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Facial fat transfer, also called facial fat grafting, is a cosmetic procedure used to restore volume and contour to the face, along with diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As the face ages, there is a gradual loss of volume in the face, particularly around the cheeks, nose, eyes, and mouth. Facial fat transfer corrects this loss of volume, diminishing characteristics of aging.
Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs, and Dr. Magge are all board-certified plastic surgeons with decades of combined experience in facial plastic surgery and fat transfer procedures. Learn more about this age-defying procedure below and then contact Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Bethesda, MD to request a consultation. Our office is located just 5 miles away from Potomac & Rockville and 2 miles away from North Bethesda.
Recovery:
24-72 hrs
Cost:
Starts at $2K
Results:
3 months
About Facial Fat Transfer
With age, the face begins to lose volume, resulting in a sunken or hollow appearance. This can cause increased prominence of nasolabial folds (laugh lines), marionette lines, and undereye bags. It can also make the cheeks and lips appear deflated. In more severe cases, an invasive surgery such as a facelift would be performed to correct these concerns. However, in many cases, these concerns can be improved with the introduction of volume to the face by way of facial fat transfer.
Good Candidates for Facial Fat Grafting
As with any procedure that the doctors at Cosmetic Surgery Associates perform, it is important that the patient is in good health and can properly heal from the procedure. This is critical not only for the patient’s final results but also for the patient’s overall safety. During the consultation, we ask that the patient is completely upfront with their medical history so that we can provide them with the best possible care.
The first step of a facial fat transfer procedure is liposuction, so the patient must be a good candidate for liposuction to be considered eligible for facial fat transfer. This also means that the patient must have excess fat deposits on their body suitable for grafting. While facial fat transfer does not typically require harvesting as much fat as other fat transfer procedures, such as a Brazilian butt lift, some slimmer patients may still not be good candidates.
However, our doctors welcome all patients interested in any of the aforementioned procedures to come in for a consultation. An individualized consultation with one of our knowledgeable doctors is the only way for patients to know for certain whether or not they are a good candidate for facial fat transfer. In any case, our doctors will do their best to recommend additional or alternative procedures that the patient may benefit from to help them achieve their desired results. Contact us easily here.
There are many types of fat transfer procedures, including the Brazilian butt lift, which is a popular procedure among celebrities.
A facial fat transfer is another type of autologous fat transfer procedure that works similarly to the Brazilian butt lift. The first step of both procedures involves harvesting fat from the patient’s body using liposuction.
This is just one of the many reasons why fat transfer procedures are popular – they also allow the patient to contour other parts of their body through liposuction! This harvested fat is purified so that only the most viable fat cells remain for re-injection. Finally, the fat is precisely injected into the face where there are lines, wrinkles, or a lack of volume to contour the facial profile.
Facial fat transfers, and fat transfer procedures, in general, are attractive to many patients because they do not require the introduction of foreign matter into the body. As opposed to using dermal fillers or implants, the volume is added to the face only using material from the patient’s own body. This means that there is almost no chance that the body will reject the material or have an allergic reaction. Plus, while simultaneously attaining dramatic, long-lasting results, the results look extremely natural.
Patients interested in a facial fat transfer can begin by requesting a consultation with one of the esteemed doctors at Cosmetic Surgery Associates. Contact our office today to get started.
Facial Fat Transfer vs Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are perhaps a more well-known anti-aging facial treatment than facial fat transfer. However, this does not necessarily mean that dermal fillers are better than facial fat transfer or vice versa. In any case, it depends on the patient’s specific concerns, goals, and facial structure.
Dermal fillers are soft tissue fillers that act to mimic subcutaneous fat that is lost in the face over time. There are different types of dermal fillers, but perhaps the most popular and well-tested are hyaluronic acid fillers, such as the Juvéderm and Restylane families of fillers.
Dermal fillers are popular because they are very quick and relatively painless procedures. In general, dermal filler treatments can be performed in half an hour, depending on the number of injection sites. Plus, patients can return to the majority of their normal activities, such as work and errands, right away. They will need to stay out of the sun and avoid vigorous exercise for 24-72 hours. Patients may experience minor redness and swelling around the injection points, but this is little compared to more invasive procedures that have more significant side effects and require the patient to stay at home anywhere from three days to two weeks.
However, dermal filler treatments do not last as long as facial fat transfers. While dermal filler treatments with Juvederm or Restylane last anywhere from three months to two years, facial fat transfer procedures can last for many years. If the patient takes good care of their skin and body, the results can last decades.
While dermal fillers may seem more attractive due to the lesser cost and minimal recovery period, it is important that the patient also considers the maintenance of their treatment. Dermal fillers require more upkeep than fat transfers, so the cost will accumulate with time. It is best to speak with an experienced plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs, or Dr. Magge before deciding on a treatment.
Fat Transfer Procedure
A fat transfer procedure is a three-step process involving the harvesting of fat from the body, cleansing of the fat, and then re-injection of the fat into the face. Our doctors perform the procedure on an outpatient basis, so the patient will be able to return home the same day as the treatment. The patient may be placed under local or general anesthesia.
First, the fat will be collected from the patient’s body using liposuction. Common areas for fat removal include the abdomen, buttocks, hips, flanks, arms, and thighs, however, fat cells can be removed wherever the patient has localized pockets of fat.
For this process, a very small incision will be made near where the fat cells are located. Then, using a cannula and gentle suction, the fat cells will be suctioned out.
Second, the fat cells need to be isolated and purified. To do this, the cells will be separated from any undesirable bodily fluid collected during liposuction. As a result, only the most viable fat cells remain for injection.
Third, the remaining fat cells will be transferred into a hypodermic syringe for reinjection. At this point, the doctor will have already marked on the face the injection points and determined how much fat needs to be injectedinto each spot. They will inject the cells at various depths, ensuring that the maximum number of fat cells survive in the targeted areas.
Recovery From Facial Transfer
Following the fat transfer procedure, the patient will likely experience some bruising and swelling on their face around the injection points. This is normal and will go down over a few days. Any discomfort can be controlled with pain medication recommended or prescribed by the doctor. Typically, the patient can return to their normal activities within a few days or sooner.
The results from the procedure will be immediately evident and continue to improve as bruising and swelling goes down. They can continue to improve, in some cases, for months as the body settles into its final contour. The doctor will provide more information on recovery and results at the time of the consultation.
Schedule a Consultation
The consultation is the first step in a facial fat transfer procedure. When you come in for a consultation, you will meet personally with the doctor to discuss your goals for the treatment and why you are interested in the procedure. The doctor will perform a standard physical evaluation to determine whether or not you would be a good candidate for a facial fat transfer or if you may benefit more from another procedure, such as dermal fillers or a facelift. If you are a good candidate, you will have the opportunity to schedule their procedure date. The doctor will go over the procedure in more detail, including preparation and recovery information and answer any questions that you may have.
Contact Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Bethesda, MD today to request a consultation and get started on your cosmetic journey!
Keshav Magge, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Honored as a Top Doctor by Bethesda Magazine and Washingtonian in both 2024 and 2025, Dr. Magge is recognized for his exceptional surgical skill, artistic precision, and patient-centered approach. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, he completed a fellowship in Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he gained advanced expertise in facial rejuvenation and aesthetic surgery innovations.
Meet Dr. Magge
A. Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Jabs is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon recognized nationally for his expertise in creating natural-looking results and his warm, compassionate approach to patient care. Trained in NY at Columbia University, he served in the US Army and has special expertise in facial rejuvenation. He has over 35 years of experience and has consistently been voted a top plastic surgeon by Washingtonian and Bethesda magazine.
Meet Dr. Jabs
Franklin D. Richards, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richards has been recognized as a Top Doctor by several prestigious organizations, including Castle Connolly, Consumers’ Research Council of America, and Washingtonian magazine. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, Dr. Richards is the past Chief of Plastic Surgery at Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital. His expertise is in achieving natural results in facelift and eyelid surgery, with additional interests in cosmetic surgery of the breast and abdomen.
Meet Dr. Richards
Complementary Procedures
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Rhinoplasty, or cosmetic nose surgery, can have aesthetic and functional benefits for patients. Various concerns, including a dorsal hump, crooked nose, large nose, or breathing difficulties, can all be addressed with customized rhinoplasty procedures.
Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, addresses sagging upper eyelids and heavy under-eye bags. Upper and lower eyelid surgery can be performed separately or together to turn back the clock on aging and rejuvenate brighter, more alert eyes.
Deep Plane Facelift
The deep plane facelift is an advanced technique that focuses on lifting and repositioning the underlying facial tissues, not just the overlying skin. Patients can achieve a more lifted, sculpted, and youthful mid and lower face while maintaining their natural features.
The staff was amazing and made me feel comfortable every step of the way.
Get it DONE! The staff was amazing and made me feel comfortable every step of the way. My results are amazing, and I conquered the biggest hurdle in this journey - picking the correct Doctor and team. No regrets. Thank you, CSA.
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I have been going to CSA for over a year, and it’s always such a nice visit.
I have been going to CSA for over a year, and it's always such a nice visit. Super professional, and I always feel taken care of.
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I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND COSMETIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES.
I had such an amazing overall experience at Cosmetic Surgery Associates. The staff is very pleasant. I had my first invasive cosmetic procedure done back in September, and the final results are amazing. I LOVE IT. I'm so much happier with my body now. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Prior to my surgery, I had been thinking about this for a while, and I'm so happy I made the decision to go through with it. I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND COSMETIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
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Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb.
This practice is truly outstanding! Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb. The staff is extremely friendly, kind, and professional; they make you feel comfortable as soon as you walk in the door.
– verified patient
Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office.
Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office. The day of my surgery, the staff took amazing care of me and went above and beyond to calm my nerves, talk me through it, and made it such a great experience. I highly recommend this office. I can't thank them enough for all that they did for me!
– verified patient
My experience there was beyond 5 stars.
My experience there was beyond 5 stars. From taking the appointment to post surgery. Even now after 10 months, the follow ups are outstanding. The whole staff took great care of me and the results are what I expected. Thank you for everything. Don't think twice and use this clinic if you want best in class service and the best result.
– verified patient
All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff.
Literally every staff member I interacted with from the front desk down to the surgical team gave stellar customer service and truly made me feel comfortable. My sister even felt the warm energy from the staff after meeting them the morning of surgery. All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff. I would highly recommend Cosmetic Surgery Associates to anyone seeking a cosmetic procedure!
– verified patient
I can’t stress enough how great this whole experience has been.
I can't stress enough how great this whole experience has been. Not only did he make me feel comfortable in my body, but 10x more confident. His work is truly beautiful. 100% recommend!!
– verified patient
I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes.
The staff are professional, caring, and pay attention to detail. Almost 10 months post op. The results exceeded my expectations. I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes. I'm so grateful. I highly recommend this practice.
– verified patient
The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable!
The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable! The facility was very clean and one of the staff members helped me work the coffee machine for a fresh cup of coffee!
– verified patient
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