Facial Fat Grafting

As people age, most will lose fat deposits along the cheeks and under the eyes. This change can lead to sagging skin and a “deflated” facial appearance. With a facial fat grafting procedure, existing fat cells can be used to fill in deep facial creases, laugh lines, and wrinkles, as well as restore volume to sunken, “hollow” areas under the eyes and along the cheeks. This procedure can also be used to plump the lips, lift the corners of the mouth, and augment the chin’s shape. When combined with injectable fillers, facial fat grafting can create significant facial rejuvenation.

How Long Does Facial Fat Grafting Last?

Unlike short-term fillers or injections, facial fat grafting can last for several years. In many cases, the outcome may also be permanent. However, it’s important to note that facial fat grafting does not prevent aging, but it can provide significant results in reducing facial symptoms as a result of aging.

Instead of injecting synthetic products to rejuvenate the face, facial fat grafting makes use of your natural, healthy fat tissue to fill in, smoothen out, or lift areas of your face where you would like to see improvement. When using your own fat cells, there’s less risk of a reaction during recovery and a better chance overall of naturally-stimulated, ongoing rejuvenation.

What is the Difference Between Facial Fat Grafting and a Facelift?

The differences between a facelift and a facial fat grafting procedure are very different. While both procedures involve long-lasting changes to the face that can result in an overall younger, rejuvenated appearance, a facelift focuses on the lifting of the skin as well as the removal of excess sagging skin to achieve a firmer, healthier look to the skin. 

Facial fat grafting, on the other hand, involves the transfer of fat cells from one part of the body to the face in areas where volume may have been lost. Restoring this lost volume can result in improved facial balancing, eliminating hollows under the eyes or sunken areas, and a more youthful appearance.

What is Recovery from Facial Fat Grafting Procedure Like?

Recovery from the facial fat grafting procedure will vary depending on each patient. However, the average recovery period for this procedure is between one to two weeks. During recovery, patients should keep in mind that there will be two locations on the body that need healing: where the fat came from and where it was transferred. Being gentle and mindful of these areas will help the healing process.

During recovery, patients may experience common side effects such as bruising, swelling, tenderness, and soreness. These should subside within five to seven days. It is important that patients follow aftercare guidelines diligently in order to ensure a successful, complication-free recovery. After two weeks, patients can expect to return to their normal routines.

How Long Does the Facial Fat Grafting Procedure Take?

Because this procedure involves a liposuction process and a transfer and injection process, the facial fat grafting procedure typically takes between one to three hours to perform. The length of your procedure may vary, depending on your goals and the size of your treatment area.

What Are the Benefits of Facial Fat Grafting?

Add Volume to Sunken Cheeks

Facial fat grafting can help lift cheeks that have experienced some sagging due to age. By adding more symmetry to certain areas of the face, it can help to improve facial appearance. It can also smoothen out the skin on the cheeks for a more supple, youthful look.

Fill Hollows Underneath the Eyes

Sagging and “hollow” skin under the eyes can be enhanced with a facial fat grafting procedure. By filling out sunken spaces under the eyes, it can help to make the eyes appear brighter and less “tired,” as well as stand out more as beautiful features on your face.

Eliminate Fine Lines and Deep Wrinkles

Facial fat grafting can reduce or eliminate deep lines and wrinkles, such as crow’s feet, laugh lines, mouth frowns, forehead lines, and chin creases, to name a few. As a result, the skin looks more fresh, taut, and reinvigorated, and the face is more likely to exhibit that “healthy glow.”

Improve Lip Size, Shape, and Symmetry

For plumper, shapely lips that instantly bring together the beautiful features of your face, facial fat grafting can also help. Compared to synthetic lip fillers, the natural fat transferred to your lips can actually aid in making the lip enhancement look and feel more natural.

How to Get the Best Results From Facial Fat Grafting

After your facial fat grafting procedure, it’s essential to have a plan for maintenance to make the most out of your results. After following the doctor’s instructions for aftercare and allowing your skin sufficient time to recover, you must follow a good skincare routine. If you’re looking to change up your regimen or simply don’t know where to start, Dr. Ravi can help you get established with the best products and methods. At our office, we also offer microneedling and chemical peel services that pair excellently with facial fat grafting.

Meet Dr. Ravi for Facial Fat Grafting in Houston, TX

Explore how facial fat grafting can help you achieve your best look today. Book a consultation by completing our contact form or calling us at (281) 242-1061. Our office also offers virtual consultations for out-of-state residents who may be interested in traveling for facial fat grafting in Houston, TX.