Excessive fat on the face or neck can have an aging effect, but so can too little volume in the face. Today, facial plastic surgery focuses on volume replacement in the form of fillers and even fat. Facial fat transfer offers our Scottsdale-Phoenix, Arizona, patients some of the most natural-looking and long-lasting results.
Fat transfer or re-injection works like other dermal fillers such as JUVÉDERM® to provide a variety of benefits, including:
Rejuvenating the face
Minimizing wrinkles and creases
Restoring lost volume to the cheeks, under the eyes, or the lips
Also known as fat grafting, this noninvasive procedure is designed to improve the contour of the face using the patient’s own fat collected with liposuction. It can be used to counteract lost volume from aging, weight loss, or illness. Note that while adding volume can help minimize the appearance of folds, wrinkles, and lines, fat grafting is not necessarily the best option for wrinkles and lines that can be treated with other fillers.
How Much Does Facial Fat Transfer Cost?
The price for facial fat transfer depends on several factors, including the extent of liposuction needed to extract the fat and the size and number of areas treated. You can get a general idea of the cost on our pricing page.
Dr. Todd Hobgood
Dr. Hobgood combines his down-to-earth, personable demeanor with an artistic eye and technical expertise honed through thousands of surgeries, including more than 1,000 facelifts. He's recognized nationally for his leadership and has been honored by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for his ongoing commitment to quality.
Facial fat grafting involves transferring fat from one area of the patient’s body to the face. During the procedure, excess fat is removed from one site, such as the hips, abdomen, thighs or buttocks, and transferred to the areas that require sculpting and volume.
A small incision is first made in the donor site and a cannula, or narrow hollow tube, is inserted to dislodge the fat through a syringe that draws it out. This is known as a liposuction procedure. The fat may then be prepared and injected into hollow areas of the face or creases to restore volume. This procedure may be performed under general anesthesia or under local anesthetic with sedation. The entire procedure generally takes between one and three hours.
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One of the advantages to facial fat transfer is a quick recovery, typically between three and five days for most patients. Swelling and redness are normal for the first two days, as well as minor discomfort. Dr. Hobgood may recommend that strenuous activities wait for up to two weeks, depending on how extensive the procedure. Most patients return to work within the week. Results of a fat transfer are immediate; although, the final results are not visible until swelling subsides.
Are You a Candidate for Facial Fat Transfer?
Men and women in good physical health who have lost volume in their face and who have realistic expectations are good candidates for facial fat re-injection.
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Facial Fat Transfer FAQ
When can I return to work after a fat grafting procedure?
Most patients return to work within 2 to 5 days. You may return to work as soon as you feel comfortable.
Does fat transfer leave scars?
No, facial fat transfer is performed using very tiny incisions that do not result in scarring.
Are there risks to facial fat grafting?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. This procedure does have minimal risk, however, as the patient’s own tissue is used. Rare complications include scarring, bleeding and permanent discoloration.
How long do facial fat transfer results last?
Facial fat transfer results are very long lasting, as the majority of transferred fat cells integrate with existing tissue. Your face will still be subject to normal aging and gravity, however. The body may also reabsorb some fat over time, so follow-up procedures may be required to achieve the desired long-term results.
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