Is Facial Fat Transfer Painful?

Facial fat transfer is generally well-tolerated; however, with liposuction and injections, some level of discomfort can be expected. The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, so patients typically do not experience pain during the treatment. However, during recovery, mild soreness, swelling, and tenderness can be expected in both the donor and injection sites. The level of discomfort varies from patient to patient and depends on several factors, including the amount of fat harvested, the location of the donor area, and individual pain tolerance. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, are often sufficient to manage any discomfort; however, prescription medication may be prescribed if needed.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The total number of appointments for facial fat transfer typically includes at least three key visits: the initial consultation, the preoperative appointment (if necessary), and the day of the surgical procedure. Follow-up appointments are also scheduled afterward to monitor progress and healing. Consultation: During this initial visit, Dr. Somenek will thoroughly evaluate your facial structure, volume loss, and skin elasticity to determine if fat transfer is the best option for you. Pre-Operative Appointment (if applicable): A pre-operative appointment is typically scheduled approximately 1-2 weeks prior to the procedure. This appointment is designed to ensure you’re fully prepared for the procedure and that you have obtained the necessary medical clearance. The Procedure: On the day of the surgery, the fat transfer will be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on your needs. This is a single procedure; however, some patients may opt for a second session to achieve enhanced results in the future. Post-Operative Appointments: Follow-up visits are crucial for monitoring the healing process and evaluating the success of the fat transfer. The first follow-up typically occurs within a week to check for signs of infection, monitor swelling, and confirm that the fat has settled.

How Long Until I See Results?

Immediately after the procedure, you’ll notice fullness and volume in the treated areas. However, this initial appearance is partially due to swelling, which can create a temporary, fuller look that gradually fades in the days following the surgery. Over the first 1 to 2 weeks, as the swelling begins to subside, the face will start to take on a more natural shape. However, you should expect some of the initial fullness to reduce as the body reabsorbs a portion of the transferred fat. Typically, around 30-50% of the fat initially transferred is absorbed, resulting in a noticeable reduction in volume during this period. This is normal and expected, and Dr. Somenek ensures that enough fat is injected to compensate for the initial absorption, resulting in lasting, natural-looking results.

Can I Combine Facial Fat Transfer With Other Procedures?

Many patients choose to pair it with facelift surgery, as fat transfer restores lost volume while a facelift addresses sagging skin and improves facial contours. Similarly, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is another common procedure, particularly for those seeking to correct hollow under-eye areas or sunken cheeks while also removing excess eyelid skin for a refreshed appearance. Non-surgical treatments, such as laser resurfacing or chemical peels, can also be performed in conjunction with fat transfer to enhance skin texture, reduce fine lines, and improve overall skin tone. If combining procedures, the timing of treatments is crucial. Some procedures, such as facelifts, can be performed simultaneously with a fat transfer, while others, like laser resurfacing, may be scheduled after the fat has fully integrated.

What Are the Risks Associated With Facial Fat Transfers?

The most common side effects include swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which are temporary and typically resolve within a couple of weeks. Some degree of fat reabsorption is also expected, meaning not all the transferred fat will survive in its new location. While this is a normal part of the healing process, it may require a follow-up treatment if you desire additional volume. In rare cases, more significant complications can occur, such as infection, asymmetry, or lumpiness in the treated areas. Choosing a highly skilled surgeon greatly reduces the likelihood of these issues.

Washington, D.C.

Facial Fat Transfer

Introduction to Facial Fat Transfer in Washington, D.C.

A facial fat transfer in Washington, D.C., performed by acclaimed double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Somenek, is an effective and long-lasting way to reverse facial volume loss. Besides wrinkling and gravity, volume loss in the face is a primary component of the aging process.

Fat transfer, achieved through a gentle hand-harvesting method, purification process, and microdroplet injection technique, has been shown to improve durability compared to older techniques that could compromise the longevity of transplanted fat.

What is Involved with a Facial Fat Transfer?

Volume loss is particularly pronounced around the eyes, cheeks, and jawline, where fat transfer can play a significant role in creating a balanced and comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Oftentimes, this is combined with surgical options, including blepharoplasty (cosmetic eyelid surgery) and/or a facelift.

Fat transfer involves removing fat from one’s own abdomen or thighs to put into certain regions of the face that start to lose fat. Only tiny amounts of fat are removed, so this should not be equated with liposuction.

Using blunt-tipped cannulas, the fat is injected in little droplets throughout the areas of facial hollowness with little to no trauma because a needle is not used. This microdroplet technique provides transferred fat with a significantly higher blood supply, enhancing survival and refining the results, given the small size of each individual fat parcel.

A woman with long light brown hair and a light complexion looks at herself in a mirror, wearing a cream-colored robe. Her hands gently cup her face as she inspects her skin, with a pleasant, thoughtful expression. A thin red bracelet is visible on her wrist. The background is muted gray and out of focus. - Facial Fat Grafting in Washington, DC and New York, NY

What Are the Benefits of Facial Fat Transfer?

Facial fat transfer is beneficial in that it can restore facial volume that has been lost due to age or environmental factors. It’s a great alternative to dermal fillers and other injectables since it relies on the patient’s fat, a natural component of the body, rather than synthetic substances that could potentially cause allergies for certain individuals. The results are also permanent, meaning maintenance and routine upkeep are unnecessary. Using fat also mitigates the risk of migration, as the fat transferred settles into the surrounding tissue, resulting in a long-lasting, natural appearance.

What Areas Can a Facial Fat Transfer Be Used For, and Who Are the Best Candidates?

Fat transferred from other areas of your body to your face will not only give your facial structure a lift but also improve the appearance of your skin. Patients seeking a fat transfer for facial rejuvenation often present with these symptoms:

Fine lines and wrinkles
Crow’s feet
Undereye bags or dark circles
Worry and/or frown lines
Sunken cheeks
A tired look

As we age, the dermis under our skin thins, leaving the face looking thin and causing the skin to appear saggy. This happens to men and women of all body types. A Washington, D.C. facial fat transfer adds fat to the area beneath the skin, filling out the face to a more youthful state. If you are experiencing any of these concerns, you may be a good candidate for the procedure.

Fat Transfer Contains Growth Factors

In addition to filling out wrinkles in the face, highly purified fat injections also enhance blood circulation in the tissues. This is because a population of adipose stem cells is present in the fat cells that are re-injected. These stem cells are rich in growth factors, which help to make the overlying skin look healthier and more youthful.

Many women prefer the shape of their face in their early 30s because they have lost much of their baby fat and are starting to develop a more triangular, heart-shaped face. As one continues to age, the loss of fat in the eyes, cheeks, and jawline, along with some weight gain in the lower face, neck, and jowls, begins to alter the triangle, causing the base of the triangle to shift to the bottom of the face.

Conceptually, a Washington, DC, facial fat transfer aims to restore the heart-shaped face of youth. Volume restoration for the face also adds more light to the face, which in turn can make the skin look more radiant. Adding fat back to the face can help improve skin texture and tone through a process thought to involve a stem-cell response that the skin undergoes over areas of transplanted fat.

What’s the
First Step?

Getting a facial fat transfer requires an initial consultation to ensure that you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure. Dr. Somenek will evaluate your anatomy and identify areas of the body that may be suitable donor sites for harvesting fat. From this, he will assess your facial features and areas that have lost volume to create an injection plan. This ensures the results appear natural and last in the long term. He’ll ask whether you have any specific concerns you would like to address and if you have any questions about the procedure. He’ll explain it in detail and go over instructions and pricing with you. When you’re ready, the procedure and pre-operative appointment can be scheduled.

What Can I Expect When Getting a Facial Fat Transfer?

The process begins with gentle liposuction from a pre-selected donor area, typically the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, to extract fat while preserving its integrity. The harvested fat is then purified to remove excess fluids and damaged cells. Using a micro-droplet technique, Dr. Somenek layers the purified fat into areas of the face that have lost volume, such as the cheeks, under-eye hollows, temples, jawline, and lips, restoring a youthful, sculpted appearance with long-lasting, natural integration. After the procedure, patients can return home the same day with minimal discomfort and are provided with comprehensive aftercare instructions.

What is Recovery and Healing Like?

It is essential to follow Dr. Somenek’s post-surgical care instructions during the recovery process after a facial fat transfer in Washington, D.C., to minimize prolonged downtime and complications. It’s recommended that patients take around two weeks off from work.

Some swelling and bruising will occur in the donor and transplant regions. These issues will fade and can be treated using cold compresses or ice packs as directed. Additionally, it may be necessary to wear a post-surgical garment to control swelling.

Achieving the best and longest-lasting results possible means maintaining the health of transplanted fat cells during recovery. Avoid putting pressure on the areas where fat cells have been injected, and avoid any activities that could cause trauma to these areas.

How Much Does Facial Fat Transfer Cost in Washington, D.C.?

The cost of a Facial Fat Transfer in Washington, D.C., depends on the individual. The details of every fat grafting treatment vary, and as a result, there is no one-size-fits-all cost for facial fat transfer. The price of the procedure depends on the time required to perform it, the type of anesthesia used, and a multitude of other factors. For an exact cost estimate, schedule a consultation with Dr. Somenek, where he and our team can explore your options and offer financing if needed.

Why Choose Dr. Somenek?

Dr. Somenek’s expertise in the intricate anatomy of the face, head, and neck distinguishes him as a leading plastic surgeon in Washington, D.C. Renowned for his advanced techniques, he is a highly sought-after educator and trainer, sharing his knowledge with physicians nationwide on injectable treatments and complex aesthetic cases. His ability to navigate the nuances of facial structure allows him to deliver precision-driven results that enhance natural beauty without an artificial appearance. With a refined aesthetic philosophy centered on facial harmony and balance, Dr. Somenek takes a unique approach to every procedure, ensuring that each patient’s features are subtly enhanced rather than altered.