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Facial Fat Grafting

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Fat grafting is an advanced facial rejuvenation technique offered at our plastic surgery practice. A long-term enhancement, this procedure allows you to use your own tissue to restore lost facial volume, eliminating the risk of allergic reaction. Many of our patients have chosen this procedure over a more invasive procedure like facelift surgery.

What Is Fat Grafting?

Fat grafting, sometimes referred to as fat injections or fat transfer, can be used to restore lost volume or augment the shape of the target area. The facial fat grafting process involves removing and purifying excess fat from a donor site before grafting it into the cheekbones and around the mouth to restore youthful volume that diminishes with age. Our Baltimore plastic surgeon—Carrie A. Houssock, MD, FACS—can also use this technique to enhance the volume and shape of your lips. Typical donor areas include the stomach, inner knees, or thighs. Patients who choose facial fat grafting can enjoy fuller features, fewer wrinkles, and a more youthful-looking appearance.

What Are the Benefits of Facial Fat Grafting?

Our patients may choose to undergo facial fat grafting to achieve a wide range of cosmetic goals, including:

  • Restore lost cheek volume
  • Augment the lips
  • Improve fullness along the jawline
  • Restore lost volume at the temples
  • Rejuvenate hollowed areas under or around the eyes
  • Reduce the appearance of “marionette lines” (deep creases on either side of the mouth)
  • Diminish facial folds, wrinkles, and forehead creases

Since the fat transfer procedure involves harvesting excess fat from a donor site, patients may also experience the benefit of improved contours in areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or knees. The results of facial fat grafting can look natural and are considered long-lasting.

Am I a Good Candidate for Facial Fat Grafting?

Many candidates for facial fat grafting seek longer-lasting and more dramatic rejuvenation than nonsurgical injectables may provide. Common cosmetic concerns shared among facial fat grafting candidates include hollow-looking or sunken areas of the face, deep folds or creases, and a less prominent jawline. The best way to determine your candidacy for facial fat grafting is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Houssock. She can examine your unique facial anatomy, review your medical history, and help you decide if facial fat grafting is suited for your individual needs.

The Facial Fat Grafting Procedure

The first stage of the facial fat grafting procedure is to extract excess fat from the donor site using a form of liposuction. With a cannula and a surgical syringe, the necessary fat can be removed with extreme precision. The extracted fat is then cleansed and purified before being reintroduced via injection to the target site or sites on the face. Fat grafting is usually performed using brief sedation to avoid discomfort, and the duration of the procedure will vary depending upon your customized surgical plan.

Recovery from Facial Fat Grafting

While patients usually experience little downtime or discomfort after facial fat grafting, the liposuction technique used to extract the excess fat may entail a recovery period of up to 7 days. Most patients return to work or their normal daily activities within 3-5 days. Patients should expect mild swelling or soreness at the injection site, which typically resolves within 2-4 weeks. The results of the procedure will be immediately apparent after the procedure and should continue to improve as any residual swelling dissipates. Patients can then enjoy a more youthful, well-rested, and rejuvenated appearance.

How Much Does Facial Fat Grafting Cost?

The price of facial fat grafting at JEV Plastic Surgery & Medical Associates generally costs between $5800 and $8000. The total estimate can vary from patient to patient based on the details of their customized surgical plan. Variables that may impact the cost of facial fat grafting include the number of treatment areas and the complexity of the procedure. At the end of your preliminary consultation, Dr. Houssock can quote you an accurate price for your custom-designed treatment plan. Patients who might benefit from monthly installment plans with low payments and little to no interest can take advantage of our plastic surgery financing options.

Contact JEV Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics for more information about fat grafting.