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A facial fat transfer is a surgical procedure that removes unwanted fat from one area of the body and moves it to the face where more volume is needed. Before your procedure, Dr. Tansavatdi will consult with you to determine which part of the body she will harvest the fat from. Selected areas are usually the thighs, buttocks, or abdomen, but fat could be transferred from other areas based on your goals and physique. Once the fat is removed, it is purified and then injected into the parts of your face that require more volume and contouring.

Am I A Candidate For Facial Fat Transfer?

Facial fat transfer is for men or women who have lost volume in the face and would like to achieve a more shapely, youthful facial appearance. Ideal candidates meet the following requirements:

  • Are generally healthy
  • Have enough excess fat in areas of the body to transfer to the face
  • Do not smoke
  • Prefer a less invasive procedure than a facelift to achieve facial rejuvenation
  • Have realistic expectations about what a facial fat transfer can achieve
beautiful woman smiling in front of a white tree

What Should I Expect During A Facial Fat Transfer Procedure?

Your procedure starts with local anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable during the treatment period. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, Dr. Tansavatdi will start with liposuction in the predetermined area of the body that has been chosen for fat donation. The liposuction procedure is performed very gently to ensure as many fat cells as possible are intact and healthy for transfer to the face.

The fat cells are then carefully purified to separate out any other substances that were extracted as a part of the liposuction and to get rid of any damaged, non-viable fat cells. The purified fat tissue is then injected into the face at the precise areas and depths required to achieve youthful, supple volume and aesthetic facial contours. Dr. Tansavatdi will bring more fullness to the cheeks and sculpt the lines of the face and jaw to help turn back the clock and achieve facial rejuvenation.

What Areas Can Be Addressed By A Facial Fat Transfer?

A facial fat transfer can treat a number of areas of the face to reduce wrinkles and fill sunken areas, including:

  • Creases and lines between the eyebrows and across the forehead 
  • Gauntness at the temples
  • Sunken cheeks
  • Sunken hollows under the eyes 
  • Hollow areas around the nose and jawline
attractive young woman with a beautiful smile

Recovery After Facial Fat Transfer

While recovery time varies from patient to patient, Dr. Tansavatdi recommends that patients plan to take 1-2 weeks off from work in order to give themselves the time they need to rest and recuperate as their body heals.

There will be swelling and bruising in the area where liposuction was performed and in the facial areas where the fat was injected. The swelling will be most significant over the first few days, then begin to subside.

Most of the remaining swelling will have reduced after about two weeks. Keep in mind that there is still a period of settling time while the fat cells move into their final contours, and while some of the fat cells are absorbed by the body in the first few weeks after the procedure. This is a natural part of the healing process. As the fat tissues settle, final results may take 4-6 months to be completely realized.

How Long Will The Results Of A Facial Fat Transfer Last?

The final results of a facial transfer are smoother, more sculpted facial features and a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance. A facial fat transfer can successfully take years off of your face.

Results last for years, as no further fat from the transfer will be lost after the initial settling period. However, facial fat transfers do not protect against future aging. Over time, the results of a fat transfer may diminish slightly as the aging process continues.

Why Choose Dr. Tansavatdi?

Dr. Kristina Tansavatdi is a renowned facial plastic surgeon practicing in Malibu. Her background as a fellowship-trained, double board-certified facial plastic and the reconstructive surgeon makes her a top choice for patients who would like to achieve facial rejuvenation. She dedicates herself to staying at the cutting edge of aesthetic medicine in order to provide state-of-the-art surgical treatments for her patients, achieving stunning, natural-looking outcomes.

Dr. Kristina Tansavatdi in a blue dress.

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*The content/images on this website are not a guarantee of individual results. Individual results may vary. The information provided on this site is for general informational purposes only, and does not replace the need for a formal consultation with a plastic and reconstructive surgeon before undergoing a surgical procedure or skin care treatment.

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