ALMI (All me) Autologous lipocyte micronized injection

ALMI (All me) autologous lipocyte micronized injection is an in-office method of fat transfer which can be performed under local anesthesia. The process involves harvesting fat cells from elsewhere in the body which are then separated into individual fat cells and injected into other parts of the body to provide more volume as well as "stem cell like" rejuvenation of the area. This simple treatment is revolutionary in its ability to provide stable volume to the face, jawline, lower eyelids, and hands to provide long-lasting rejuvenation and reversal of the aging process. Unique to ALMI is the ability to use autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) to enhance the effectiveness and rejuvenation provided by fat cell transfer. Platelet rich plasma or PRP is derived from removing 12 cc of your own blood and then spinning it down such that the platelets growth factors and stem cells are separated from the blood cells and then mixed with the fat in order to provide stimulating growth factors that work to enhance the appearance of the skin as well as improve the effects of the fat cells on facial and skin rejuvenation.

Autologous fat transfer has been performed for cosmetic rejuvenation of the face hands and neck for more than 20 years. The initial process involved general anesthesia in the operating room in which fat cells were harvested using machine suction and then injection of the fat cells back into the body using large bore needles and blunt cannulas. The technique for fat transfer has been the topic of much research and we have learned that using machine suction often breaks up the fat cells and makes them such that they would not survive the transfer process. The original studies using fat transfer said that only 30% to 50% of the fat cells placed in the new location would survive long-term. In addition, because the fat was harvested in a large section the finesse or subtle result necessary for successful fat transfer to the face could not be assured. Over the last 20 years, techniques have evolved such that fat can now be harvested using a low-pressure manual suction with small caliber syringes and then passed through screens which then micronized and separated the large sections of fat into individual cells. We have also learned that by mixing this micronized fat with platelet rich plasma, we can dramatically enhance the survival of the fat cells as well as adding to the rejuvenation of the skin and enhancing the cosmetic effect.

Using ALMI as a stand-alone office procedure performed under local anesthesia, we can create a more refreshed appearance to the face by restoring the fat volume which is lost as a part of the process of aging. ALMI is used most commonly to enhance the cheekbones to create "apples of the cheeks" and can also be used instead of a lower blepharoplasty by correcting the crease of the skin that occurs at the lower lid junction. By filling in this crease the bulging fat of the lower eyelids can be made to look much less apparent.

The effect of fat transfer and PRP on the skin itself is unremarkable. A mixture of fat and PRP in smaller volumes can be used to create a healthier and more youthful appearance to the skin. The effective fat transfer and PRP on the skin and the dermis has been proven in multiple scientific studies and its rejuvenation effect can also be used in the scalp to provide a growth stimulus to the hair follicles resulting in thicker density of hair on the scalp thus reversing the hair loss associated with age.

ALMI, in my opinion, is the most revolutionary and effective nonsurgical method of facial rejuvenation I have ever used in my practice. ALMI can be used in almost any age patient and is easily performed in the office under local anesthesia. There is very little downtime and the average patient can have the procedure done in the office on Friday and return to work on Monday. ALMI is a totally natural process using your own tissue and cells to create a long-lasting and virtually risk-free rejuvenation of the face. As opposed to fillers such as hyaluronic acid and other agents which are not human tissue, are short lived in their effects. ALMI is completely safe with virtually no chance of allergic reaction, tissue loss, or infection. It is safe and effective for all patients even those in whom fillers have not been successful. If you have had facial fillers in the past and are tired of having this procedure done over and over or if you are looking for a long-lasting, short downtime, procedure that can be done in the office under local anesthesia and you desired the best in facial rejuvenation call Dr. Eugene Alford and schedule a consultation and learn more about the ALMI procedure and if it is right for you.