Facial Fat Transfer

Facial fat transfer is generally well-tolerated and considered a minimally invasive procedure. Most patients describe the sensation as mild discomfort rather than pain. Local anesthesia or sedation is used during the procedure to ensure comfort, and any soreness afterward can be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication. Swelling and bruising may appear during the first week, but these symptoms are temporary and usually subside within 10–14 days.

Most patients only need one surgical session to achieve their desired results, though this depends on their anatomy, goals, and the amount of retained fat after healing. Because the body may naturally reabsorb a portion of the transferred fat, some patients choose a second session to enhance volume or refine the results. Dr. Shah will discuss your options during your consultation and evaluate whether a touch-up would be beneficial based on your healing response. Routine follow-up visits will be scheduled after your procedure to monitor your progress and ensure optimal results.

You’ll notice an immediate improvement in facial volume and contour right after the procedure, but keep in mind that this is partially due to swelling and the presence of newly placed fat. As your body heals, swelling subsides, and the transferred fat cells begin to settle and integrate into the surrounding tissue. Final results typically become more apparent around the 3–6 month mark. Once stabilized, the surviving fat cells can remain for many years, offering long-lasting rejuvenation without the need for frequent maintenance.

Yes, facial fat transfer is often performed in combination with other facial rejuvenation procedures to achieve more comprehensive, balanced results. It’s commonly paired with a facelift to address both volume loss and skin laxity in a single session. Some patients also choose to combine fat grafting with eyelid surgery, brow lift, or laser resurfacing to target multiple signs of aging at once. During your consultation, Dr. Shah will help you explore combination options tailored to your needs and aesthetic goals.

Facial fat transfer is considered a safe procedure, particularly when performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. However, as with any surgical treatment, there are risks to be aware of. These may include swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, asymmetry, or uneven fat absorption. In rare cases, infection, fat cysts, or overcorrection may occur. That said, Dr. Shah’s precision technique, deep knowledge of facial anatomy, and conservative fat placement approach significantly reduce the likelihood of complications. Your safety is always the top priority, and all risks and benefits will be thoroughly reviewed with you before moving forward.