Allure Cosmetic Surgery

What is Fat Transfer?

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We all want to stay young. Learn about fat transfer, another great option to keep that youthful glow!

One of the hallmarks signs of aging is a sallow face. As we age, the fatty tissue that creates that youthful glow begins to breakdown. When this happens, skin that previously sat on fatty tissue now lays against the hard angels of facial muscle and bones. This leads to the face appearing more ‘hollow’ and severe, with sloping cheeks and sunken eyes. Other common areas that become more notably hollowed include the jaw, lips, and nasolabial folds.

How Fat Transfer Works


The fat transfer process borrows fat from other areas of the body that is later injected into the face to help smooth out its features. This fat not only restore volume to the skin, but also replenishes nutrients and blood supply.
Fat for fat transfers is typically harvested through tiny incisions from other places in the body that have ample fat, such as the buttocks, flanks, or abdomen.

Fat that is harvested is grafted to the skin on the face, though no incisions are actually made on the skin. Next, fat is injected.

Fat transfer is performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation at Allure’s fully certified outpatient surgery center.

What to expect after

You can expect some mild discomfort and swelling immediately follow the procedure. Unlike other procedures offered at Allure, fat transfers require more rest and downtime post-op. Expect to take 1-2 weeks off work, and decrease exercise until otherwise notified by your doctor.
You’ll wear surgical tape on the treated areas for the 5 days following your procedure. It’s advisable that you sleep on your back for the first week as well in order to avoid aggravating the skin on the face.

Is it permanent?

While some fat cells don’t survive the transfer, on average between 50 and 60 percent of cells survive long term. Some changes to your appearance may occur during the first two months. However, the results you see after about 2 months is likely to be what long-term results will look like. Unfortunately, no procedure is completely permanent, and another procedure may be necessary to maintain appearance.

Other options

There are, of course, other options available to help add volume to the face, including Júvederm, Botox, and other injectable fillers. Your surgeon will work with you personally to help tailor an approach to your specific situation.

Got questions about Fat Transfer and other surgical options available at Allure? Contact us to schedule a consultation!

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