Fat Transfer to Face

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Fat Transfer to the Face Dr. Gordon Andan

A fat transfer to the face is a surgical procedure that repurposes fat from one area of the body to the face to achieve a fuller, more youthful facial aesthetic. (1)

Over time, it is natural to lose facial volume, often resulting in sagging skin, hollow-looking areas, and wrinkles for many individuals. This can be due to various causes, such as the natural aging process or the effects of significant weight loss. While this can be a frustrating experience, there are now treatment options available that can help address the effects of aging while producing natural-looking results.

Led by board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gordon Andan, the team at New York Surgical Arts specializes in a variety of innovative cosmetic procedures, including numerous facial and body rejuvenation treatments.

To learn more about fat transfer and other facial rejuvenation procedures, schedule a personal consultation online or by calling (516) 746-0155.

About Fat Transfers to the Face

Fat transfer to the face, also known as facial fat grafting, is a cosmetic procedure that involves harvesting fat from one area of the body and injecting it into specific regions of the face to restore volume and rejuvenate appearance. This technique addresses volume loss, wrinkles, and sagging skin, offering natural and long-lasting results. Unlike other procedures that aim to restore volume in a patient’s face, such as implant-based or dermal filler approaches, a fat transfer utilizes a patient’s own body fat for a more natural approach. Dermal fillers offer a more temporary solution to facial volume loss.

The procedure begins with liposuction to harvest fat from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks. The collected fat is then purified and meticulously injected into targeted facial areas, such as the cheeks, under-eye regions, or nasolabial folds, to restore youthful contours and smooth fine lines.

Benefits

Facial fat transfer treatments offer numerous advantages, including:

  • Natural Enhancement: Utilizing the patient’s own fat results in a more natural look and feel compared to artificial fillers.
  • Long-Lasting Results: The transferred fat provides enduring outcomes that require fewer follow-up treatments compared to dermal fillers.
  • Reduced Risk of Allergic Reactions: Since the procedure uses autologous fat, the likelihood of allergic reactions is significantly minimized. (2)
  • Increased Confidence: Patients often report an increased sense of confidence and self-esteem following their facial fat transfer.
  • Customizable Treatment: The procedure can be tailored to address each patient’s specific concerns and can be combined with other treatments to achieve more comprehensive results.

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates for facial fat transfer are individuals experiencing facial volume loss due to aging, weight fluctuations, genetics, or other factors. Candidates should be in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and possess sufficient fat deposits in donor areas for harvesting. Non-smokers or those willing to abstain from smoking during the healing process are preferred, as smoking can increase the risk of complications. Dr. Andan will determine each patient’s candidacy for a facial fat transfer at their consultation.

Personal Consultation

A comprehensive consultation with Dr. Andan is the first step towards a facial fat transfer. During this meeting, Dr. Andan will review the patient’s medical history, assess their overall health, and discuss their aesthetic goals. He will then perform a facial evaluation to identify areas that would benefit from volume restoration and determine potential donor sites for fat harvesting. Dr. Andan will provide detailed information about the procedure, preparation, and recovery, ensuring the patient is well-informed and comfortable with their treatment plan. Patients are encouraged to prepare and ask questions during their consultation.

To get started on your path toward enhanced facial aesthetics, schedule a personal consultation online with Dr. Andan and his team or by calling (516) 746-0155.

Preparation

Proper preparation is crucial for a successful facial fat transfer. Patients should avoid smoking and consuming alcohol for several weeks before and after the procedure to minimize the risk of complications. Dr. Andan may ask patients to stop using certain medications, such as those with blood-thinning properties. Specific lifestyle changes may also be recommended to optimize results. Patients are recommended to arrange transportation home after their fat transfer.

Procedure

The facial fat transfer procedure typically begins by administering local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. Dr. Andan will first perform liposuction to harvest fat from a donor site, such as the abdomen or thighs. During liposuction, Dr. Andan will inject tumescent fluid into the targeted area. This solution works to swell the fat, which makes it easier to remove. It also helps reduce bleeding and numb the treatment area, enhancing patient comfort even after the procedure is over.

The harvested fat is then purified, ensuring only healthy fat cells are used for the transfer. Next, Dr. Andan carefully injects the purified fat into the targeted facial areas to sculpt a balanced and natural-looking result. The fat transfer procedure generally takes around 1-2 hours, depending on the extent of the fat transfer and whether additional treatments are performed.

To learn more about the other procedures we offer, please refer to Dr. Andan’s blog.

Recovery

After the procedure, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and tenderness in both the donor and treatment areas. These side effects are temporary and typically subside within a couple of weeks. Most patients can return to some light activities after a day or two, although strenuous activities should be avoided until advised by Dr. Andan. At your consultation, he will provide you with postoperative recovery instructions to ensure a seamless recovery process. You may be asked to schedule follow-up appointments to allow Dr. Andan and his team to monitor your recovery.

Results

Fat Transfer to the Face Dr. Gordon Andan

Patients can expect significant aesthetic improvements after a facial fat transfer. Because a portion of the transferred fat establishes a permanent blood supply, the results are often long-lasting and natural-looking. When surveyed, a majority of patients who underwent facial fat transfer procedures reported being satisfied with the results of their treatment (3), and the team at New York Surgical Arts is known for producing consistent, stunning results. Dr. Andan and his team are committed to helping patients achieve a rejuvenated and youthful appearance that aligns with their aesthetic goals.

It is important to note that some of the initially transferred fat will be reabsorbed by the body after injection.

Cost of Fat Transfer to the Face in New York City

The cost of a facial fat transfer varies depending on several factors, including the extent of the procedure and the areas being treated. In some cases, patients may benefit from a touch-up treatment to achieve optimal results. During your personal consultation, Dr. Andan and his team will provide a detailed cost estimate. Financing options are also available for those who qualify. For more information about pricing or to schedule a consultation, patients can contact New York Surgical Arts online or call (516) 746-0155.

FAQ

Who is a good candidate for a facial fat transfer?

Ideal candidates are individuals who want to add natural-looking volume to their faces, have sufficient fat for harvesting, and are in good overall health. Patients who are looking for a longer-lasting alternative to dermal fillers are also great candidates for a fat transfer. A consultation with Dr. Andan will help determine if this procedure is right for you.

How long will the results of my facial fat transfer last?

The results of a facial fat transfer can be long-lasting, as the transferred fat integrates with existing tissue. While some of the fat may be reabsorbed by the body initially, the remaining fat can provide results that last for years.

What is the recovery process like after a fat transfer?

Patients may experience mild swelling and bruising in both the donor and injection sites, which typically resolve within a few days to a couple of weeks. Most individuals can return to daily activities within one to two days, but full recovery may take several weeks.

Are there any risks or side effects associated with facial fat transfer?

As with any procedure, there are risks, including swelling, bruising, minor asymmetry, or fat reabsorption. However, a facial fat transfer is safe when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Andan.

How does facial fat transfer compare to dermal fillers?

Unlike dermal fillers, which are temporary and require regular touch-ups, facial fat transfer uses your own fat for a more natural, long-lasting result. Additionally, fat transfer reduces the risk of allergic reactions.

References

  1. Facial Fat Grafting. Cosmetic Surgery. Published 2021. Accessed March 4, 2025. https://med.stanford.edu/cosmeticsurgery/aestheticservices/face/facial-fat-grafting.html
  2. Brucato D, Ülgür II, Alberti A, Weinzierl A, Harder Y. Complications Associated with Facial Autologous Fat Grafting for Aesthetic Purposes: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2024;12(1):e5538-e5538. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000005538
  3. Groen JW, Krastev TK, Hommes J, Wilschut JA, Ritt MJPF, van der Hulst RRJW. Autologous Fat Transfer for Facial Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review on Technique, Efficacy, and Satisfaction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2017;5(12):e1606. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000001606