Facial Fat Transfer for Natural Volume Restoration
Dr. Balikian performs facial fat transfer procedures using your own body fat to restore facial volume and achieve natural-looking, youthful results.
Natural Facial Rejuvenation with Fat Transfer
As we age, the face naturally loses volume, leading to hollowed cheeks, deep creases, and an overall tired appearance. To address these concerns and restore youthful fullness, Dr. Richard Balikian offers facial fat transfer
What is a Facial Fat Transfer Procedure?
Facial fat transfer is a cosmetic surgery that is often performed to complement a facelift. Facelifts can deliver remarkable results in terms of lifting facial tissues. However, in cases where the natural aging process has caused patients to lose significant volume, facial fat transfer may be needed to attain the desired contours.
In the facial fat transfer procedure, Dr. Balikian uses liposuction to extract healthy fat from a specific area of the body, often the abdomen or inner thighs. The fat is processed for purification and then injected into the face to restore fullness and smooth deep creases. Facial fat transfer can be used to:
- Enhance the cheekbone area.
- Fill hollows under the eyes.
- Eliminate nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
- Add volume to the lips.
This personalized approach not only enhances facial harmony but also provides a natural, youthful appearance using your own tissue. When performed by an expert like Dr. Balikian, facial fat transfer offers a range of benefits that go beyond volume restoration
The Benefits of Facial Fat Transfer
Fat transfer, or fat grafting, has been used for decades by plastic surgeons to increase volume in the face and many other areas of the body. It is a proven method of cosmetic enhancement.
Facial fat transfer has key advantages over other treatments that address lost volume in the face. One benefit of this technique is the utilization of your own fat as opposed to the use of synthetic fillers. As the fat is native to your body, it can establish itself into the treatment area, facilitating a long-lasting effect.
Additionally, many patients prefer a one-time treatment to resolve deep creases and wrinkles on the face. Non-surgical injectable treatments are frequently used to smooth furrows and augment facial features, but the disadvantage is that results are temporary. Ongoing treatments are needed to maintain your desired facial aesthetic. In contrast, you can enjoy your facial fat transfer results for many years.
Facial Fat Transfer Before and After Gallery
Candidates for Facial Fat Transfer
Facial fat transfer is ideal for individuals looking to restore volume loss caused by aging, genetics, or weight fluctuations. During your consultation, Dr. Balikian will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if this procedure is right for you. He will assess your facial anatomy, skin quality, and the areas where volume has been lost, as well as review your medical history and any previous cosmetic procedures.
Ideal candidates typically have areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, with sufficient fat that can be harvested through gentle liposuction. You should be in overall good health, a non-smoker (or willing to stop), and committed to following pre- and post-operative care instructions. Most importantly, having realistic expectations about the procedure and its results is key to ensuring your satisfaction with your facial rejuvenation journey.
Complementary Procedures for Comprehensive Rejuvenation
Facial fat transfer is an excellent way to restore youthful volume, but it can be even more impactful when combined with other procedures that address skin laxity, muscle tone, and surface texture. During your consultation, Dr. Balikian may recommend one or more of the following treatments to achieve the most balanced and natural-looking result.
- Facelift – A facelift repositions deep facial tissues to address sagging in the cheeks, jawline, and neck, enhancing the overall structure that supports volume restored through fat transfer.
- Artiste Lift™ – Dr. Balikian’s signature Artiste Lift™ is a preservation deep plane facelift designed to harmonize lifting, volume restoration, and skin refinement in one comprehensive procedure.
- Blepharoplasty – Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can be performed alongside fat transfer to remove excess eyelid skin and reduce under-eye hollowing, creating a more rested and alert appearance.
- Brow Lift – A brow lift elevates drooping brows and softens forehead lines, complementing the midface fullness achieved with fat transfer for upper facial balance.
- CO₂ Laser Resurfacing – CO₂ laser resurfacing enhances skin quality by improving tone, texture, and fine lines—creating a smoother surface that showcases the soft contours restored by fat grafting.
Each of these procedures can be tailored to your facial anatomy and aesthetic goals, working together to deliver a result that is refreshed, natural, and uniquely yours.
Facial Fat Transfer Cost
The cost of facial fat transfer varies based on several factors, including your personalized treatment plan, surgical technique, anesthesia, and facility fees.
Dr. Balikian will provide a detailed quote after evaluating your goals and reviewing your medical history during your consultation.
Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Balikian is an experienced, double board-certified, facial plastic surgeon. He is double board-certified both in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Balikian belongs to a very select group of elite cosmetic surgeons with at least six years of specialized surgical training exclusively in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and neck.
Facial Fat Transfer Reviews
“The doctor is very enthusiastic, friendly and knowledgeable. He really wants me to look good based on my own natural facial features and skin type.”
“Friendly and informative staff Dr easy to talk with and explained procedure in detail Staff and doctor addressed my concerns and questions about the procedure. Very nice/clean/professional facility.”
“The staff was kind, prompt & professional. The doctor gave me his honest opinion of what I needed to have done & why. I was very impressed with him describing the procedure & what was to be expected afterwards.”
“I am extremely happy with the results. I use to look tired no matter how much sleep I got and now I look refreshed! Dr. Balikian and his staff are all very friendly and always let me know what was going to take place step by step.”
“The staff and Dr were very good. Dr explained everything about the procedure including pre and post procedure details. I’m very impressed with the professionalism of the Team at Balikian. We will be scheduling our procedures very soon.”
Facial Fat Transfer FAQs
How does Facial Fat Transfer work?
Facial Fat Transfer involves harvesting fat from areas such as the abdomen or thighs through liposuction. The fat is then purified and injected into areas of the face that have lost volume to restore fullness and rejuvenate facial contours.
What are the benefits of Facial Fat Transfer over dermal fillers?
Facial Fat Transfer offers longer-lasting results compared to dermal fillers, as it uses your body’s natural fat. Additionally, it provides a more natural look and minimizes the risk of allergic reactions since no synthetic materials are used.
What areas of the face can be treated with a Fat Transfer?
Common areas treated with Facial Fat Transfer include the cheeks, under the eyes, temples, lips, jawline, and nasolabial folds.
How long do the results of a Facial Fat Transfer last?
The results of a Facial Fat Transfer can last several years. While some of the fat may be reabsorbed by the body, the remaining fat will continue to provide long-lasting volume.
Are the results of Facial Fat Transfer permanent?
While Facial Fat Transfer results are long-lasting, they are not considered entirely permanent. Over time, natural aging and weight fluctuations may affect the longevity of the results, but many patients enjoy improved volume for years.
Can Facial Fat Transfer be combined with other facial procedures?
Yes, Facial Fat Transfer is often combined with other facial procedures such as facelifts, blepharoplasty, or laser treatments to enhance overall facial rejuvenation and improve results.
Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery: Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS