Fat grafting (also known as fat transfer, autologous fat transplantation, or micro-lipoinjection) is a procedure used to restore volume and youthfulness to the face using the patient’s own fat tissue. At Beyond Beautiful, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sherif Khattab performs fat grafting in Torrance, CA, with precision and artistry, helping patients achieve natural-looking facial rejuvenation without synthetic fillers.
Fat transfer is the process of extracting fat tissue from the abdomen, thigh, buttocks, or elsewhere, purifying it, and then reinjecting it beneath the facial skin for added volume. This innovative technique is commonly used to:
Ideal candidates for facial fat grafting are individuals who have experienced volume loss in their face due to aging, weight loss, or genetic factors. You will need to have sufficient fat deposits elsewhere on your body for harvesting, have realistic expectations about the outcome, and be in good overall health.
Both the donor and recipient sites are numbed with local anesthesia. Sedation can be used as well. If you elect to use sedation, be sure to arrange for a ride home after your treatment.
After cleansing and the administration of local anesthesia, fat is withdrawn using a liposuction cannula. The fat is then prepared and injected into the recipient site with a needle.
Slight overfilling may be necessary to compensate for fat absorption. When fat is used to augment the cheeks, this overcorrection may cause the face to temporarily appear abnormally full.
While some treatments require a brief recovery period, many patients resume normal activities right away. Expect some swelling, bruising, or redness in both the donor and recipient sites. The severity of these symptoms depends on the size and location of the treated area.
Stay out of the sun until redness and bruising subsides, usually after 48 hours. In the meantime, you may use makeup with sunblock protection (SPF 30 or higher). In some cases, swelling and puffiness in the recipient site last several weeks, especially if a large area was filled.
On average, about 50% of the transferred fat is preserved. Therefore, repeated injections may be necessary. Dr. Khattab will advise you on how to maintain your results with repeat treatments.
The cost of fat transfer varies depending on several factors, including the extent of the procedure, the number of areas being treated, and whether it’s combined with other modalities. During your consultation, Dr. Khattab will evaluate your specific needs and provide a detailed price estimate.
If you’re ready to learn more about fat grafting in Torrance, contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sherif Khattab. Beyond Beautiful is located at 23365 Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 102, in Torrance, CA. Since 1988, we have been providing excellent care to patients from nearby Torrance, Long Beach, Redondo Beach, and beyond.
