Facial Fat Transfer

What Is a Facial Fat Transfer?

A facial fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or autologous fat transfer, is a natural facial rejuvenation procedure that uses your own purified fat to restore lost volume, smooth fine lines, and enhance contours.

At CK Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles, Dr. K. Charles Kim, M.D., F.A.C.S., uses advanced microfat and nanofat techniques inspired by Korean aesthetic artistry to deliver subtle, natural, and long-lasting rejuvenation. This procedure offers a non-synthetic alternative to dermal fillers with results that age gracefully over time.

Common treatment areas include:

• Hollow temples
• Sunken cheeks or under-eye hollows
• Nasolabial folds (“smile lines”)
• Marionette lines
• Jawline or chin contouring

Why Choose Facial Fat Transfer at CK Plastic Surgery

At CK Plastic Surgery Los Angeles, Dr. Kim combines precision, artistry, and modern techniques to create facial harmony without the need for synthetic fillers.
He personally performs every injection with attention to balance, proportion, and long-term natural beauty.

Why patients prefer CK Plastic Surgery:

• Dr. Kim is board-certified in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (U.S.)
• Advanced microfat and stem-cell enriched fat grafting techniques
• Long-lasting, natural volume restoration using your own fat
• Minimally invasive, low-risk procedure with minimal downtime
• Tailored treatment plans for each patient’s facial anatomy

Benefits of Facial Fat Transfer

• Uses your own fat, eliminating risk of allergic reaction
• Restores youthful volume lost due to aging or weight loss
• Improves skin texture and tone through regenerative fat cells
• Offers longer-lasting results than dermal fillers
• Can be combined with facelift, eyelid surgery, or brow lift for total rejuvenation

Who Should Avoid It

Facial fat transfer may not be ideal for:

• Patients with insufficient fat to harvest
• Individuals with uncontrolled health conditions (e.g., diabetes)
• Smokers or those unwilling to stop nicotine use before surgery
• Those seeking immediate, short-term filler results

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates for facial fat transfer are healthy men and women who:

• Notice hollow or deflated areas in the midface, temples, or under eyes
• Want to enhance facial fullness without synthetic fillers
• Prefer a natural, organic approach to facial rejuvenation
• Desire long-term volume correction with minimal maintenance

During your consultation, Dr. Kim will assess your facial structure, fat donor sites (abdomen, thighs, or flanks), and create a personalized plan that complements your unique features.

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The Procedure: What to Expect

Facial fat transfer is performed in three meticulous stages at CK Plastic Surgery Los Angeles for optimal precision and survival of the fat cells.

Step-by-Step Overview:

1. Harvesting: Dr. Kim uses gentle liposuction to remove fat from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks.
2. Purification: The harvested fat is processed using advanced filtration or centrifugation techniques to isolate healthy fat cells and regenerative stem cells.
3. Injection: Using fine cannulas, Dr. Kim carefully injects micro-droplets of purified fat into the target areas to restore volume and contour.

This micro-layering technique allows for natural blending, even distribution, and long-lasting results.
Procedure time: approximately 1–2 hours, depending on treatment areas.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery is generally mild and brief, with minimal downtime compared to surgical facelifts.

Typical recovery timeline:

• 1–2 days: Mild swelling or bruising begins to subside
• 5–7 days: Most patients resume work and light activity
• 2–3 weeks: Full settling and visible improvements

Aftercare tips:

• Keep your head elevated and avoid pressure on treated areas
• Use cold compresses for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling
• Avoid strenuous exercise for one week
• Follow Dr. Kim’s personalized post-care instructions

Because your fat cells integrate naturally into facial tissue, results appear soft and organic — never overfilled or artificial.

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Surgery Results

Results from a facial fat transfer are long-lasting and natural, with many patients maintaining volume for years.
Typically, 60–80% of the transferred fat survives permanently, providing lasting rejuvenation.

Expected results include:

• Fuller, more youthful cheeks and temples
• Softer wrinkles and folds
• Brighter, smoother skin tone
• Balanced, natural facial contour

FAQs – Facial Fat Transfer

Q: How long does facial fat transfer last?
A: Results can last 5–10 years, with many patients experiencing permanent volume improvement.

Q: Is the procedure painful?
A: Discomfort is minimal and easily managed with local anesthesia or light sedation.

Q: Can facial fat transfer be combined with other treatments?
A: Yes — many patients combine it with a facelift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery for complete rejuvenation.

Q: Will the fat move over time?
A: No. Once integrated, the transferred fat behaves like your natural tissue.

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