Fat Transfer to the Face

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Eau Claire and Wisconsin

A fat transfer to the face is an effective way to restore a more contoured and naturally plump look. (1) Over time, the face can lose its natural volume and structure and begin to look tired, aged, and gaunt. With a fat transfer to the face, you can effectively address age-related concerns and restore an appearance that more closely aligns with your inner vibrance.

Dr. Dax Demaree is a cosmetic surgeon at Premier Surgical Arts with triple board-certification through the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery, and in general surgery by the American College of Osteopathic Surgery. Dr. Demaree has received training in several fields of cosmetic surgery and is dedicated to providing the highest level of care to each of his patients.

If you are ready to meet with Dr. Demaree and start discussing your treatment, please contact us online or call (715) 575-5800.

About Fat Transfer to the Face

A fat transfer to the face is a surgical procedure that uses autologous fat grafting to restore a more refreshed and youthful-looking appearance. Autologous fat grafting is a process that takes fat from one part of the body and transfers it to another to enhance natural volume. (2) Many medical professionals consider autologous fat to be the ideal filler material, as it is readily available, fully biocompatible, and provides soft and natural-feeling results that can be enjoyed for years.

Benefits

Facial fat transfers are associated with several benefits, such as:

  • Fully Biocompatible: Because you are using your body’s own fat, you will not need to worry about any allergic or immune system reactions.
  • More Youthful Look: A fat transfer to the face can effectively address visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles, creases, fine lines, and crow’s feet.
  • Improved Fullness: Administering fat effectively restores and enhances facial volume.
  • Dual Benefits: Dr. Demaree uses liposuction to remove fat from other areas of the body, leaving them slimmer and more toned.
  • Minimal Scarring: You will not need to worry about any long surgical scars, as Dr. Demaree only places a small incision to perform liposuction in the donor site.

Fat Transfer Candidates

You may be a good candidate for a fat transfer to the face if you are interested in rejuvenating your facial aesthetics and/or addressing age-related concerns. Concerns that facial fat grafting can address include, but are not limited to:

  • Volume Loss
  • Hollowing
  • Unevenness and Asymmetry
  • Tear Trough Deformities
  • Under-eye Bags
  • Nasolabial Folds
  • Marionette Lines
  • Jowls
  • Poorly-Defined Jawline
  • Facial Scarring (1)

To qualify for this procedure, you should be in good general health without any underlying conditions that may affect healing. It is also important that you are a nonsmoker or willing to quit using nicotine for an extended period of time. Dr. Demaree will assess your candidacy during your consultation.

Your Personal Consultation with Dr. Demaree

Each patient’s facial anatomy is unique, which is why we require that you attend a personal consultation before scheduling your procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Demaree will meet with you individually to discuss each aspect of your facial fat transfer. He will ask you about your medical history, concerns, and desired results. He will also perform a physical evaluation to assess your facial anatomy, skin quality, and the areas he may take fat from.

Dr. Demaree will use this information to design a treatment plan according to your goals. He will determine the best approach for you, the best donor areas, and how much fat will be transferred.

If you are ready to schedule this consultation, please submit our online contact form. You may also reach our Altoona office by calling (715) 575-5800.

Preparation

Once you have scheduled your facial fat transfer, you will need to begin making certain preparations. Dr. Demaree will give you detailed instructions to help you, which may include:

  • Discontinuing Certain Medications: Under medical guidance, stop using any medications or supplements that contain blood-thinning properties.
  • Arranging Transportation: Have a trusted friend or relative drive you home after your procedure.
  • Preparing Time Away: Request time away from your professional and personal responsibilities to allow yourself time to heal.
  • Filling Your Prescriptions: Before your procedure, pick up any medications you may need throughout your recovery.
  • Ceasing Certain Substances: Avoid consuming nicotine or alcohol in the weeks leading up to your procedure, as they can both increase the risk of certain complications.

Fat Transfer to the Face Procedure

Dr. Demaree performs each facial fat transfer on an outpatient basis at his surgical center. When you arrive, you will meet with him one last time to reconfirm each of your desired corrections. You will then receive the appropriate anesthesia so that you are comfortable throughout treatment.

Dr. Demaree will place a small incision near your designated donor site. He will inject the local fat with a tumescent solution of epinephrine, lidocaine, and saline, which will make the deposit easier to remove. (3) Through the same incision, he will insert a thin cannula and harvest the fat.

The fat is put through a purification process to isolate the healthiest, most viable cells.

Once it’s ready, Dr. Demaree will carefully inject the purified fat into select regions of the face.

Recovery

After your facial fat transfer, you will need to take some time away from your normal responsibilities to focus on your recovery.

Throughout the initial healing phase, it is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, or tenderness in both the face and the donor areas. These effects will subside on their own as you continue to recover, but you may also manage them with a cold compress, prescribed medications, and plenty of rest.

You may return to work and other light tasks after resting for approximately one to two weeks. However, you will need to avoid engaging in any strenuous or physically demanding activities for longer, until Dr. Demaree approves your return.

Dr. Demaree will give you a detailed set of postoperative instructions during your consultation to guide you through your recovery.

Results of Facial Fat Transfer

You will be able to see improvements in your facial sculpt immediately after your appointment, but it will take time for your results to become apparent as the fat settles and any residual swelling subsides. It is important to note that your body will resorb a small amount of the transferred fat; this is a natural and expected part of the process. However, the remaining fat will stay there permanently, allowing you to enjoy your renewed appearance indefinitely. It is important that you maintain a stable weight, as fluctuations could alter the results of your procedure long-term.

Cost of Fat Transfer to the Face in Eau Claire, Wisconsin

The cost of your fat transfer to the face will vary depending on the details of your treatment plan. These include the amount of fat Dr. Demaree transfers, the concerns he addresses, and the overall extent of your procedure. Once he has met with you to discuss each of these concerns, he will give you a comprehensive cost estimate.

To inquire about our pricing, please request a consultation online or call (715) 575-5800.

FAQ

What concerns can fat transfer to the face address?

A fat transfer to the face can address several age-related concerns, such as volume loss, facial symmetry, hollowing, wrinkles and creases, thinning lips, poorly-defined features, and more.

How much fat will Dr. Demaree transfer during my procedure?

The exact amount of fat that Dr. Demaree uses will vary depending on the extent of your treatment plan. Once he has met with you, he will converse with you about what to expect.

Where will Dr. Demaree take the fat he uses in the procedure from?

Dr. Demaree can transfer fat from nearly any region of the body where there is enough. Patients commonly pull fat from their torso, flanks, or thighs.

Will I still retain my natural facial expressions and movements after my fat transfer to the face?

Yes, you will still have full control over your natural movements and expressions after undergoing a fat transfer to the face.

How long does it take to recover from a fat transfer to the face?

You may return to most of your daily activities after approximately one to two weeks, but you will need to continue avoiding any demanding or strenuous tasks until Dr. Demaree has approved of your return.

Are the results of a fat transfer to the face permanent?

Your body will resorb some of the transferred fat, but the fat that remains will stay permanently.

References

  1. Vasavada A, Raggio BS. Autologous Fat Grafting for Facial Rejuvenation. Nih.gov. Published July 31, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557860/#article-21546.s4
  2. Shih L, Davis MJ, Winocour SJ. The Science of Fat Grafting. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2020;34(01):005-010. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0039-3402073
  3. Bartow MJ, Raggio BS. Liposuction. Nih.gov. Published February 14, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/#article-112503.s5