What Is a Facial Fat Transfer?

Facial fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is a surgical procedure that uses a patient’s own purified fat to improve facial volume and sculpt contours along the mid and lower face. Most patients use facial fat transfer to address the following concerns: 

  • Hollow cheeks
  • Under-eye depressions
  • Sallow temples
  • Overall facial thinning 

Because this procedure uses fat from other parts of the patient’s body, it also provides subtle slimming and contouring along the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. 

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Reveal a Younger-Looking, More Confident You

Pursuing plastic surgery in San Diego, CA, is a deeply personal decision, and we understand that every patient has their own motivations for seeking treatment. Many people come to Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa for the following facial fat transfer benefits:

  • Restoration of lost facial volume
  • Improved balance and contour along the mid and lower face
  • Natural look and feel due to the use of the patient’s own tissue
  • Potential improvements in skin quality from fat’s regenerative properties 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Facial Fat Transfer?

Ideal candidates for a facial fat transfer are healthy, non-smoking adults who are experiencing facial volume loss, hollowing, or contour irregularities in the mid and lower face. Patients must also have adequate donor fat available for the transfer. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will examine your facial structure, skin health, and donor site to confirm your eligibility. 

Why Choose Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa?

At Changes, we’re proud to bring unmatched expertise and high-touch, luxury treatment to patients in San Diego and beyond. Our team comprises highly trained surgeons who use refined techniques, advanced technology, and cutting-edge instruments to achieve natural-looking outcomes for patients. We set the standard for excellence and continually raise the bar for ourselves. 

Here, every procedure is fully customized to our patients’ medical needs and goals. We take our responsibility to our patients seriously, and each surgical plan is designed with satisfaction, safety, and comfort in mind. Our work is driven by our commitment to helping every patient rediscover and rebuild their confidence. 

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A Personalized Consultation 

Every patient’s journey with Changes begins with a private consultation with one of our plastic surgeons in San Diego, CA. There, you’ll discuss your aesthetic goals, procedure concerns, and medical history, and your surgeon will examine your facial structure to determine the best approach for your situation. 

Pricing Your Procedure

The cost of a facial fat transfer in San Diego, CA, will depend on the following factors:

  • The number of treatment areas
  • The amount of fat harvested
  • Surgical complexity
  • Whether your fat transfer is combined with other procedures 

Facial fat transfers are considered cosmetic surgeries and are not typically covered by insurance. Our team will share a clear cost estimate and financing options with you during your consultation. 

What to Expect From Your Facial Fat Transfer in San Diego, CA

Our facial fat transfers are outpatient procedures that may be performed under general anesthesia or a local anesthetic with sedation, depending on your surgical plan. 

To start the process, your surgeon will carefully harvest fat from your chosen donor site using liposuction. 

The fat cells will then be purified and carefully injected into your treatment areas to revitalize the face and restore a youthful, balanced appearance.

High-Touch Recovery, Every Step of the Way

Recovery after a facial fat transfer usually involves swelling, redness, or bruising and both the donor and treatment areas, which should subside within two weeks. Most patients resume normal daily activities, including gentle movement, desk work, and driving, within several days. 

Your initial results may appear fuller than expected, as your surgeon will inject more fat than planned to protect against cell loss, but your final results will reveal themselves once swelling fades and transferred fat stabilizes. You’ll head home from your procedure with extensive aftercare instructions, which may include the following items:

  • Injection site care and cleaning guidance
  • Skin care and hygiene recommendations
  • Sleep position restrictions, depending on your donor site
  • Activity limitations 
  • Pain management strategies, if needed

Over the coming weeks, you’ll return to our San Diego office for multiple follow-up appointments. There, your surgeon will monitor your healing and approve you for strenuous exercise and makeup use.

Drs. Michael T. Rossi and Paul R. Clark

Before You Begin

As with all surgical procedures, a facial fat transfer in San Diego, CA, comes with certain risks. Potential complications include the following:

  • Infection
  • Asymmetry
  • Injection site bleeding and delayed wound healing
  • Contour irregularities
  • Fat resorption 

Your surgeon will carefully review the risks with you during your consultation to ensure you’re fully informed and confident in your decision. 

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Completing Your Transformation

Many of our San Diego patients combine a facial fat transfer with other procedures for a more comprehensive rejuvenation. Complementary treatments include the following:

  • Dermal fillers
  • Facelift
  • Neck lift
  • Laser skin resurfacing 

Our team can also transfer any excess fat cells to the hands to help conceal tendons and veins, helping your hands appear more youthful. 

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Facial Fat Transfer FAQs

How long will my facial fat transfer results last?

Fat cells that survive the transfer will become a permanent part of your facial tissue, and the results of your facial fat transfer are long-lasting. Natural aging and weight fluctuations may affect the longevity of your results.

Can a facial fat transfer improve my skin’s texture?

Yes. The stem cells present in fat tissue can rejuvenate the skin, improving elasticity, texture, and overall quality.

How much fat is needed for a facial fat transfer?

Only a small amount of fat is needed for a facial transfer: typically 10-50cc. Your surgeon will remove more than necessary to prevent fat resorption.

Is the dual procedure painful?

No. Both liposuction and fat transfer injections are minimally invasive, and discomfort is typically mild. We use anesthesia and sedation to ensure your comfort during surgery and can provide pain management medications to aid your recovery.

Schedule Your Consultation Facial Fat Transfer in San Diego, CA

Take the first step toward bringing back a more refreshed, rejuvenated you with a facial fat transfer at Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa. Contact our San Diego office today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey. 

Let Your Journey Begin

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