Facial Fat Transfer

Restore Volume, Rejuvenate Naturally

Facial Fat Transfer, also known as fat grafting, is a natural and long-lasting way to restore youthful fullness to the face. As we age, facial volume loss can lead to a hollowed, tired appearance. Facial fat grafting uses your own purified fat—harvested from areas like the abdomen or thighs—to enhance the cheeks, temples, under-eye hollows, and jawline.

Why Choose Us?

Our practice, nestled in the serene setting of Marin County in the North Bay Area, is led by Dr. Yngvar Hvistendahl, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 22 years of experience in advanced facial rejuvenation. Dr. Hvistendahl is renowned for his artistic approach and meticulous technique, ensuring that every patient achieves natural, harmonious results tailored to their unique facial structure.

With expertise in both surgical and non-surgical facial enhancement, Dr. Hvistendahl blends cutting-edge techniques with aesthetic precision to deliver results that look refreshed, not overdone. Dr. Hvistendahl’s office utilizes innovative, state-of-the-art instrumentation and techniques to perform fat transfer, making the harvesting and placement more efficient and yielding longer-lasting results. Choosing a trusted and skilled professional for facial rejuvenation is essential for achieving the best possible results.

To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Hvistendahl, fill out our contact form or call (415) 925-2880. Virtual consultations are also available for out-of-town patients.

Before

After

The patient was unhappy with loss of volume in her cheeks and face. Dr Poulos performed a fat transfer that restored fullness of cheeks and diminished nasolabial folds.

Before

After

Patient had lost volume in cheek area and eyes, and wanted a more refreshed and rested appearance. Dr Poulos performed a fat transfer that added volume on key areas to change the shape of the face and cheek, and diminish sunken area around the eyes. The result was a much younger and refreshed app…

Before

After

Marin woman wanted to diminish hollow areas around the eye and soft the face and neck. Dr. Poulos performed a fat transfer that plumped those key areas and resulted in a natural, more rested appearance.

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About Facial Fat Transfer Procedures

Facial fat transfers are surgical facial rejuvenation procedures that can treat issues such as wrinkles or hollowness that is caused by a loss of facial volume. This treatment method is designed to restore lost volume and combat the signs of aging in a way that appears subtle and natural without creating an artificial look. The goal is to achieve a rejuvenated, youthful facial appearance while preserving the unique features that make each patient’s face their own.

Unlike traditional methods for increasing facial volume, such as dermal fillers, facial fat transfers provide a more natural option by harvesting fat from one area of the body and strategically injecting it into the face. ⁽¹⁾ This process uses the patient’s own adipose tissue to restore volume, significantly reducing the risk of an allergic reaction since the transferred fat is biocompatible with the body.

This procedure involves the use of liposuction techniques to extract the fat. Fat is often transferred from areas such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs to targeted areas of the face where the patient is looking to increase volume.

Benefits

Some of the benefits commonly associated with this procedure include, but are not limited to:

Because facial fat transfers rely on utilizing a patient’s own fat tissue as opposed to formulated fillers, there is a decreased risk of patients experiencing an allergic reaction to this treatment. The result is an increase in facial volume, therefore improving issues such as wrinkles and fine lines and ultimately resulting in a more youthful look.

Additionally, facial fat transfers offer long-term results for many patients. The targeted volume enhancement used in facial fat transfers is linked to long-term improvements in facial volume and symmetry, and it aids in tissue regeneration, which promotes skin health over time. ⁽²⁾

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Ideal candidates for facial fat transfer are individuals experiencing volume loss who prefer a natural alternative to fillers. During your consultation, Dr. Hvistendahl will assess your facial structure and aesthetic goals to develop a customized treatment plan designed to enhance your natural beauty. Oftentimes, candidates for facial fat transfer:

If you do not meet one of the descriptions above, it does not mean you are not eligible. Ultimately, your eligibility for a facial fat transfer procedure will be determined during your consultation with Dr. Hvistendahl.

Recovery

The effects of the procedure and the associated recovery times will be different for each patient. Patients can most likely expect swelling, bruising, and redness around the incision sites, but these effects typically subside within a week or two. While some patients can return to their normal activities after one week, other patients will benefit from taking two weeks or more to rest and recover. Dr. Hvistendahl will monitor your progress during follow-up appointments in the subsequent weeks; he and his staff will be available to answer any questions throughout your recovery.

Results

You may notice an increase in facial volume almost immediately following your procedure. However, the permanent results of fat transfer procedures tend to become more noticeable over time as the fat settles into its new placement. It is important to note that the body will likely absorb some of the transferred fat before the final results become apparent.

Cost of Facial Fat Transfer Procedures in Marin County

The cost of your facial fat transfer procedure will vary depending on numerous factors, such as the extent of your procedure and whether or not any additional procedures are performed. During your personal consultation, Dr. Hvistendahl will be happy to discuss the price with you and give you a detailed cost estimate. Plastic Surgery Specialty Group does offer financing options to those who qualify. Contact our office by calling (415) 925-2880 to learn more about the costs associated with this procedure.

Experience the Difference

With decades of experience, a commitment to precision, and a personalized approach to care, Dr. Hvistendahl and his team provide a level of expertise that sets us apart. Our practice combines state-of-the-art techniques with a welcoming, boutique environment to ensure you receive the highest standard of care. If you are looking to take the first step toward a more youthful look with a facial fat transfer, the best place to begin is by scheduling a personal consultation with Dr. Hvistendahl and his staff at Plastic Surgery Specialty Group.

FAQ

References

1. Brucato D, Ülgür II, Alberti A, Weinzierl A, Harder Y. Complications Associated with Facial Autologous Fat Grafting for Aesthetic Purposes: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2024;12(1):e5538-e5538. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000005538
2. Barone M, De Bernardis R, Persichetti P. Permanent Facial Fillers: Addressing Complications and Advancing Solutions. Aesthetic plastic surgery. Published online August 2024:10.1007/s00266-02404104-z. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-024-04104-z