Fat Transfer To Face in Bellevue & Kirkland
Procedure Time
1-2 Hours
Recovery Time
3-5 days
Fat transfer to the face, sometimes called facial fat transfer or fat grafting, is a surgical technique that transfers fat from one part of the body and into the targeted points of the face. As people age, the face and skin naturally thin. This can create or reveal hollows which result in a gaunt and aged looking appearance, which is also called facial hallowing. This can even happen after weight loss or in those with an especially active lifestyle. While dermal fillers are usually the first option, for patients looking for a more permanent solution, or cannot undergo filler injections, fat transfer to the face is a great option. Additionally, because the transferred fat is biological, it contains living cells that may support skin improvement in the treated areas.
At Northwest Face & Body, Dr Allegra is specialised in doing the Fat transfer procedure. He is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience in facial rejuvenation procedures. His medically driven approach is grounded in a detailed understanding of facial anatomy, volume distribution, and age-related changes. During facial fat transfer, Dr. Allegra carefully evaluates areas of volume loss, skin quality, and overall facial balance to create results that appear natural rather than overfilled.
Facial Fat Transfer Overview
Facial fat transfer adds volume using purified fat from the patient’s own body. It is often best suited for patients with noticeable facial hollowing (from aging or weight loss) who want a natural-looking, longer-term option versus repeat filler visits. Patients usually choose facial fat transfer for its soft, balanced look, the ability to address multiple areas in one session, and the convenience of using their own tissue.
The fat transfer procedure is generally noninvasive and may be performed under local anesthesia. During the procedure, fat is harvested from the donor site, purified to remove blood and other bodily fluids, and then injected into the targeted area.
Here, Dr. Allegra will slightly overfill them, as 10-40% of the fat is expected not to survive transfer. This method allows patients to see optimal results following their Bellevue fat transfer to the face procedure.
Why Choose Fat Transfer Over Dermal Fillers?
Fat transfer procedures are popular alternatives to dermal fillers. Many who undergo filler injections may eventually consider fat transfer as they age or to save money in the long run. Moreover, there are major benefits of choosing facial fat transfer, which include:
- Natural Results: Uses your body’s own tissue for a look and feel that is completely natural.
- Long-Lasting Volume: Unlike fillers that dissolve over months, transferred fat that survives is permanent.
- Biocompatible: No risk of allergic reaction since the material comes from your own body.
- Comprehensive Treatment: Allows treatment of multiple areas, such as the cheeks, under eyes, and temples, in a single session.
At some point, facial fillers may no longer be practical. If this is the case, you may discuss the facial fat transfer surgery with Dr. Allegra, who can determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Anesthesia and Comfort
Facial fat transfer is commonly performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the treatment area while you remain awake but comfortable. However, depending on the procedure’s complexity and patient preference, oral or IV sedation is also recommended to ensure a relaxed experience.
While facial fat transfer looks different for every patient from Bellevue and Kirkland, treatment plans are customized based on your unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals. Hollowing typically occurs in specific areas. Additionally, some medical conditions and treatments can thin the face as well. Thinning from a condition and from aging will likely look different, but will still result in a gaunt, aged appearance. Some of the places on the face that may benefit from fat transfer include:
- Under eyes
- Cheeks
- Temples
- Lips
- Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
- Marionette lines
Where Is The Fat Harvested From?
Any area of the body that carries excess fat is a potential donor site. The most common sites for fat harvesting are those that naturally store excess fat. However, Dr. Allegra can take fat from nearly anywhere. Rest assured, only a small amount of fat is typically required for facial transfer, meaning almost any patient has enough donor fat.
Some of the common liposuction sites for fat transfer to the face include:
- Abdomen
- Waist
- Buttocks
- Thighs
- Back
- Arms
- Bra roll
- Chin
- Neck
Facial Fat Transfer Cost in Bellevue & Kirkland
Facial fat transfer costs in Bellevue and Kirkland typically start at $4,000, with additional liposuction charges. As the facial fat transfer is a customized procedure, the total price is not fixed and can vary from patient to patient. The total price is most often influenced by the amount of fat being removed, the location of fat being taken from, and which facial areas are being treated for volume restoration. After the consultation with Dr. Allegra, the team at Northwest Face & Beauty will provide a final quotation with the exact price of facial fat transfer in Bellevue & Kirkland.
What Will Recovery and Results Look Like?
Recovery from a facial fat transfer is generally well-tolerated. Patients can expect mild to moderate swelling and bruising at both the donor and injection sites, which typically subsides within 1 to 2 weeks. While you will see immediate volume, the final results become visible after 3 to 6 months, once the swelling has fully resolved and the transferred fat has settled.
Are There Risks with Facial Fat Transfer?
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, though they are rare. These may include prolonged swelling, asymmetry, infection, or partial fat absorption. However, choosing an experienced provider like Northwest Face & Body significantly reduces these risks.
Combining Facial Fat Transfer with Other Procedures
To achieve complete facial rejuvenation, fat transfer is often combined with other surgical procedures. It pairs exceptionally well with facelifts, neck lifts, or eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to restore lost volume while simultaneously tightening loose skin. However, it also depends on your aesthetic goals. During the consultation, Dr. Allegra will provide you with detailed information about the combination procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does It Always Treat Aging?
No, there are times when a patient may experience fat loss in the face for other reasons, such as massive weight loss or medical treatment. Additionally, certain facial fat transfer procedures, like fat transfer to the lips, are more about aesthetics than aging. While fat transfer to the lips can benefit some aging patients, it is largely performed as an alternative to lip filler.
How long do the results last?
Unlike dermal fillers, which require annual maintenance, fat transfer offers permanent results. Once the transferred fat cells establish a blood supply (usually within a few months), they remain a permanent part of your facial tissue. However, the face will continue to age naturally over time.
Is facial fat transfer safe?
Yes, it is considered very safe. Since the filler material is your own fat, there is no risk of allergic reaction or rejection. The risks are generally associated with the surgical nature of harvesting and injection and are minimized under the care of a skilled surgeon.
Will I need multiple sessions?
Most patients achieve their desired results in a single session. However, because some of the transferred fat may be absorbed, some patients may choose to undergo a minor touch-up procedure to achieve additional volume.
The Best Bellevue Fat Transfer To The Face At Northwest Face & Body
Northwest Face & Body has provided the Eastside with gold standard surgical and non-surgical procedures for over thirty years. With a masterful team, Northwest Face & Body aims to help every patient achieve their unique cosmetic goals safely and ideally. We prioritize individualized treatment planning to ensure your results look balanced, natural, and specially tailored to your aesthetic goals. Whether this includes surgery, injections, medical grade skincare, or a combination of procedures, Northwest Face & Body is equipped to provide top of the line care. Northwest Face & Body offers the best fat transfer Bellevue and Kirkland can supply.
Located minutes from both Bellevue and Kirkland, the facility sits on the shores of Lake Washington. With hotel accomodations within walking distance, it is perfect for out of town and local patients alike. To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 425-576-1700. You can also reach out online using Price Simulator®, chat, or contact form.