What Is Facial Fat Transfer?

Facial fat transfer is a natural, long-lasting way to restore youthful volume and enhance facial contours. As we age, lost facial fat can make areas like the cheeks, eyes, and jawline appear hollow or sagging. Using your body’s own fat, this procedure can smooth wrinkles, fill in folds, and create a refreshed, more balanced appearance.

At Altogether You Med Spa, Dr. José A. Ortiz, N.M.D., uses advanced BeautiFill® technology to carefully harvest unwanted fat from your body and purify it for reinjection into targeted areas of the face. This autologous approach not only produces natural-looking results but also offers the added benefit of using your own tissue for longer-lasting outcomes.

For more information about facial fat transfer or to schedule a consultation, contact Altogether You Med Spa in Phoenix, AZ, and speak with Dr. José A. Ortiz, N.M.D., about how this procedure can rejuvenate your appearance.

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Benefits of Facial Fat Transfer

While dermal fillers are a popular way to restore facial volume, facial fat transfer uses your own body fat for a natural, long-lasting solution. Benefits of this procedure at Altogether You Med Spa include:

  • Minimal downtime and recovery
  • Ideal for lips, cheeks, and other facial areas
  • Reduces the appearance of scars and acne marks
  • Long-lasting aesthetic results
  • Harvests unwanted fat from problem areas
  • Uses your body’s natural tissue instead of synthetic fillers
  • Creates natural-looking volume and contours
  • Smooths fine lines and creases
  • Low risk of allergic reactions
  • Firms and rejuvenates the skin

How Facial Fat Transfer Works

Facial fat transfer is a two-step process involving fat harvesting and reinjection. Dr. José A. Ortiz, N.M.D., typically performs the procedure under local or twilight anesthesia.

  1. Fat Harvesting: Fat is gently removed from areas such as the abdomen, hips, or flanks using minimally invasive liposuction.
  2. Processing: The harvested fat is purified and prepared for reinjection.
  3. Injection: Using precise techniques and angles, Dr. Ortiz injects the fat into targeted facial areas—such as lips, cheeks, or under the eyes—to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and improve scars.

The goal is natural-looking, symmetrical results that enhance your overall facial appearance.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate?

Facial fat transfer is ideal for individuals seeking natural-looking volume in the cheeks, lips, or under-eye area. This procedure can improve:

  • Laugh lines, crow’s feet, and smile lines
  • Acne scars and pitted skin
  • Hollow or sunken facial areas
  • Overall mid-face volume and facial contours

Candidates should have sufficient body fat to harvest for reinjection and desire longer-lasting results compared to traditional dermal fillers.

Facial Fat Transfer FAQ

Should I get dermal fillers or a fat transfer?

Both options restore facial volume and smooth wrinkles. Dermal fillers can deliver excellent results, but facial fat transfer tends to look more natural and lasts longer because it uses your own tissue.

How long does the procedure take?

Treatment time varies depending on the amount of fat harvested and areas being treated. During your consultation, Dr. Ortiz will outline the expected duration, including liposuction, fat preparation, and reinjection, ensuring precise, even results.

Which areas of the face can be treated?

Facial fat grafting can enhance multiple areas:

  • Mid-face to restore lift and fullness
  • Lips for added volume
  • Under-eye hollows
  • Wrinkles and lines, including brow furrows and marionette lines
  • Scars and acne marks

Dr. Ortiz will design a customized treatment plan to meet your individual aesthetic goals.