Facial Fat Grafting

Facial fat grafting helps offset age-related changes, restoring a more supple, radiant complexion while enhancing self-confidence. Dr. Michael R. Burgdorf's highly trained, artistic eye is utilized to deliver natural-looking improvements with a minimally invasive approach.

Patient Looking at His Reflection in the Mirror

While many aesthetic treatments for the face focus on combating wrinkles, lines, and creases, there is another important cosmetic issue that can contribute to dissatisfaction with one’s appearance. Volume loss occurs over time as the body produces less collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. To reverse this concern, facial fat grafting can be performed, rejuvenating the cheeks, temples, and lips for a more youthful, inviting look.

Why Choose Music City Plastic Surgery?

Dr. Burgdorf is a family-oriented, award-winning plastic surgeon who believes that your results can not only enhance your overall quality of life but can also ripple outwards to positively impact your relationships, work endeavors, and confidence in every area. His holistic approach involves an in-depth consultation process, a precision-oriented and meticulously detailed surgical plan, and extensive follow-up. He is the best-selling author of two innovative books on body sculpting.

Music City Plastic Surgery is home to a brand-new 12,000-square-foot clinic and surgery center outfitted with the latest in advanced, cutting-edge technology and equipment. Patients enjoy access to 9 comfort-enhanced exam rooms, ensuring they never have to wait to be seen. Although our practice is spacious and world-class, it also offers a boutique atmosphere where each patient receives personalized attention and is never rushed or pressured.

What is Facial Fat Grafting?

With time, certain areas of the face can succumb to volume loss, leading to a depleted, hollow look. This typically occurs in the midface and in the temples and areas surrounding the eyes. The lips may also deflate, appearing thinner and flatter. To address these concerns, fat harvested from an area of excess can be injected into the face to create a more youthful, vibrant aesthetic.

How is Facial Fat Grafting Performed?

During facial fat grafting, fat cells are extracted from an area of plenty, such as the hips, stomach, thighs, or flanks. The fat is then sterilized and purified, readying it for injection into the cheeks, lips, and temples. In this way, the procedure accomplishes two body contouring goals at once, slimming the donor regions while augmenting the recipient areas. Because not all of the fat will survive, Dr. Burgdorf will over-inject the face to ensure your results achieve your unique goals for enhancement.

What Are the Benefits?

Boosts facial volume
Creates a more youthful, engaging appearance
Smooths away imperfections
Augments the lips

Combats hollowness and depletion
Slims and sculpts the donor areas
Boosts self-confidence
Changes last for years to come

Who is a Good Candidate for Facial Fat Grafting?

It is important that patients pursuing the procedure have ample body fat to draw from. Those who lack sufficient donor fat may be advised to pursue facial enhancement using dermal fillers or implants. Additionally, it is imperative that patients are healthy non-smokers or are willing to quit for 6 weeks before and after surgery. Nothing is more counterproductive to the healing process than smoking.

To ensure that you are a good candidate and that facial fat grafting will produce your intended results, Dr. Burgdorf conducts an in-depth consultation process, examining your skin thickness and quality, listening carefully to your goals and expectations, and creating a winning treatment plan to accomplish your unique objectives.

Recovery After Facial Fat Grafting

Patients can return home after their sessions, supported by a friend or family member. Those undergoing facial fat transfer as an isolated treatment under local anesthesia can expect to take 2 to 3 days off from work for recovery. Many find they can work the next day, however. Each person is different.

When facial fat transfer is performed in tandem with another cosmetic procedure, patients may need more like 7 to 14 days of rest. Swelling is a common side effect after fat grafting that typically resolves within 2 weeks. However, it may take up to 12 weeks to fully see the final results of the procedure.

Within 4 to 5 days after treatment, patients can expect to resume light walking or bike rides, postponing more strenuous activities for the 2 to 3 week mark. Your relationship with Dr. Burgdorf does not end once you walk out the door. Rather, he will conduct extensive follow-ups to ensure your recovery is progressing smoothly.