Facial Fat Grafting in New York, NY

There are several procedures that refresh the contours and fullness of your face, but autologous fat transfer to the face is rising in popularity since it provides natural improvements and lasting benefits. Loss of volume, frequently due to aging, tends to be more prominent around the eyes, jawlines, and cheeks. Autologous fat transfer to the face may be used to decrease the most common signs of aging, and it increases volume by smoothing fine lines, wrinkles, and folds on your face using your transferred fat. By liposuctioning extra fat from your body, plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Koch can carefully place the fat into desired sections of your face for beautiful, long-lasting results. With autologous fat transfer to the face, you not only get a refreshed facial appearance, you also smooth the curves of your body. To get more information about autologous fat transfer to the face, contact one of our three New York offices to arrange an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Koch.

Facial fat grafting is ideal if you want to add natural-looking volume to specific areas of your face. A facial fat transfer can fill in wrinkles including laugh lines, Crow's feet, and smile lines. Transferred fat can also minimize the appearance of pitted areas and scars. Additionally, you can add volume to your lips and cheeks for a more youthful appearance. Similar to the results of a dermal filler, like Juvéderm, a fat transfer is a good treatment if you want your results to last for much longer. To be a candidate for a fat grafting, you need to have enough excess fat to meet your goals.

Facial fat transfer is a two-part process that includes harvesting the fat and placement. Since such a small amount of fat is required, Dr. Koch typically uses local or twilight anesthesia. To begin, Dr. Koch will perform liposuction to remove fat, which will probably come from your hips, flanks, or abdomen. As soon as the fat is harvested, it can be purified and then prepared for injection. Dr. Koch will use different injection angles and techniques to ensure ideal immersion rates into your skin and to create symmetry. Based on your previously discussed treatment plan, fat may be transferred to your cheeks, lips, and/or beneath your eyes to add volume as well as to correct fine lines, wrinkles, and facial depressions.

After your facial fat transfer, your incisions will be stitched and cleaned before you are sent to a recovery area. Dr. Koch or a member of his team will apply dressings, compression garments, and monitor you until you can be sent home with a family member or friend. Before your surgery, Dr. Koch will tell you what to expect after the procedure and how you can heal faster and properly. Follow-up appointments also need to be scheduled at our practice so Dr. Koch can evaluate your recovery and progress. Your recovery will vary based on how much fat was removed and transferred, but you should plan to take a couple of weeks to rest and heal. Right away, you may feel sore with bruising and swelling in the liposuction site(s) and the transfer site(s). You may notice some improvements right away in your face, but it will take several weeks before you can see your final results. A small amount of fat may be reabsorbed by your body, but with appropriate care, your results should last for many years.

How much does facial fat grafting cost?
The cost for a fat transfer will include both the liposuction to remove the fat and is based on how much fat is being extracted and the size of the area(s) that needs volume. After a thorough assessment, Dr. Koch will determine how much fat is needed to create the desired volume and will prepare a custom treatment plan. Then, he can begin to estimate costs, including facility and anesthesia fees. To make your facial fat grafting easier to afford, our practice accepts many payment methods, including low-interest medical financing.

Should I get a dermal filler or fat transfer?
Both dermal fillers (such as Juvéderm) and fat transfers can improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles as well as adding volume to your face. While dermal fillers can give you great results, a fat transfer often looks more natural and lasts longer. To help you decide how much fat you want added and where, Dr. Koch often suggests starting with dermal fillers. Once you have figured out what you want, Dr. Koch can perform a facial fat transfer for results that last years instead of months.

Can facial fat grafting be combined with another procedure?
Facial fat grafting can be combined with a nonsurgical treatment such as BOTOX (a wrinkle relaxer) or a skin treatment (for example, a chemical peel or dermabrasion). Facial fat grafting has also become a popular treatment to complement a facial surgery. A fat transfer can add volume that helps to improve the balance and proportion of your face, which enhances the surgical results of a facelift, neck lift, or chin augmentation. Talk to Dr. Koch during your consultation about all your wants so he can create a comprehensive plan with surgical and nonsurgical treatments that help to reach all of your cosmetic goals.

How long does facial fat grafting take?
The procedure time for a facial fat transfer will vary depending on how much fat is being removed, as well as the volume needed to attain the desired result. Once your treatment plan is created during your consultation, Dr. Koch can go over what you should expect, including the time it will take for liposuction, fat preparation, and grafting. Dr. Koch takes his time to carefully graft thin layers of fat with innovative techniques so that your results look beautiful and natural.

Which areas of the face can be improved with fat grafting?
Facial fat grafting can be used in a number of locations to fill in volume, add softness, and create a younger-looking effect on the face. Fat grafting is ideally designed to augment or enhance the mid-face or cheek bones so that this area appears fuller and lifted without the need to undergo surgery. In addition, it can also be used as a natural lip filler. You may also consider a fat transfer to fill the hollow or sunken areas under your eyes. Facial fat grafting can also improve the appearance of pitted acne scars, static wrinkles (brow furrows, marionette lines). Dr. Koch will create your custom treatment plan to address one or more areas of your face based on your concerns and goals.

Fat transfer procedures are a wonderful way to increase volume, smooth out lines, and accentuate your beautiful profile. If you dream about a younger, bright appearance with little needed downtime, we urge you to learn more about facial fat grafting at our practice, and how it can help you achieve your desired appearance. It is an exciting option for individuals wanting a natural alteration and lasting results. Call one of our New York facilities at your earliest convenience to schedule your consultation with Dr. Koch for this state-of-the-art procedure.