Facial fat transfer is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes a patient’s own fat to add volume to areas of the face that have lost fullness due to aging, weight loss, or genetics. Unwanted fat is harvested from one part of the body and injected into parts of the face requiring additional volume. This technique can be used to fill in hollow cheeks, plump up thin lips, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and enhance the natural contours of the face.

As a board-certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Amber L. Allen has extensive experience in performing facial fat transfer procedures. She uses state-of-the-art techniques and equipment to ensure that her patients achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results. During your consultation at her Raleigh office, Dr. Allen will evaluate your facial structure, skin quality, and personal goals to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. With Dr. Allen’s expertise and attention to detail, you can achieve natural-looking, youthful results with minimal downtime. To schedule a consultation and learn more about a facial fat transfer in Raleigh, North Carolina, call (919) 676-5052 or fill out a contact form to request an appointment.

About

The face is a vital part of our identity and appearance, and it is also usually the most visible part of our body. As we age, our skin loses its elasticity, subcutaneous fat is lost, and wrinkles start to appear. But did you know that the bones of our face that give it structure also undergo changes? The orbits of our eyes enlarge, our jawbones become shorter and narrower, and our cheekbones become wider and flatter. This causes the overlying soft tissue to shift and causes the many individual facial fat compartments that shape the face to become deflated. As a result, our skin becomes looser, leading to the formation of jowls, and we begin to form creases like nasolabial folds.⁽¹⁾ These changes can affect the way we feel about ourselves and can lead to a loss of self-confidence. But thanks to modern cosmetic surgery techniques, we now have more options than ever when it comes to facial rejuvenation. While removing and repositioning tissue with a facelift is a popular approach to a rejuvenated appearance, many of the most common signs of aging can be improved by restoring depleted volume, which can lift and soften facial features.

Facial fat transfer, or fat grafting, is a procedure that involves taking fat from one area of your body and injecting it into another area of your face where volume has been lost due to aging or other factors. This procedure is an excellent option for patients who want a natural-looking enhancement without using synthetic fillers. A fat transfer can also be performed in addition to a facelift for more comprehensive rejuvenation. During the procedure, Dr. Allen will use syringe aspiration or liposuction to remove fat from a donor site, such as the abdomen or thighs. The fat is then processed and purified before being injected into the targeted areas of the face. Over time, the living fat cells graft to the existing fatty tissue in the face, and go on to live and behave as normal, natural fat.

Areas That Can Be Improved With Fat Injections

Fat injection is a safe and effective way to restore volume to the face while improving skin quality and texture. Fat transfer can be used to enhance:

It can also be strategically injected to reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds (the creases that stretch from the sides of the nostrils to the corners of the mouth) and marionette lines (the lines that travel from the sides of the mouth downwards to the chin). The procedure is minimally invasive, and downtime and discomfort are minimal compared to other surgeries!

If you are considering facial fat transfer, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Allen. During your consultation, she will evaluate your facial structure, discuss your concerns and goals, and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs. Our goal is to help you achieve the youthful, vibrant appearance you desire while ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the process. Contact us today to learn more about facial fat transfer and how it can benefit you.

Benefits

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons has reported that every year, over half a million facial fat grafting procedures are performed around the world. And, thanks to high satisfaction rates for patients and surgeons alike, that number is on the rise! ⁽²⁾ Reasons that this procedure is increasing in popularity include benefits such as:

Because the fat integrates with the facial tissues, patients enjoy a natural-looking, smooth appearance that lasts longer than synthetic dermal fillers. Another important benefit is that the transferred fat carries adipose-derived stem cells. These cells are able to transform into the specific types of cells needed to replace damaged cells in the area. As a result, patients see an improvement in the quality of their skin, with reduced scars and sun damage.⁽¹⁾

Candidates

Candidates for facial fat transfer are men and women who are looking to enhance their facial features and improve gaunt-looking areas of their face. This procedure is ideal for individuals who have:

Candidates should be in good overall health, have realistic expectations for the procedure’s outcome, and be non-smokers. It’s important to keep in mind that although fat injections are popular and effective, not all of the fat injected will successfully graft. Staying healthy and avoiding nicotine is one way to ensure that a higher percentage of the fat survives. And although exact results are impossible to predict, Dr. Allen can give patients a general idea of the results they can expect thanks to her extensive experience performing this procedure.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation with Dr. Allen in our Raleigh office, she will review your medical history and listen to your concerns. She will then examine your face and assess the volume of your facial features, including the cheeks, lips, and under-eye area.

Dr. Allen will discuss the best approach for your specific needs and desired outcome. She may recommend combining facial fat transfer with other procedures, such as a facelift or neck lift, for more comprehensive results. Or, if you have a specific area that requires attention, such as sunken cheeks or thin lips, she may suggest a focused treatment plan. At our practice, we prioritize patient education and strive to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. Dr. Allen will explain the procedure in detail, including potential risks and benefits, so you feel confident and comfortable moving forward. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Allen, call us at (919) 676-5052. We also offer virtual consultations for those unable to visit our Raleigh office in person. Contact us today and take the first step towards enhancing your natural beauty through facial fat transfer.

Preparation

Prior to your procedure, we will provide you with comprehensive preoperative instructions to ensure a smooth procedure and optimal results.

To prepare for your facial fat transfer, it is important to follow these guidelines:

Dr. Allen and our team are committed to providing you with personalized care and ensuring that you have a safe and successful facial fat transfer experience. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have.

Procedure

At our practice, we offer a range of facial rejuvenation procedures, including the popular facial fat transfer. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, allowing patients to avoid many of the risks and side effects that accompany general anesthesia.

Once the donor area has been anesthetized, Dr. Allen will remove fat using either liposuction or the syringe aspiration technique. The extracted fat is then purified and prepared for injection into the face using small cannulas. Dr. Allen will use precise techniques to inject the fat into targeted areas of the face, such as the cheeks, temples, and under the eyes. This will help restore volume and create a more youthful, lifted appearance.

Recovery and Results

After a facial fat transfer procedure, patients can expect some swelling and bruising in the treated areas, which can last up to several weeks. Since this is most noticeable during the first week after their procedure, many patients take a week off of work, and may choose to postpone social engagements until their symptoms can be easily concealed with makeup. Patients should plan on taking it easy for at least a week after the procedure. Strenuous activities, such as exercise or heavy lifting, should be avoided during this time. Sleeping with your head elevated can help to reduce swelling, and Dr. Allen and her team will give you instructions to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible as you recover. Over the next several months, the fat will integrate into the facial tissues and make a permanent home in its new location. By about nine months after your procedure, you’ll be able to see your final results, as the surviving fat will have successfully grafted, and any fat that hasn’t will have been reabsorbed by the body. The results of a facial fat transfer are long-lasting and natural-looking. Patients can achieve a fuller, more youthful appearance with improved facial contours. Dr. Allen will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure that the patient is satisfied with the results. She takes pride in her ability to customize each procedure to meet the unique needs and goals of her patients, resulting in beautiful, natural-looking outcomes.

How Much Do Fat Injections Cost in Raleigh?

At our practice, we believe that every patient deserves a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and desires. This is especially true for facial fat transfer procedures, which require a skilled hand and an eye for detail. As such, the cost of a facial fat transfer will vary depending on factors such as the amount of fat being transferred, the number of areas being treated, and the complexity of the procedure. Contact us at (919) 676-5052 or visit our website to schedule your consultation today.

FAQ

References

1. Schultz KP, Raghuram A, Davis MJ, Abu-Ghname A, Chamata E, Rohrich RJ. Fat Grafting for Facial Rejuvenation. Semin Plast Surg. 2020;34(1):30-37. doi:10.1055/s-0039-3402767
2. Schiraldi L, Sapino G, Meuli J, et al. Facial Fat Grafting (FFG): Worth the Risk? A Systematic Review of Complications and Critical Appraisal. J Clin Med. 2022;11(16):4708. Published 2022 Aug 11. doi:10.3390/jcm11164708