Facial Fat Transfer
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Englewood and Denver, CO
A facial fat transfer is a surgical procedure designed to increase facial volume by injecting excess body fat taken from a different area of the body. (1)
As time passes, it is common for individuals to experience a loss of facial volume. Factors like genetics, significant weight loss, or environmental stressors may further accelerate these effects. While injectable fillers can offer temporary improvements, patients often seek a longer-lasting, more natural approach to facial rejuvenation. If you have experienced a loss of facial volume or would like to improve facial contours and are looking for a safe, effective, and long-lasting solution, a facial fat transfer may be the ideal solution.
Dr. Mario Imola and Dr. David Kowalczyk of Colorado Facial Plastic Surgery are among Colorado’s elite plastic surgeons and have helped many patients achieve their aesthetic goals. They offer several facial rejuvenation treatments, including facial fat transfer.
Dr. Imola, Dr. Kowalczyk, and the entire Colorado Facial Plastic Surgery staff are proud to say they are one of the top plastic surgery centers in Denver. As such, our surgeons are confident that whatever your rejuvenation goals may be, they can help you reach them.
If you are looking to explore our facial volume restoration treatments, please schedule a personal consultation with our staff by contacting us online or by calling (303) 839-7980.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Facial Fat Transfer
Facial fat transfer, also called autologous fat grafting, involves harvesting fat from one part of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, and strategically injecting it into areas of the face that could benefit from enhanced volume. (2) Common target areas include the cheeks, temples, and under the eyes. Because the transferred fat is your own fat, the results tend to look and feel more natural compared to artificial fillers. Using one’s own fat has also been shown to reduce the risk of complications because of its biocompatible nature.
Benefits
Facial fat grafting is known for providing patients with numerous benefits and is associated with high patient satisfaction rates. (3) When performed by trained experts such as Dr. Imola and Dr. Kowalczyk, our patients experience advantages like:
- Natural-Looking Results: Because the filler material used is derived from your own body, the results appear more natural compared to synthetic fillers.
- Long-lasting Volume Restoration: Unlike dermal fillers, which require repeated injections, transferred fat can last for several years.
- Reduction in Wrinkles and Lines: Filling hollows with fat helps soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Reduced Risk of Allergic Reactions: Since the fat comes from your body, there is less risk of allergy or rejection, unlike those associated with synthetic fillers.
- Dual Contouring: The incorporation of liposuction during fat transfers allows for mild body contouring alongside facial rejuvenation, enhancing overall aesthetics.
- Minimal Scarring: Incisions made during this procedure are small; your surgeon will intentionally place them in discreet locations.
If you are interested in experiencing some of the many benefits of facial fat transfer yourself, schedule a personal consultation with the Colorado Facial Plastic Surgery staff by contacting us online or by calling (303) 839-7980.
Ideal Candidates
Many different factors will contribute to whether or not someone is an eligible candidate for facial fat transfer procedures. Ideal candidates for this treatment often include:
- Individuals looking to improve their facial symmetry
- Those experiencing a loss in facial volume
- Non-smokers or those willing to temporarily refrain from smoking
- Patients in good overall health
Your eligibility will ultimately be determined during your personal consultation after we assess your goals and options.
Personal Consultation
If you are looking to take the first step toward rejuvenation and enhanced facial volume, the best place to begin is by scheduling a personal consultation with Dr. Imola or Dr. Kowalczyk. During this visit, your surgeon will examine your facial structure, identify target areas for volume restoration, and evaluate suitable donor sites. They will also review your health history, answer your questions, and discuss your goals to ensure you have realistic expectations. This collaborative approach allows your surgeon to design a personalized treatment plan that complements your natural features and delivers the most harmonious results.
Contact Colorado Facial Plastic Surgery online or by calling (303) 839-7980 to schedule your personal consultation and receive your personalized treatment plan.
Preparation
Your surgeon will provide you with specific preoperative instructions to help prepare you for your treatment and set you up for success. You will likely need to temporarily discontinue using certain medications or herbal supplements, especially those with blood-thinning properties. We also encourage you to explore our page on medications to avoid before your procedure. It is recommended that you avoid using alcohol and nicotine leading up to your treatment, as both can impair healing and potentially increase the risk of complications. It is also recommended to arrange for someone to drive you home on the day of your treatment and assist during the initial recovery period.
Procedure
Our facial fat transfer procedures can be performed with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Your surgeon will begin the procedure with gentle liposuction. This is followed by the purification and isolation of the extracted fat cells, ensuring only the healthiest fat cells remain for reinjection. Your surgeon will then reinject the fat using cannulas. They will artistically sculpt and restore facial volume, delivering smooth, balanced, and natural-looking enhancements. This technique not only revitalizes your appearance but also improves overall facial symmetry.
Recovery
The recovery phase will naturally look different for each patient. In most cases, patients can expect some initial swelling, bruising, and tenderness at both the donor and injection sites, but these side effects typically subside within one to two weeks. Most patients can resume light daily activities within a few days, though it is advised that you avoid strenuous activity for a longer period or until otherwise noted by a member of our team. Dr. Imola and Dr. Kowalczyk will provide detailed aftercare instructions to promote optimal healing and encourage you to schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
Results
Facial fat transfer produces subtle yet powerful enhancements that will continue to evolve. Some of the fat that was placed into your face will be reabsorbed back into the body, but the remaining fat will permanently provide enhanced volume. Once any initial swelling has subsided, typically after a few weeks, you will begin to notice fuller cheeks, smoother lines, and a more refreshed, youthful appearance. Most patients see final results within three to six months, and these improvements can last for many years with proper care.
Corresponding Procedures
Dr. Imola and Dr. Kowalczyk specialize in numerous facial rejuvenation procedures in addition to facial fat transfers. Many patients choose to have additional treatments such as neck lifts, lip lifts, or rhinoplasty performed to achieve enhanced results.
To learn more about the other procedures that may be performed alongside your facial fat transfer, we encourage you to read our blog!
Cost of Facial Fat Transfer in Denver
The pricing of each facial fat transfer will differ depending on the complexity of your treatment and whether or not your treatment is performed with any additional procedures. Once the specific details of your treatment have been established during your personal consultation, we will provide you with a detailed price quote. Colorado Facial Plastic Surgery also offers financing options to qualifying patients.
Schedule your consultation today to begin planning your facial fat transfer procedure. If you have any further questions, please call us directly at (303) 839-7980.
FAQ
How long do the results of facial fat transfer last?
While some fat is naturally reabsorbed in the first few months, the remaining fat that establishes a blood supply can last for several years or more.
Is facial fat transfer safe?
Yes, when performed by experienced surgeons like Dr. Imola and Dr. Kowalczyk, the procedure is considered very safe. Using your own fat eliminates the risk of allergic reactions or other complications.
What is the difference between fat transfer and dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are synthetic and temporary, typically lasting 6-18 months. Fat transfer uses your own tissue and can yield longer-lasting, more natural results.
Are there any risks or side effects of a facial fat transfer?
As with any procedure, risks include swelling, bruising, uneven fat retention, or minor asymmetry. These issues are rare and often temporary when care is provided by skilled professionals.
Can a facial fat transfer procedure be combined with others?
Yes, facial fat transfer is often combined with procedures like eyelid surgery, facelift, or skin resurfacing for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
References
- Vasavada A, Raggio BS. Autologous Fat Grafting For Facial Rejuvenation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557860/
- 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
- A Jorien Tuin, Schepers RH, Frederik K L Spijkervet, Arjan Vissink, Jansma J. Volumetric Effect and Patient Satisfaction after Facial Fat Grafting. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2022;150(2):307e318e. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000009337
