The Fat Grafting Procedure
Facial fat grafting is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your comfort levels and treatment plan. Dr. Maffi begins by removing a small amount of fat from a donor site, commonly the abdomen or thighs, using liposuction. The harvested fat is then processed to isolate healthy, viable fat cells. Using precise techniques, Dr. Maffi reinjects the purified fat into targeted facial areas to restore volume and help you achieve a more balanced appearance. The entire procedure typically takes one to two hours and is performed on an outpatient basis.
Recovery & Results for Facial Fat Grafting
Recovery from facial fat grafting is relatively quick, with most patients experiencing mild swelling and bruising for seven to ten days. Any discomfort is typically managed with over-the-counter pain medication. You may resume light activities within a few days and return to social events within two weeks. The body naturally absorbs some of the transferred fat, but the remaining fat establishes a blood supply and integrates permanently with your facial tissues. It is essential to maintain a stable weight to preserve the transferred fat cells.
After your treatment, you will notice a refreshed appearance with fuller cheeks, softened folds, and improved skin quality to the areas treated. Results are long-lasting and often improve over time as the transferred fat continues to integrate. Many patients’ results last for several years, especially when patients maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle.
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Terry Maffi, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
As one of the top plastic surgeons in Paradise Valley and Scottsdale, Dr. Terry Maffi is passionate about providing each patient with exceptional personalized care and treatment.
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Contact UsWhat is Facial Fat Grafting?
Facial fat grafting, also known as fat transfer to the face, is a surgical technique that uses your body’s own fat to restore volume and improve facial contours. During the procedure, Dr. Maffi gently harvests fat from areas such as the abdomen or thighs using liposuction. The fat is spun in a centrifuge to be separated from the non-essential components and then injected into areas of volume loss, such as the cheeks, nasolabial folds, temples, lips, or under the eyes, to enhance facial fullness and symmetry. Since the transferred fat is your own tissue, results are soft, natural-looking, and long-lasting.
Candidates for Facial Fat Grafting
You may be a candidate for facial fat grafting if you have signs of facial volume loss, such as hollow cheeks, sunken temples, under-eye hollows, or deep nasolabial folds. This procedure is also an ideal option for patients seeking to enhance their facial contour without the use of synthetic fillers. During your consultation at our Scottsdale office, Dr. Maffi will assess your facial structure, skin tone, and donor areas to determine whether fat grafting aligns with your cosmetic goals.
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