Facial Fat Transfer

A facial fat transfer, also known as a fat graft, is a treatment that harvests fat from one area of the body and places it in the face to restore natural-looking volume beneath the skin. This procedure can effectively improve the appearance of sunken cheeks, lips, temples, and more.

Stress, your lifestyle, diet, medications, and smoking habits can all affect the appearance of your skin. As you age, the collagen proteins in your skin naturally decline, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and laxity. The facial fat can also begin to atrophy, and your body stops producing new fat cells, leading to a droopy appearance. With a facial fat transfer, we can help you achieve a plumper appearance by improving the contours of your face with the power of your own fat.

At Athena Clinic Plastic Surgery, Dr. Robert Peterson has helped thousands of patients restore their self-confidence. We offer a collection of innovative treatments to help you enhance your appearance with beautiful, customizable results.

Contact our office online or call (808) 944-8551 to learn more about how a facial fat transfer can help you achieve your facial rejuvenation goals!

Before and After Photos

View More Photos

About Facial Fat Transfer

In 2023, surgeons performed more than 34,000 facial fat grafting procedures to help patients improve their appearance. ⁽¹⁾ Unlike dermal fillers that can result in an overfilled or unnatural-looking appearance, using your own fat can provide beautiful enhancements that may last longer. Using one’s own fat is also ideal for patients with sensitivities or allergies to the synthetic ingredients in dermal fillers.

During a fat transfer, we will take excess fat from another area of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, and/or buttocks, process it, and then inject it into the targeted parts of your face. This treatment comes with the added benefit of sculpting the donor area as well as the face.

Fat Transfer vs. Facelift

While a fat transfer adds volume beneath the skin, a facelift is designed to remove excess tissue and reposition underlying musculature and fascia for a more youthful-looking appearance. Though a facelift does not explicitly add volume, it can redistribute certain tissues to create a fuller look and more youthful contours. Some patients choose to receive both procedures to further diminish signs of facial aging. During your consultation, we will ask about your aesthetic goals to determine the most effective treatment plans for your needs.

Benefits

There are several benefits to a facial fat transfer, which include:

Facial Fat Transfer Candidates

Patients seeking to address wrinkles, volume loss, and contour deformities for a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance are often suitable candidates for a facial fat transfer. ⁽²⁾ Most candidates would like to address changes to their appearance from aging, weight loss, or genetics. Ideal candidates are those with:

Consultation

During your consultation, we will examine your facial anatomy to determine the most effective treatment plan. We tailor each procedure to meet each patient’s unique anatomy and desired aesthetics.

Schedule your consultation today to explore your facial fat transfer options. If you have any further questions, please call our Honolulu office directly at (808) 944-8551.

How to Prepare for a Facial Fat Transfer

To prepare for a fat transfer, you should:

You should also arrange for someone to drive you home, and we recommend that you prepare your meals ahead of time. Your preparation instructions will vary slightly depending on your aesthetic goals and medical history, so we will provide additional instructions for you to follow. Following all instructions provided to you will help to ensure a smooth procedure with optimal results.

Treatment Process

During your procedure, we will cleanse your skin and administer topical anesthesia. To remove the excess fat from the donor area, we will perform liposuction. We will make a small incision to administer tumescent fluid–a combination of lidocaine, saline, and epinephrine that causes the fat cells to swell for easier removal, constricts blood vessels, and numbs tissues internally. Next, we will remove the excess fat with gentle suction that preserves the surrounding tissue. After the fat has been purified, we will administer the fat to your face in the desired locations. This is done meticulously to ensure a precise distribution of fat to help you achieve beautiful, natural-looking results.

After Surgery

After approximately one or two weeks, you can return to your normal activities. You should avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several weeks, or until your provider approves, to allow your body ample time to heal. You should also avoid excessive sun exposure for the entire duration of your recovery. Your recovery process will also depend on where you receive liposuction and the amount of fat we remove.

Results

Patients can see immediate improvements in their facial volume after their facial fat transfer, though the full results of the procedure will manifest as they continue to heal and swelling dissipates. During any fat transfer procedure, some reabsorption of fat by the body is to be expected. Patients regularly enjoy meaningful improvements in their appearances, showcased by stunning facial volume and smoother, plumper skin.

Additional Treatments

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing rejuvenates your skin with gentle pulses of laser energy. Our Icon™ laser uses fractional laser technology to target unwanted pigment, wrinkles, stretch marks, or scars without harming surrounding skin. The laser energy triggers your body’s natural healing process to gradually reveal smoother, more even skin over the following weeks. We can administer the laser energy to your skin in a series of treatments for optimal results.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels exfoliate the skin’s upper layers to diminish signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, as well as other skin concerns. Chemical peels come in various depths to help patients treat different levels of concerns.

Kybella

Kybella is an FDA-cleared injectable that dissolves excess fat below the chin. Fat beneath the chin is often considered one of the most stubborn areas; patients often have difficulty addressing this concern on their own. This fat, known officially as “submental fullness” and unofficially as a “double chin,” can be a source of embarrassment for many. This minimally invasive injection can help you achieve a leaner facial appearance and sharper jawline.

Cost of a Facial Fat Transfer in Honolulu

The cost of a facial fat transfer will depend on your specific treatment plan and whether you receive additional treatments for your aesthetic goals. We will provide an accurate quote during your consultation after assessing your goals and establishing a treatment plan. Athena Clinic Plastic Surgery also offers financing options to help make treatments more accessible.

Contact our office online or call (808) 944-8551 to learn more about how we can help you achieve your rejuvenation goals.

FAQ

References

1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
2. Shauly O, Gould DJ, Ghavami A. Fat Grafting: Basic Science, Techniques, and Patient Management. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2022;10(3):e3987. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000003987
3. Schultz KP, Raghuram A, Davis MJ, Abu-Ghname A, Chamata E, Rohrich RJ. Fat Grafting for Facial Rejuvenation. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2020;34(01):030-037. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0039-3402767