A facial fat transfer is an advanced facial rejuvenation technique that restores lost facial volume, softens aging contours, and improves facial balance by harvesting fat from one area of a patient’s body, purifying it, and reinjecting it into the face. (1)

As the facial aging process progresses, volume loss tends to occur before deep wrinkles or sagging become obvious. A person’s cheeks may flatten, under-eye hollows deepen, temples appear sunken, and the skin begins to look overall thinner and less vibrant. Several treatments can address these issues, and unlike popular treatments such as dermal fillers, a facial fat transfer offers longer-lasting structural support and tissue generation. This method addresses facial aging changes at their source, and because fat comes from a patient’s own body, results tend to blend seamlessly with surrounding facial features.

Dr. Michael J. Yoo and his team are renowned for the work they do with facial fat transfer procedures on patients pursuing natural-looking facial restoration. With offices in Beverly Hills and Newport Beach, Dr. Yoo provides a highly individualized approach that focuses on facial harmony, precise techniques, and long-term results.

If you are interested in treating the visible signs of aging in your face with the best facial rejuvenation expert in Beverly Hills and Newport Beach, schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with Dr. Yoo and his team by contacting the practice online or reaching out by phone:

Before and After Photos

Upper Eyelid Lift Before & After Patient #4502
Upper Eyelid Lift Before & After Patient #4502
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About Facial Fat Transfer Procedures

A facial fat transfer, or facial fat grafting, is a surgical procedure that uses carefully harvested fat from one area of the body to restore volume in the face. (2) This fat can come from various donor areas in the body, often the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. Fat from these areas tends to be more abundant, making liposuction an easy way to remove it. After harvesting fat, it goes through a purification process, and then Dr. Yoo will reinject it into the face to soften contours and address signs of aging.

In many cases, this procedure addresses age-related volume loss rather than simply stretching the skin. A great deal of facial aging concerns come from volume loss rather than just excess skin alone, which is why procedures like facial fat transfers are beneficial to patients. Symptoms such as hollowed cheeks, under-eye shadows, flattened temples, and thinning lips tend to result from aging or significant, rapid fat loss. Facial fat grafting addresses this by reintroducing volume in a controlled manner to preserve facial expression and unique facial characteristics.

There are numerous facial volume restoration treatments available, but patients tend to choose facial fat transfer methods because they effectively provide a smooth and natural look. (3)

Facial Fat Transfer Treatment Areas

A primary advantage of facial fat transfer procedures is that this treatment is highly customizable. Common treatment areas include the cheeks to restore midface fullness, the under-eye area to reduce hollowness and shadowing, and the temples to correct a sunken look. In many cases, fat grafting can also enhance the lips or improve jawline aesthetics.

Some patients pursue targeted fat grafting to address one concern, while others benefit from multiarea treatments that promote balanced facial rejuvenation.

Dr. Yoo therefore takes a patient-first approach, examining each individual along with their goals and anatomy before recommending a fat transfer treatment plan.

Benefits

Facial fat transfer procedures offer several benefits. With Dr. Yoo’s expertise, our patients see improvements through:

  • Restoration of lost facial volume
  • Smoother facial contours
  • Improved skin quality
  • Longer-lasting results compared to fillers
  • Use of your own natural tissue
  • Enhanced facial balance and symmetry

Ideal Candidates

Not everyone will be an ideal candidate for a facial fat transfer. Dr. Yoo will establish your eligibility for this treatment during your personal consultation. Ideal candidates tend to share several characteristics, and they typically:

  • Notice hollowing or volume loss in the face
  • Want natural-looking rejuvenation
  • Prefer longer-lasting results
  • Are in good overall health
  • Do not smoke or are willing to cease nicotine use
  • Have realistic expectations about the procedure and results

Personal Consultation

Because facial fat transfer procedures are an advanced, customizable, and transformative treatment, the first step to pursuing this procedure is scheduling a personal consultation with Dr. Yoo. This consultation will take place at either Dr. Yoo’s Newport Beach or Beverly Hills office, and it will feature an examination of your facial structure, skin quality, volume distribution, and donor fat availability. Dr. Yoo will also review your medical history and explain the preparation and recovery processes to ensure optimal outcomes.

Additionally, Dr. Yoo will explain how facial fat grafting works in detail and will give you the opportunity to ask any questions or raise any potential concerns you may have. With all of this information, he will create a fully personalized treatment plan with you and your goals in mind.

To embark on your facial fat transfer journey, contact Dr. Yoo and his team online to schedule a consultation, or call either Southern California location directly:

Preparation

As with any procedure, proper preparation ensures safety and ideal healing. Dr. Yoo will provide clear preoperative instructions to navigate the preparation process, which may include guidelines for adjusting medications, avoiding nicotine, arranging transportation home, taking time away from work and other responsibilities, and completing any necessary lab work if necessary.

Procedure

Dr. Yoo performs each facial fat transfer procedure in a fully accredited surgical facility. Both you and Dr. Yoo will establish the intended donor fat areas prior to your treatment, and Dr. Yoo will then begin your procedure by harvesting fat from this area using liposuction. To do this, he will first make an incision at the donor site, which may be the abdomen, thighs, or elsewhere. He will then inject a tumescent fluid, which is a mixture of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine. This mixture helps to swell fat cells for easier removal, numb tissues internally, and constrict blood vessels to lessen bleeding.

After harvesting fat, Dr. Yoo will purify it to isolate healthy fat cells, then carefully reinsert this fat into your desired area for volume enhancement. Dr. Yoo employs careful, refined techniques and emphasizes precision to ensure smooth, natural-looking, and long-lasting results.

Recovery

Dr. Yoo and his team will remain available to guide you through the recovery process and will give you a list of important post-procedure instructions. Recovery from a facial fat transfer largely depends on the extent of the treatment, but you can expect some swelling and bruising that will gradually improve over the first one to two weeks. Most patients return to daily activities within several days with permission from Dr. Yoo.

Results

A key advantage of facial fat transfer procedures is that initial improvements are visible soon after your treatment. As your recovery process and healing progress, the transferred fat will settle and integrate with the surrounding tissue, revealing an enhanced appearance as you heal.

The body may resorb some of the fat, but any that remains will establish a blood supply and stay in place permanently.

Cost of Facial Fat Transfers in Newport Beach and Beverly Hills

Facial fat transfers are versatile in nature, and therefore, the cost will vary depending on numerous factors. Primary factors that play a role in total costs include the treatment area, surgical complexity, and whether or not you elect to include any other procedures. Dr. Yoo will give you a fully detailed and transparent cost estimate during your personal consultation after establishing your unique treatment plan.

Schedule your consultation today to explore your facial fat transfer treatment possibilities. If you have any questions or prefer to schedule over the phone, please call our Newport Beach office at (949) 861-3340 or our Beverly Hills office at (424) 209-9925. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals!

FAQ

What is a facial fat transfer?

A facial fat transfer is a surgical procedure that uses your own fat to restore volume to the face.

How long do facial fat transfer results last?

When performed by an experienced professional like Dr. Yoo, results can be long-lasting, as transferred fat integrates with existing tissue.

Is facial fat grafting better than facial fillers?

Each option serves different patients with varying goals, and a facial fat transfer offers longer-lasting volume restoration that often looks slightly more natural.

Where will Dr. Yoo take donor fat from?

Common donor fat areas include the abdomen, flanks, or thighs.

References

  1. Vasavada A, Raggio BS. Autologous Fat Grafting For Facial Rejuvenation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557860/
  2. Schultz KP, Raghuram A, Davis MJ, Abu-Ghname A, Chamata E, Rohrich RJ. Fat Grafting for Facial Rejuvenation. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2020;34(01):030-037. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0039-3402767
  3. Shuck J, Iorio ML, Hung R, Davison SP. Autologous fat grafting and injectable dermal fillers for human immunodeficiency virus-associated facial lipodystrophy: a comparison of safety, efficacy, and long-term treatment outcomes. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2013;131(3):499-506. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0b013e31827c6df5