Facial Fat Grafting

Reveal a more rested, vibrant version of yourself

What is Facial Fat Transfer?

Youthful faces are defined by soft, full contours. As we age, we lose this natural volume, leading to a hollowed or flattened appearance in areas like the cheeks, temples, and under the eyes. Facial fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, is an elegant and natural solution that uses your own living fat cells to restore this lost volume, smooth wrinkles, and rejuvenate the entire facial structure.

Facial surgery is the ultimate expression of art and science in plastic surgery. It requires a profound respect for the individual’s identity. My goal is to enhance, not alter, the features that make you uniquely you.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Fat Grafting?

Each face is different. It is the focus of our personality and identity

It is an ideal procedure for patients seeking a long-lasting, natural alternative to synthetic fillers, and is frequently performed in conjunction with facelift or eyelid surgery to achieve a complete, three-dimensional rejuvenation.

Fat grafting is a powerful tool for anyone seeking to:

Restore volume to hollow temples or flat cheeks.
Soften deep facial creases like nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
Enhance the lips or jawline.
Improve skin quality and texture, as fat contains regenerative stem cells.

Feel Like Yourself

Natural, Elegant Results

There is an art to exceptional fat grafting. It requires not only surgical expertise but also a deep understanding of facial anatomy and an eye for balance. More is not always better—a refined, natural result comes from thoughtful restraint, technical precision, and a shared vision.

What To Expect

I take a comprehensive view to ensure your fat grafting procedure harmonizes with your overall anatomy. Together, we’ll craft a plan that balances your lifestyle, expectations, and the nuances of your unique face.

The Fat Grafting Process: A Three-Step Technique

The procedure is an art form that involves three distinct stages:

Harvest

Using gentle liposuction, a small amount of fat is harvested from a donor area on your body, such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs.

Purification

The harvested fat is meticulously processed and purified to concentrate the healthiest, most viable fat cells and regenerative stem cells.

Injection

Using fine cannulas and a precise, multi-layered injection technique, I carefully place the purified fat into the targeted facial areas to sculpt and restore natural-looking volume.

What to Expect During & After Surgery

Fat grafting is performed under light general anesthesia. Recovery is typically quick.

You will experience some swelling and potentially minor bruising in both the donor and recipient sites. Most swelling resolves within two to three weeks, revealing the restored contours.

It is normal for a portion of the transferred fat to be reabsorbed by the body. I account for this during the procedure to ensure the final result is beautiful and long-lasting. The fat cells that survive will remain permanently, providing a durable and living enhancement.

Schedule Consultation

Turn your dreams into reality

Get in-depth personal consultation where I will review your goals, anatomy, and medical history to formulate a plan that is specific to you.

I am located in a beautiful and classic San Francisco neighborhood called Pacific Heights.

Directions: Apple | Google

Phone: 415-981-3911

First Name

Last Name

Phone

Select a Procedure

Message

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the "best" age for a facelift?

There is no “best” age. The right time for surgery depends on your individual anatomy, the degree of aging, and when you feel ready. I have performed facial rejuvenation on patients in their 40s as well as their 70s. The key factor is your health and your personal goals, not the number on your driver’s license.

I'm afraid of looking "pulled" or "unnatural." How do you avoid that?

This is the most common and important concern. My entire surgical philosophy is centered on creating natural results. An “overdone” look is the result of pulling the skin too tight. My modern techniques focus on repositioning the deeper foundational layers (the SMAS) vertically, against gravity. The skin is then gently redraped without tension. The goal is to make you look rested and refreshed, not like a different person.

How long do the results of facial rejuvenation last?

While surgery turns back the clock, it doesn’t stop it from ticking. The results of a facelift or blepharoplasty are very long-lasting. You will always look younger than you would have without the procedure. A healthy lifestyle, diligent sun protection, and a good skincare regimen will help maintain your beautiful results for years to come. See my skincare page for more information. Any fat grafting results are considered permanent, as the transferred cells become a living part of your tissue.

Can I combine multiple procedures in one surgery?

Absolutely. In fact, combining procedures is often ideal for achieving the most harmonious and balanced result. For example, a facelift is frequently paired with eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or fat grafting to address all aspects of facial aging simultaneously. This approach is both effective and efficient, requiring only one recovery period. We will discuss the safest and most effective combination for you during your consultation.

What about non-surgical options like Botox or fillers?

Non-surgical treatments are excellent tools for maintenance and for addressing specific, less advanced concerns like fine lines (Botox) or minor volume loss (fillers). See my injectables page for more information here*** They can be a great starting point or used to complement surgical results. However, for significant sagging, skin laxity, and extensive volume loss, surgical rejuvenation provides a more definitive and long-lasting solution. We can discuss a comprehensive plan that may include both surgical and non-surgical treatments.

Your Surgical Facial Rejuvenation Options

Every face tells a different story, and every surgical plan is tailored to that story. Below are the core procedures I utilize, often in combination, to achieve comprehensive and balanced facial rejuvenation.

Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

To address sagging in the mid-face, jowls, and deep facial folds.

VIEW PROCEDURE >

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

To rejuvenate tired-looking eyes by addressing sagging skin and puffiness.

VIEW PROCEDURE >

Brow & Forehead Lift

To elevate a heavy or drooping brow and smooth the forehead.

VIEW PROCEDURE >

Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty)

To redefine the jawline and correct sagging skin or bands in the neck.

VIEW PROCEDURE >

Facial Fat Grafting (Fat Transfer)

To restore youthful volume and improve facial contours using your own natural fat.

VIEW PROCEDURE >

Chin & Facial Liposuction

To remove targeted fat deposits and sculpt the jawline and neck.

VIEW PROCEDURE >

Buccal Fat Pad Excision

To selectively reduce fullness in the lower cheeks for a more contoured look.

VIEW PROCEDURE >

My Approach

I am committed to the highest standards of patient care and plastic surgery. I believe in developing a strong relationship with my patients in order to best serve their needs and desires.

Furthemore, I am committed to the art and science of plastic surgery and believe that the best results come from a combination of technique, knowledge of patient anatomy, and artistry. My goal is to achieve excellence with a natural aesthetic and elegance while matching the patients’ desires to what is surgically possible so that they can radiate from the inside out. I look forward to meeting you.

Patient Testimonials
View More Reviews