Facial Fat Transfer
Conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY
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 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 646-904-5584 to schedule an appointment.
Contents
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.
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.
Your facial contouring guide
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.
“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
Submit the form below to receive our free e-guide.
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. Sterry minimizes these risks.