Fat grafting, also called facial fat transfer, is a cosmetic procedure that uses your own fat cells to restore volume and improve facial contours. The procedure involves removing fat from a donor area of the body—most commonly the abdomen—purifying it, and then injecting it into areas of the face that have experienced volume loss.

Facial fat grafting is commonly used to treat:

• Hollow cheeks

• Nasolabial folds

• Tear troughs and under-eye hollows

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Facial asymmetry

• Volume loss in the jawline and temples

Because your own tissue is used, fat grafting provides natural-looking results without the risk of allergic reaction associated with synthetic fillers.

Fat grafting offers a wide range of facial rejuvenation benefits, including:

• Restoration of lost facial volume

• Smoother, more youthful facial contours

• Improvement in fine lines and creases

• Natural-looking facial enhancement

• Long-lasting results

• No synthetic fillers

• Minimal scarring

• Use of your own fat cells

In addition to facial rejuvenation, fat grafting can also create a slimmer appearance by removing fat from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks.

You may be a good candidate for facial fat transfer in NYC if you:

• Have facial volume loss due to aging

• Have hollow or sunken facial features

• Want a natural alternative to dermal fillers

• Have enough excess fat for harvesting

• Are in good overall health

• Do not smoke

• Have realistic expectations

Fat grafting is also highly effective for improving acne scars and correcting facial asymmetry. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your facial structure, skin quality, and donor area to determine whether fat grafting is right for you.

Your consultation is an essential part of the facial fat grafting process. During your private consultation with Dr. Karlinsky or Dr. Kim, your surgeon will:

• Review your medical history

• Evaluate your facial features and skin

• Discuss your aesthetic goals

• Take clinical photographs

• Explain your treatment options

• Design a personalized surgical plan

If you are interested in learning more about how you can benefit from fat grafting, please contact New Look New Life Surgical Arts by calling (212) 830-6830.

Facial fat grafting is a highly customizable procedure. You can personalize your treatment by choosing:

• The donor area (abdomen, thighs, or buttocks)

• The treatment areas of the face

• The amount of fat transferred

• Whether fat grafting is combined with other facial procedures

Your surgeon will carefully plan fat placement to ensure balanced, symmetrical, and natural-looking facial rejuvenation.

Facial fat transfer is performed in-office at our Manhattan surgical center using local anesthesia and topical numbing.
The procedure includes three main steps:
 
1. Fat Harvesting: A small cannula is used to gently remove fat from a donor area such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks using liposuction techniques.

2. Fat Purification: The harvested fat is purified to isolate healthy fat cells for injection.
3. Fat Injection: The purified fat is carefully injected into targeted areas of the face using a syringe for precise volume restoration.

Your surgeon carefully smooths the fat as it is injected to ensure even distribution and optimal contouring.

Facial fat grafting is performed using local anesthesia, so patients do not feel pain during the procedure. Mild discomfort at the donor site or injection areas can be managed with over-the-counter medication.

Yes. Fat grafting is frequently combined with facelift surgery to address both sagging skin and volume loss. While a facelift tightens and lifts the skin, fat transfer restores youthful fullness for a more complete facial rejuvenation.

Fat grafting can also be combined with mini facelift, neck lift, or eyelid surgery.

Recovery from facial fat transfer is typically mild and well tolerated. Patients may experience minor swelling or bruising in both the donor and injection areas.

Most patients:

• Return to normal activities within a few days

• Resume work within one week

• See swelling subside within one to two weeks

Results are visible immediately, though final results develop as swelling resolves and the transferred fat settles into place.

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Your surgeon may initially inject slightly more fat than needed to account for natural absorption during healing.

Common donor areas include:

• Abdomen

• Thighs

• Buttocks

Your surgeon will recommend the best donor site based on your body composition and treatment goals.

Thankfully, no significant incisions are needed to perform fat grafting. There will be very minor incisions made at the fat-harvesting site (as it uses liposuction techniques), but these heal very well and are most often inconspicuous. There are no incisions made at the fat injection site. Therefore, you will be left with your desired results and no scarring.

The cost of fat grafting in NYC varies based on:

• Number of treatment areas

• Amount of fat transferred

• Donor area selection

• Whether combined with other procedures

Your personalized quote will be provided during your consultation. Financing options through CareCredit are available.

Fat grafting results are immediate. Just after the procedure, your enhancements may appear slightly larger or fuller than you anticipated. As your surgeon will explain, fat transfer requires the injection of slightly more volume than desired to allow for the body’s natural absorption during healing. This will resolve itself naturally as your face heals and the swelling subsides, resulting in the enhancement you hoped for.

You can schedule your fat grafting appointment after you are confirmed as a candidate at your initial consultation.

Very little preparation is needed for facial fat transfer, but smoking must be avoided for the month surrounding the procedure.

Unlike synthetic fillers, fat grafting offers long-lasting results. Many patients enjoy results that last for years. Some patients may require multiple sessions for optimal enhancement.

For patients who prefer synthetic fillers, New Look New Life offers a full range of injectables including:

• BOTOX® Cosmetic

• Dysport®

• Juvederm®

• Restylane®

• Radiesse®

Your surgeon will help determine which option is best for your facial rejuvenation goals.

For some patients, fat transfer can add volume to the buttocks or breasts for a more natural butt or breast enlargement.

Fat transfer is used as part of a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and can be utilized for fat transfer breast augmentation.