Fat Transfers to the Face

Fat transfer to the face is the process of taking fat from one area of the body (typically the tummy area) and re-injecting purified adipose fat tissues to areas of the face that have lost volume through aging and sometimes to improve asymmetry.  Fat injections are commonly made to the cheeks, nasolabial folds, jawline, lips and the lower eye area. Dr. Lee commonly includes free fat injections with Facelift and Necklift surgeries if it is necessary.

What is the process for Fat Transfer?

1. Using a cannula, fat is harvested (extracted) from the donor site, typically the lower tummy using the liposuction process.

2. The fat is then decanted and processed in a special centrifuge.

3. The fat is then injected into the desired facial area. The area where the fat is re-injected is called the recipient site.

How long does Fat Transfer last?

A large percentage of the injected fat cells survive and are a permanent graft. However, since some fat cells are lost in the immediate post op period, Dr. Lee will ‘over-correct’, or inject more than is needed. After the majority of the swelling is gone, approximately two weeks later, you will have a very good idea of what the final result will be.