Facial Fat Transfer
Natural Fat Grafting to Restore Volume & Youthful Contours by NYC Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Ulysses Scarpidis
What Is Facial Fat Transfer?
Facial fat grafting, also known as facial fat transfer, is used to restore lost volume and plump areas that appear sunken, all with fat harvested from your own body. No other substance is more easily accepted by the body than your own natural tissue.
Fat contains a high percentage of your own stem cells; when injected into the sunken areas, it can create a dramatic improvement in appearance. The stem cells in the fat have a rejuvenating effect on the facial tissue and skin that can restore a more youthful, fresh appearance as the days and weeks pass.
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Hi! My name is Julia. I am the Chief Plastic Surgery Specialist at Scarpidis Aesthetics.
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Good Candidates for Volume Restoration with Facial Fat Transfer
As we age, the face can begin to take on a sagging, gaunt appearance. The cheeks often appear sunken, and facial volume at the temples can reduce. Lines develop from the mouth to the chin (marionette lines) and bags under the eyes can appear, eventually leaving your face looking old, tired, and saggy. Fat grafting can be used to address all of these symptoms.
Candidates should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the results. Those with certain medical conditions that affect healing, active infections in the treatment area, or insufficient fat deposits for harvesting are not ideal patients for fat transfer.
The Fat Grafting Procedure
Your fat grafting procedure will be conveniently performed at the office of Scarpidis Aesthetics in Midtown Manhattan. First, a small amount of excess fat tissue is extracted from another area of your body, such as the abdomen, waist, thighs, butt, or back. The fat is then purified through a special process. Once purified, it can be injected into facial areas that have lost volume due to aging.
The Recovery Process
Patients should expect some swelling and bruising during recovery at both the donor and recipient sites. It’s important to follow all post-operative instructions carefully and avoid strenuous activities as directed. The recovery period allows the transferred fat to establish a blood supply and integrate with the surrounding tissues for optimal facial rejuvenation results.
Benefits of Facial Fat Grafting
- Plumps up sunken areas
- Restores a healthier, more youthful appearance
- Sculpts the facial profile for more balance and harmony
- Uses your own natural tissue instead of a foreign substance
- Restores lost facial volume
- Diminishes wrinkles and creases
How Much Does Facial Fat Grafting Cost?
The price of facial fat grafting varies depending on several factors like the extent of treatment needed, the areas being addressed, and the complexity of the procedure. Scarpidis Aesthetics is proud to offer financing through CareCredit to help patients manage the cost of care.
Fat Transfer FAQs
Can fat grafting be done at the same time as body liposuction?
Absolutely, these procedures are often performed at the same time on patients interested in both body sculpting and facial contouring. The fat removed via liposuction is excellent for transfer to the face after purification.
Will I lose weight from the fat removal process?
The amount of fat extracted is typically small and unlikely to result in noticeable weight loss. The primary goal is facial volume restoration rather than body contouring, so patients should not expect significant changes in their overall body weight from this procedure.
How long does fat transfer last?
Results from fat transfer can last many years, as the transferred fat integrates naturally with surrounding tissues. However, not all transferred fat survives—typically about 60% to 80% of the fat remains permanently after the healing phase. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle helps preserve your results long-term.
How long does facial fat transfer last?
Facial fat transfer results are long-lasting and can endure for many years, unlike dermal fillers that gradually dissolve. Once the transferred fat establishes a blood supply, it becomes a permanent part of your facial structure. Patients often enjoy lasting fullness and improved skin texture.
Is facial fat transfer permanent?
Yes, the results are considered permanent once the fat cells successfully integrate with the existing tissue. Some minor volume loss may occur in the first few months, but the remaining fat typically remains stable, giving the face a natural, youthful contour.
Does facial fat transfer look natural?
Absolutely. Facial fat transfer provides natural-looking volume because it uses your own fat, blending seamlessly with your existing tissue. The results are soft, balanced, and move naturally with your facial expressions—unlike some synthetic fillers.
Is facial fat transfer better than filler?
Facial fat transfer offers longer-lasting and more natural results than temporary fillers. While fillers provide instant enhancement, they typically last 6 to 12 months. Fat transfer, on the other hand, delivers lasting fullness with the added benefit of improving skin tone and texture over time.
Schedule Your Facial Fat Transfer Consultation in NYC
If you’re ready to refresh your look with a facial fat transfer in New York City, book a private consultation with Dr. Scarpidis today. As a top plastic surgeon in NYC, he’ll assess your facial structure and donor sites, then create a personalized fat grafting plan to rejuvenate your features with naturally restored fullness.
Call us today: (212) 951-0505