Thomas P. Sterry, MD
1080 5th Avenue #1b
New York, NY 10128
Phone: (212) 249-4020
Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Facial Fat Transfer
Are you looking for a subtle way to restore youthful volume, contour your features, and improve facial symmetry and balance without undergoing a traditional facelift? Facial fat transfer at our NYC plastic surgery practice offers an effective, long-lasting solution. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Sterry uses your body’s surplus fat to replenish facial volume, creating soft, balanced results that age beautifully over time.
Explore your facial rejuvenation options with Dr. Sterry by requesting a consultation at our Manhattan practice or by calling us at (212) 249-4020 to schedule an appointment.
What Is Facial Fat Grafting?
Facial fat grafting, also known as fat transfer to the face or autologous fat grafting, is a minimally invasive procedure that restores facial fullness and enhances facial contours using your own fat. Dr. Sterry carefully harvests fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs, purifies it, and strategically injects it into areas such as the cheeks, under eyes, and temples. This technique offers natural-looking, long-lasting results and may improve skin quality thanks to fat’s regenerative properties.
Benefits of Facial Fat Transfer
The benefits of this innovative facial rejuvenation approach include:
- Natural-Looking Volume: Achieve soft, youthful-looking contours using your own unwanted fat.
- Long-Lasting Results: Fat cells integrate with facial tissue, offering years of improvement.
- Dual Benefit: Enhance the face while slimming donor areas like the abdomen or thighs.
- Skin Rejuvenation: Fat contains regenerative properties that may improve skin tone and texture.
- Minimally Invasive: A great alternative to synthetic fillers, fat transfer is appealing to those seeking a more natural solution.
Who’s an Ideal Candidate for Facial Fat Transfer?
Fat transfer to the face may be right for you if you:
- Are between your 20s and 70s with visible facial volume loss
- Prefer a natural alternative to facial implants or dermal fillers
- Have donor fat available in areas like the abdomen, flanks, or thighs
- Want subtle, long-term enhancement with minimal maintenance
Patients with pronounced skin laxity may be better suited for a lower facelift or deep plane facelift.
Sculpted Beauty: A Definitive Guide To Facial Contouring
Dr. Sterry’s free e-guide, A Complete Guide To Facial Contouring, is a must-have for women and men who want enhanced facial features.
In the guide, you’ll learn how Dr. Sterry uses precise facial sculpting techniques such as liposuction, facial implants, and buccal fat removal to create the V-shaped appearance that’s universally considered the hallmark of an attractive face.
Submit the form below to receive our free e-guide.
“I had the most incredible experience at Dr. Sterry's practice…I underwent neck/chin liposuction, and the results are astounding. I still look like myself, but my jawline is completely renewed.”
– Claire M., 5-Star Google review
Facial Fat Transfer: A Step-by-Step Overview
1. Consultation
Dr. Sterry will assess your facial structure, listen to your goals, and tailor a custom treatment plan to your needs.
2. Fat Harvesting
Using liposuction, he removes excess fat from donor sites such as the abdomen or flanks.
3. Fat Purification
Dr. Sterry refines the harvested fat to isolate only the healthiest cells—essential to creating long-lasting results.
4. Strategic Injection
Dr. Sterry carefully injects the purified fat into target areas for balanced, natural-looking contouring.
Pre- and Post-Surgery Guidelines
Before Your Procedure:
- Follow Dr. Sterry’s instructions and avoid alcohol, nicotine, and unapproved medications.
- Stay well hydrated and prepare a comfortable recovery space at home.
After Your Procedure:
- Use cold compresses to minimize swelling.
- Keep treated areas protected from the sun and pressure.
- Avoid strenuous activity for at least 2 weeks.
Combining Procedures
Many patients choose to combine facial fat transfer with complementary treatments, such as:
- Facelift surgery for comprehensive rejuvenation of the lower face and neck
- Eyelid surgery to address sagging lids or puffiness
- IPL photofacial and other skin treatments for radiant, glowing skin
Dr. Sterry will tailor your treatment plan to create a youthful, rejuvenated appearance.
Dr. Thomas P. Sterry
Thomas Sterry, MD, is a board-certified New York City plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. He has been president of both the New York State Society of Plastic Surgeons and the New York Regional Society of Plastic Surgeons. In addition, he sits on the executive council of the New York County Medical Society and has been a delegate to the Medical Society of the State of New York for years. At his inviting, boutique-style practice in Manhattan, he focuses on each patient’s unique needs and aesthetic goals so that he can provide the most attractive and natural-looking outcomes possible.
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Fat Transfer to Face FAQ
What areas can be treated with facial fat transfer?
Areas such as the cheeks, lips, temples, jawline, and under eye hollows can all be enhanced with your own fat.
How is facial fat grafting different from dermal fillers?
Fat transfer is a natural alternative that lasts longer than fillers. Unlike fillers, which typically contain synthetic ingredients, fat transfer uses your body’s own fat to restore volume. Results appear gradually, typically without the need for regular maintenance.
How long does it take to see final fat transfer results?
Initial swelling subsides within weeks, and final results are visible around 3 to 6 months as the transferred fat integrates with the surrounding tissues.
What are the risks or complications associated with facial fat transfer?
While fat transfer is generally safe, potential risks include swelling, bruising, or uneven fat survival. Choosing an experienced, board-certified surgeon like Dr. Sperry minimizes these risks.
