Facial volumization

Long-Lasting Youth

Woman with healthy volume in the face after facial fat transfer
Facial volumization, also called facial fat transfer, is done to restore lost volume in the cheek and midface area, lips, temples, jawline, and chin. Facial volumization is performed for patients with lack of volume in the face, who want more permanent, lasting results than that of dermal fillers.

How it Works

Woman smiling after facial fat transfer
During the procedure, the surgeon removes a small amount of excess body fat from either the abdomen, back, or thighs, and places it into areas of the face lacking volume.
When used in the face, fat transfer restores lost volume typically in the cheek/midface area.
The procedure can also be used to increase volume in the lips, temples, jawline and chin.
Fat transplantation is an effective treatment for sunken areas, lines, wrinkles, creases, and areas with scarring as well.
In addition to adding volume, fat transfer leads to visible changes in the skin quality that results in a smoother, more toned, and refreshed appearance.
Facial volumization isn’t specifically done to treat fine lines and wrinkles, although it helps indirectly by improving skin fullness and texture.

The Long-Lasting Choice

VOLUMIZATION VS. FILLERS

The difference between fat transfer and dermal filler treatment is that hyaluronic acid-based fillers (the most commonly used type) are temporary, lasting anywhere from a few months to a year or two.

PERMANENCE

Fat transfer is a permanent treatment because it is a true tissue graft.

LONG-TERM VOLUME

Although there is some debate as to how much of the fat survives the transfer process and leads to long term volume, the procedure uses a permanent injectable substance.

Woman posing after successful facial fat transfer

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the procedure last?
Fat transfer may be performed as a standalone procedure, or in combination with other facial rejuvenation surgeries. When performed alone, fat transfer takes about 45 minutes to one hour. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis.
How is the procedure done?
The patient’s fat will be harvested via a liposuction technique from part of the body. Typically only 10 to 50 mL of fat is needed, depending on the areas being treated. Fat can be taken from the patient’s abdomen through a tiny belly button incision or from the outer thigh, inner thigh, or lower back/flank. The incision is only two to three mm long. Although the patient may experience some discomfort at the harvest site, there shouldn’t be any extreme pain postoperatively.

After the fat has been removed, it will be gently processed for about 10 to 15 minutes. It will then be injected using an extremely small cannula (a thin, hollow needle-like tube) into the treatment area.

Aging & Volume Loss

PRIMARY LOSS

Aging often leads to volume loss that is seen in two forms. The first, is primary soft tissue loss, which is when fat and soft tissue under the skin just shrink with age.

HALLOWNESS

The second is when gravity-related fat and soft tissue descent leads to hollowness. This is typically seen in the cheeks and midface area where substantial cheek fat starts to fall down, and in the jawline where marionette lines deepen and patients experience jowling.

FAT TRANSFER BENEFIT

Fat transfer addresses both types of volume loss.

Get in Touch

Facial volumization, also called facial fat transfer, is done to restore lost volume in the cheek and midface area, lips, temples, jawline, and chin.

Patient Testimonials

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