Are you noticing volume loss in your face, hands, or body that makes you look older than you feel? Over time, the natural fat that gives your features softness and shape gradually diminishes. This can lead to hollowed cheeks, deeper wrinkles, thinning hands, or areas of the body that appear deflated or uneven changes that skincare products and non-invasive treatments often can’t fully correct.Fat grafting may be the ideal solution for restoring this lost fullness in a way that looks and feels completely natural. In this guide, we’ll explain what fat grafting is, how the procedure works, its benefits and risks, and what kind of results you can realistically expect, so you can decide whether this natural approach to volume restoration is right for you.
Understanding Fat Grafting
Fat grafting, also known as autologous fat transfer or fat injection, is a cosmetic procedure in which fat is harvested from one area of your body and transferred to another area that needs volume enhancement. At The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Craig Jonov performs this innovative procedure to help patients achieve natural-looking results using their own tissue.The procedure involves three key steps: harvesting fat through liposuction from areas with excess fat, processing and purifying the collected fat cells, and strategically injecting the refined fat into targeted areas. This technique provides dual benefits by removing unwanted fat from donor sites while adding volume to areas that need enhancement.Common Treatment Areas for Fat Grafting
Facial Fat Grafting
Facial volume loss occurs naturally with aging. Fat transfer to the face can restore fullness to:- Cheeks and midface
- Under-eye hollows
- Temples
- Nasolabial folds
- Lips
- Jawline and chin
Body Fat Grafting
Popular body contouring applications include:- Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) for buttock enhancement
- Breast augmentation with fat transfer
- Hand rejuvenation
- Hip dips correction
- Calf augmentation
Key Benefits of Fat Grafting
Natural Results: Since the procedure uses your own fat cells, the results look and feel completely natural. The transferred fat integrates seamlessly with surrounding tissues.Long-Lasting Volume: Once fat cells establish a blood supply in their new location, they provide apermanent volume enhancement. Approximately 50-70% of transferred fat typically survives long-term.Dual Body Contouring: You benefit from fat removal in unwanted areas while adding volume where desired, achieving comprehensive body sculpting in a single procedure.Biocompatibility: Using your own tissue eliminates risks of allergic reactions or rejection that can occur with synthetic fillers or implants.Versatile Applications: Fat grafting is effective for both small, precise areas, such as tear troughs, and larger-volume enhancement,s such as buttock augmentation.Understanding the Risks and Considerations
Fat grafting is considered a safe and well-established procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Craig Jonov. That said, there are a few minor considerations to be aware of.Some of the transferred fat is naturally absorbed by the body during healing, which is expected and may occasionally require a small touch-up for refinement. Slight asymmetry can occur if fat settles differently on each side, but this is usually subtle and correctable. As with any procedure, there is a small risk of infection, though this is rare when proper surgical techniques and aftercare are followed. In some cases, non-viable fat cells can form small, temporary lumps that may resolve on their own or be treated if needed.Because fat survival varies from person to person, achieving exact volume can be unpredictable. For this reason, your surgeon plans carefully and discusses realistic expectations from the start. Overall, these risks are uncommon, manageable, and typically outweighed by the long-term, natural results fat grafting can provide.The Fat Grafting Procedure Process
Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Jonov evaluates your anatomy, discusses your aesthetic goals, and determines if you have adequate donor fat for harvesting.Procedure Day
The procedure typically takes two to four hours depending on treatment areas. You receive anesthesia for comfort before Dr. Jonov performs gentle liposuction to harvest fat from predetermined donor sites. The collected fat undergoes centrifugation or filtration to isolate healthy fat cells. Using specialized cannulas, Dr. Jonov then meticulously injects small amounts of purified fat in multiple passes to ensure smooth, even distribution.Recovery Timeline
Initial recovery involves managing mild swelling and bruising at both donor and injection sites. Most patients return to work within one week for facial procedures or two weeks for body procedures. You should avoid strenuous exercise for four to six weeks to protect the delicate newly transferred fat cells.Expected Results and Longevity
Initial results appear immediately after fat grafting, though significant swelling temporarily obscures the final outcome. As swelling subsides over several weeks, you begin seeing your refined contours emerge. Final results typically stabilize after three to six months once fat cell survival is complete.The longevity of fat grafting results depends on several factors:- Technique used during harvesting and injection
- Your body’s individual healing response
- Maintenance of stable body weight
- Proper aftercare and recovery protocol adherence
Ideal Candidates for Fat Grafting
You may be an excellent candidate for fat grafting if you:- Have adequate fat deposits for harvesting
- Maintain realistic expectations about outcomes
- Enjoy good overall health without conditions that impair healing
- Seek natural looking volume restoration
- Understand that touch up procedures may be necessary
- Can commit to proper recovery protocols
