What to Expect After Facial Fat Transfer
Natural Volume, Long-Lasting Results, and a Smoother Recovery
Facial fat transfer is a powerful way to refresh your appearance using your body’s own natural tissue. By gently harvesting fat from another area, typically the abdomen or thighs, and transferring it to the face, this treatment restores volume, softens contours, and enhances facial balance without the use of synthetic fillers or implants.
At Balikian Plastic Surgery, Dr. Richard Balikian performs facial fat grafting with precision and artistry, using advanced techniques to ensure smooth, natural-looking results that age gracefully over time.
Immediate and Long-Term Results
After your procedure, some swelling and bruising are expected and typically resolve within a few weeks. While you’ll notice early improvements right away, especially in areas like the cheeks or under-eyes, final results develop gradually over several months as the transferred fat cells establish a blood supply and fully integrate into the surrounding tissue.
The result is a refreshed, youthful look that feels completely natural to the touch.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Facial fat transfer offers long-lasting benefits, but like any cosmetic procedure, it doesn’t stop the natural aging process. While the results are long-lasting, natural aging continues, and subtle touch-ups in the future can help preserve your desired look.
Dr. Balikian will work closely with you to set realistic expectations, ensuring your treatment plan matches both your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Facial Fat Transfer Before and After Gallery
How Long Do Facial Fat Transfer Results Last?
Patients often ask how long facial fat grafting results last. The answer depends on a few key factors:
The Surgeon’s Technique
Dr. Richard Balikian is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon known for his meticulous fat grafting technique. Rather than adding bulk, he uses fat as a sculpting tool, placing it in thin, controlled layers across multiple facial planes. This approach enhances facial structure, restores youthful contours, and avoids an overfilled look.
By optimizing placement and working with the natural anatomy, Dr. Balikian improves fat survival and ensures smoother, longer-lasting results that age gracefully over time.
Fat Survival Rates
On average, 60 to 80 percent of the transferred fat survives long-term. The body naturally absorbs some of the fat within the first few months.
This is expected, and the amount transferred is carefully planned to ensure an optimal outcome.
Treatment Area
Facial areas with good blood flow, such as the cheeks, temples, and midface, tend to retain fat more reliably.
These zones typically respond beautifully to grafting and show long-lasting improvement in contour and skin quality.
Lifestyle and Health
Healthy habits support better healing and fat retention. Patients who maintain a stable weight and avoid smoking tend to experience more consistent, longer-lasting results.
Discover What’s Possible
Tips to Maintain Your Facial Fat Transfer Results
Protecting your results starts with good post-procedure care and long-term healthy habits. Here’s how to help your fat grafts thrive:
Follow Your Post-Op Instructions
Dr. Balikian will provide detailed care guidelines. Avoid pressure on the treated areas, limit physical activity as directed, and attend all follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.
Keep a Stable Weight
Significant weight fluctuations can affect both donor and recipient sites. A consistent weight helps preserve facial volume and maintain balanced contours.
Practice Healthy Habits
Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and engage in regular light physical activity once cleared. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, as both can impair circulation and reduce fat retention.
Use Daily Sun Protection
Shielding your skin from sun exposure protects the health of the grafted fat and helps prevent premature aging. A high-quality SPF should be part of your daily routine.
Considering Facial Fat Transfer?
If you’re looking for a long-lasting, natural alternative to fillers, facial fat grafting may be the ideal solution. This procedure enhances facial volume and restores youthful softness using your body’s own fat, with results that feel as natural as they look.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Richard Balikian to explore how facial fat transfer can be personalized to your goals and deliver the refreshed, balanced look you want.
Start Your Journey
Learn More About Facial Plastic Surgery
Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richard Balikian is a renowned facial plastic surgeon known for his dedication to patients throughout Southern California.
With more than two decades of experience and double board certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, he brings together surgical precision and an artist’s eye.
Dr. Balikian is among a select group of specialists whose advanced training is devoted entirely to procedures of the face and neck.
Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery: Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Tyler Frew, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
