Fat Transfer (Autologous Fat Grafting)

What Is Fat Transfer?

Fat transfer (grafting) has become a very common procedure to provide a natural structural replacement of loss of fat layers under the skin. Such loss is displayed by a flattening of the cheek areas, increased depths of folds, decreased fullness of the lips and eyebrow areas. The aging face is no longer considered a two dimensional change, and the results of replacement of fullness in these areas proves of significant value in maintaining a more youthful, less tired and healthy appearance. This may be done in the body (large volume) or in facial areas, hands, and small contour defects (small volume). Most advanced surgeons incorporate the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to supplement the fat cells and their associated stem-stromal cells for long-term improvement. It is common to do these procedures as single procedures, or in conjunction with face and neck lifting.

View other surgical procedures

What It Does: Gentle removal of fat cells from unwanted fat deposits, transfers tissue to sites where aging has resulted in loss of fullness and sagging changes. It is used for long-term enlargement (such as lips, cheeks, chin, nasal folds, breasts, or other body contour defects)

Best Candidates: Patients with thin lips, flattened sagging cheeks, deep folds or depressions, needing long-term improvement of contours

Length Of Procedure: Usually less than 1 hour

Recovery Time: Mild swelling, occasional bruise for 2-4 days

Back To Work: Usually 2-4 days maximum