

Dr. David Santos is double-board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology in Head and Neck Surgery as well as the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. His work ethic and passion for facial rejuvenation has led to thousands of satisfied patients. If you are interested in the fat grafting procedure in the Bellevue area, please contact Dr. Santos by calling (425) 455-8160 today. For your convenience, you may also fill out our online contact form.