As part of the natural process of facial aging, we tend to lose volume in areas like the cheeks, under the eyes, and temples. This can lead to sagging, hollowness, or a less defined appearance. Facial fat transfer offers a lasting, natural solution that uses your own fat to restore contour, softness, and balance to the aging face.
Unlike temporary fillers, this technique uses fat injections enriched with regenerative fat cells, which may improve skin tone over time. At Bailey Plastic Surgery in Austin, every procedure is tailored to your facial anatomy for results that look natural and harmonious.
Facial fat transfer, also known as autologous fat grafting, is a procedure that uses fat harvesting to collect fatty tissue and inject it into areas of the face with visible volume loss. It’s a natural alternative to synthetic fillers and is often used in facial fat augmentation. Fat is removed from a donor area, like the thighs or abdomen, then refined through fat processing and injected into the cheeks, temples, jawline, or nasolabial folds.
Since the procedure uses your own fat, results look and feel natural. It can also improve facial asymmetry and enhance skin quality through regenerative fat cells. This technique supports long-term improvement in facial features while preserving your natural appearance.
Facial fat transfer offers a wide range of advantages, especially for those seeking a natural, longer-term solution:
Facial fat transfer is commonly used to restore volume in areas that lose fullness with age. Dr. Bailey customizes the injection plan based on your facial anatomy and aesthetic goals, supporting balanced, natural-looking results through advanced techniques in facial plastic surgery.
In many cases, multiple recipient areas can be addressed in one session for a more complete facial fat augmentation plan.
Facial fat transfer is often chosen by patients looking for a natural way to restore facial volume and improve facial contours without synthetic materials. This technique is especially appealing to those noticing signs of facial aging like hollowing or thinning, and who want long-lasting results using their own fat cells. During your consultation, Dr. Bailey—a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon—will assess your facial structure, fat harvesting options, and goals to determine if this approach is right for you.
Patients with insufficient donor sites or very low body fat may not qualify for fat harvesting. This treatment may also be less appropriate for individuals seeking structural reshaping over volume restoration. Dr. Bailey will review your goals, medical history, and facial fat compartments during the consultation to ensure the method aligns with your anatomy and expectations.
Knowing what to expect helps you feel confident throughout your experience. Dr. Bailey guides each patient through a personalized, thoughtful approach from consultation to recovery.
Your consultation includes a detailed assessment of your facial volume, skin tone, and donor fat availability. Dr. Bailey will review your goals, explain the procedure, and confirm whether fat transfer is the right fit. In some cases, she may recommend pairing it with another facial treatment to enhance overall results.
Facial fat transfer is performed as an outpatient procedure. Fat is gently removed from a donor site like the abdomen or thighs, processed to purify it, and then injected into targeted areas of the face. Local anesthesia with light sedation is typically used for comfort and efficiency.
Mild swelling or bruising is normal and usually improves within a week or two. Most patients return to daily routines within 3-7 days. As the transferred fat settles, results develop gradually and appear more refined over time. A portion of the fat may be absorbed, but most stays in place for long-lasting, natural volume.
Choosing a surgeon for facial fat transfer isn’t just about technical skill. It’s about finding someone who understands balance, proportion, and your personal goals. Dr. Virginia Bailey offers a patient-first approach rooted in precision, aesthetic expertise, and compassion.
As a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Dr. Bailey has advanced training in both aesthetic and reconstructive techniques. She takes time to understand what matters most to each patient, carefully tailoring every fat transfer procedure to enhance facial harmony while preserving your natural features. Her goal is to help you look refreshed, not different.
The cost of a facial fat transfer in Austin typically ranges from $4,000 to $6,500, depending on treatment areas and surgical complexity. This estimate includes surgeon fees, facility costs, and anesthesia. For an accurate quote tailored to your needs, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Bailey to discuss your facial goals and personalized surgical plan.
Facial fat transfer results can last several years or more, with a portion of the transferred fat becoming a permanent part of your facial tissue. While some of the fat is naturally reabsorbed by the body within the first few months, the remaining volume typically stabilizes and provides lasting, natural-looking enhancement over time.
Although facial fat grafting is generally safe and effective, some drawbacks include fat resorption, which can slightly reduce volume over time, and variability in fat survival depending on individual healing. Mild swelling or bruising is common during recovery. In rare cases, touch-up procedures may be recommended for optimal symmetry or fullness.
There is no difference. The terms facial fat transfer and facial fat grafting describe the same procedure. Both refer to the process of removing fat from one part of the body and reinjecting it into areas of the face to restore volume and improve contour using your own natural tissue.
Facial fat transfer can be combined with several facial procedures to enhance your overall results. These combinations are often recommended during your consultation to support harmony, symmetry, and long-term rejuvenation.
Reduces excess skin and puffiness around the eyes. When paired with fat transfer, it softens hollowness and brightens the eye area.
Addresses sagging skin and deeper folds. Fat transfer complements it by restoring volume in the midface and temples for a more youthful result.
Elevates a heavy or drooping brow. Combining this with fat transfer enhances upper facial balance and softens hollowing at the temples.
Improves projection and shape of the chin. Fat transfer can smooth transitions between chin and jawline for better profile definition.
Creates a more defined and youthful lip shape. Fat transfer can add volume to the lips or surrounding areas for a fuller look.
Â
