Overview
Scottsdale, AZ plastic surgeons, Dr. Holden performs facial fat grafting procedures for patients desiring to use their own body tissues to fill the contours of their face. Facial fat grafting (also called fat transfer) can provide a more youthful appearance by restoring lost volume associated with aging. Similar to facial fillers, fat transfers can be injected into wrinkles and folds by our board-certified plastic surgeons to rejuvenate the face, but doesn’t require the maintenance of temporary injectable fillers. The ideal candidate for facial fat grafting should have firm and elastic skin to achieve the greatest results.
Facial Fat Grafting Reviews
Surgical Technique
During the consultation, our team will create a unique treatment plan to achieve the best results that meet each patient’s needs. During surgery, fat is removed by liposuction from selected areas of the body, processes the fat, and then injects the purified donor fat cells into the areas of the face. The procedure is designed to augment the mid-face or cheek bones so that it appears lifted and fuller. Scottsdale Plastic Surgeons use the most innovative techniques in handling fat graft. He injects small amounts of purified fat into different areas of the face at various depths to obtain the highest permanent absorption rate.
During the Surgery
Facial fat grafting with liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis under monitored anesthesia care (MAC) sedation in our surgical suite. The amount of time needed for liposuction and facial fat grafting will vary according to several factors, including the amount of fat being removed, the technique used, and the size of the area being treated. The fat is placed into the face through small imperceptible incisions, which results in minimal scarring. The procedure can be performed with other procedures, such as a facelift, necklift, or blepharoplasty. Common areas for donor fat include the abdomen, hips and flanks.

Breast Reconstruction FAQs
How Long Will It Take?
The procedure time will vary, depending on how many areas are being treated as well as the volume of fat being removed and injected. Facial fat grafting alone usually takes one hour.
What Type of Anestesia?
Depending on the patient’s health and anxiety tolerance, facial fat grafting may be performed under local anesthesia and sedation. When combined with other procedures, it is often performed as an outpatient setting in a surgery under general anesthesia.
Combination Surgery?
Facial fat grafting is often combined with other facial procedures such as a facelift, necklift, blepharoplasty, or browlift. There is a limit to how many procedures can be done safely as it relates to surgical recovery, and the amount of time the surgery takes.
Return to Work?
Each patient’s recovery time is different, and depends on how many procedures are performed at the same time. The average return to work for facial fat grafting alone is less than a week.