Facial Fat Grafting

Everyone is aware that aging can produce wrinkles, lines, and creases. However, not everyone understands the implications of age-related volume loss in terms of how it changes appearance. A loss of facial fat volume can create hollow-looking, depleted contours that make you look fatigued. Volume loss can change the shape of your face as well, causing you to feel disoriented when you look in the mirror.

woman with arms in front of face next to a plant

Luckily, there is an effective solution. Facial fat grafting can help restore youthful fullness to the temples, cheeks, lips, and the areas around the eyes, revitalizing your appearance and boosting your satisfaction with your image. Dr. Esmailian has mastered the art of fat transfer and is excited to present you with your options for rejuvenation.

What is Facial Fat Transfer?

Facial fat transfer (also called fat grafting, fat injections, and autologous facial fat transfer) utilizes the client’s own fat to augment and rejuvenate sunken, age-depleted facial contours. Using liposuction, the fat is harvested from an area of the body where it is plentiful, such as the hips, thighs, flanks, belly, or buttocks. This provides a secondary benefit of sculpting the donor area.

Once the fat has been purified and sterilized, it is then injected into flattened areas strategically. Facial fat transfer is an excellent solution for those who want a more natural look than can be achieved with fillers or surgery. The treatment can restore fullness and radiance to the cheeks, temples, eye areas, and lips with long-lasting results.

What areas of the Face can be Treated with Facial Fat Grafting?

Tear troughs
Under the eyes
Orbital area
Nasolabial folds
Marionette lines
Laugh lines
Lips
Corners of the mouth
Temples
Forehead
Cheeks
Chin
Jawline
Acne scars

How is facial Fat Transfer Performed?

Facial fat transfer is typically performed under local anesthesia unless you are undergoing another surgical procedure at the same time or you simply prefer general anesthesia. Using an ultra-thin tube known as a cannula, Dr. Esmailian will extract the fat from the donor area and then prepare it for transfer by purifying it in a centrifuge. Next, the doctor will inject the fat into the previously approved areas, providing a natural enhancement to the facial contours. If you opted for local anesthesia, you’ll be able to drive home alone after your procedure. Recovery takes 5-7 days, with some discomfort in both the donor and recipient areas.

What are the Benefits?

Combats age-related volume loss
Reduces lines, wrinkles, and creases
Provides a softer, more youthful countenance
Improves the appearance of scars and other imperfections
Minimally invasive with little downtime
No risk of allergic reactions
Option for local anesthesia only
Enhances self-esteem
Long-lasting outcome

What Happens after my Procedure?

Most fat transfer clients can return to work within the first week, but everyone’s healing progresses differently, so make sure to listen to your body. Swelling in the donor site may occur along with bruising and tenderness. These side effects disappear within a few weeks. You may resume light walks right away, but it is advisable that you refrain from vigorous exercise for 2-3 weeks. Dr. Esmailian will continue to monitor your recovery and ensure your healing is progressing properly.

Who makes a Good Candidate for Facial Fat Grafting?

Anyone who is unhappy with how volume loss has affected their facial contours can benefit from a facial fat grafting procedure, provided they are mentally and physically healthy and have realistic expectations for improvement in their appearance rather than perfection.

It’s important that patients pursuing facial fat transfer are non-smokers, as smoking can diminish the viability of your aesthetic results and interfere with your recovery.

Why choose Dr. Esmailian?

Dr. Esmailian is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in natural, elegant results personalized to your tastes, lifestyle, and wishes. He has been lauded by patients and peers alike for his commitment to excellence, as well as his precision-based skill and artistic eye for beauty.

Dr. Esmailian received his medical degree at the George Washington University School of Medicine, subsequently completing a General Surgery Residency Program at the world-renowned University of Southern California. During his training, he was honored as an Outstanding Resident of the Year, Outstanding Resident Teacher of the Year, and Administrative Chief Resident. In order to further enhance his knowledge and expertise, Dr. Esmailian then pursued a demanding Plastic Surgery Residency at the Indiana University Hospital in Indianapolis, preparing him for a successful career in aesthetics.

Page updated: May 18, 2024