Facial Fat
Grafting (Fat Transfer to the Face)
Transform yourself with
"*" indicates required fields
By submitting this form you agree to receive emails, calls, and text messages from BodEvolve related to our services. This agreement is not a condition to purchase and you can opt-out at any time.
Facial Fat Grafting (Fat Transfer to the Face)
Overview
What is facial fat grafting (fat transfer to the face)?
Facial fat grafting, also known as autologous fat transfer, is a natural cosmetic procedure that restores lost volume, smooths wrinkles, and enhances facial contours by using the patient’s own fat. This procedure involves harvesting fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs, purifying it, and strategically injecting it into the face for long-lasting, youthful results.
Facial fat loss occurs naturally with aging, leading to hollow cheeks, deep folds, and a tired appearance. Fat transfer replenishes facial fullness and definition while simultaneously sculpting the donor area through liposuction.
How does facial fat grafting improve facial appearance?
Facial fat transfer:
- Restores lost volume in the cheeks, temples, and under-eye area.
- Smooths deep wrinkles, fine lines, and folds (such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines).
- Enhances facial contours for a sculpted, youthful appearance.
- Improves skin texture and quality due to the regenerative properties of fat.
Provides natural, long-lasting results with no synthetic fillers.
How common is facial fat grafting?
Fat transfer has become an increasingly popular alternative to dermal fillers, as it provides permanent, natural enhancement without the need for synthetic materials. It is commonly used for facial rejuvenation, contouring, and volume restoration.
Who is a good candidate for facial fat transfer?
The ideal candidate for facial fat grafting:
- Has volume loss, hollow areas, or facial wrinkles due to aging.
- Wants a natural alternative to dermal fillers.
- Has sufficient fat in donor areas (abdomen, thighs, or flanks) for harvesting.
- Is in good overall health with realistic expectations.
- Does not smoke or is willing to quit before and after surgery.
Procedure Details
Areas Commonly Treated with Fat Transfer
Facial fat grafting can enhance multiple areas, including:
- Cheeks – Restores youthful volume and lifts the midface.
- Under-Eyes (Tear Troughs) – Softens hollow or sunken under-eyes.
- Temples – Fills in hollowing for a balanced facial contour.
- Nasolabial Folds – Smooths deep smile lines from the nose to the mouth.
- Marionette Lines – Softens wrinkles that run from the mouth corners to the chin.
- Lips – Enhances lip volume and definition naturally.
- Jawline and Chin – Improves definition and facial proportions.
How is facial fat grafting performed?
Facial fat transfer is a minimally invasive, three-step process:
- Fat Harvesting (Liposuction)
- Gentle liposuction is performed to extract fat from the abdomen, thighs, or flanks.
- Only a small amount of fat is needed, depending on the areas treated.
- Fat Processing and Purification
- The harvested fat is purified to remove excess fluids, damaged cells, and impurities.
- Only healthy, viable fat cells are used for transfer.
- Fat Injection into the Face
- The purified fat is strategically injected using microcannulas.
- Fat is layered carefully to ensure smooth, natural-looking results.
Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Facial Volume Enhancement
- Fat Transfer – Provides permanent, natural volume but requires a minor surgical procedure.
- Dermal Fillers (Hyaluronic Acid or Sculptra®) – Temporary, non-surgical option but requires repeat treatments every 6–18 months.
What happens before facial fat grafting?
Before surgery, patients must:
- Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss goals and treatment areas.
- Undergo a facial and body assessment to determine suitable fat donor sites.
- Avoid smoking and blood-thinning medications to ensure optimal healing.
- Plan for mild swelling and downtime following the procedure.
What happens during facial fat transfer?
Fat grafting is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia and takes 1–2 hours.
The general steps include:
- Fat Harvesting – Liposuction removes excess fat from the donor site.
- Fat Processing – The fat is purified and prepared for reinjection.
- Micro-Fat Injection – The fat is strategically placed in facial areas using precise techniques.
- Surgical Closure – Tiny incisions are closed, and compression garments may be applied to the donor site.
Risks / Benefits
What are the benefits of facial fat grafting?
Fat transfer provides natural and long-lasting volume enhancement, including:
- Restored facial fullness and youthful contours.
- Smoother, more radiant skin due to regenerative properties of fat.
- Minimal risk of allergic reactions since the fat comes from the patient’s own body.
- Permanent results, unlike temporary dermal fillers.
- Improved overall facial harmony and balance.
What are the risks of facial fat transfer?
While facial fat grafting is safe and minimally invasive, potential risks include:
- Swelling and bruising – Common in the first few weeks.
- Fat resorption – Some of the transferred fat may not survive, requiring touch-ups.
- Temporary numbness or minor asymmetry – Improves as swelling subsides.
- Minor lumps or irregularities – Can be smoothed out during a follow-up procedure.
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in fat grafting reduces risks and ensures natural, long-lasting results.
Recovery and Outlook
How long does recovery take after facial fat grafting?
Recovery varies based on the amount of fat transferred, but general timelines include:
- First 3–5 days – Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. Patients must avoid excessive facial movement.
- Week 1–2 – Most swelling subsides, and initial results become more apparent.
- Weeks 3–6 – The fat begins to integrate, and final facial contours take shape.
- Months 3–6 – Full results are visible as the fat stabilizes permanently.
Patients should avoid direct pressure on treated areas, sun exposure, and strenuous exercise during the first few weeks to ensure optimal fat survival.
How long do fat grafting results last?
Fat transfer results are long-lasting, but some fat (typically 30–40%) is naturally reabsorbed by the body within the first 3–6 months. The remaining fat cells permanently integrate, providing natural enhancement that lasts for years.
Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve the volume and contour improvements.
Can facial fat grafting be combined with other procedures?
Yes! Many patients combine fat grafting with:
- Facelift (Rhytidectomy) – Restores youthful structure and volume loss.
- Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) – Enhances under-eye hollows and smooths wrinkles.
- CO2 Laser Resurfacing – Improves skin tone and texture.
- Jawline Contouring (Fillers or Implants) – Defines the lower face for a sculpted look.
Final Thoughts on Facial Fat Grafting
Facial fat transfer is an effective, natural solution for restoring volume, enhancing contours, and rejuvenating aging skin. Whether used alone or combined with other facial procedures, fat grafting creates youthful, long-lasting results without synthetic fillers.
At BodEvolve, our board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in advanced fat transfer techniques, ensuring balanced, beautiful, and natural-looking results.
If you are considering facial fat grafting, schedule a consultation today to explore your options.
Call 817-342-0232 or request an appointment online.