Facial Fat Grafting in Delafield
Your own fullness, returned where time took it.
Facial fat grafting is a surgical procedure that harvests fat from a donor site on the patient's own body, processes it, and reinjects it into the face to restore volume, improve contour, and reduce visible signs of aging. The procedure addresses hollow cheeks, under-eye hollows, nasolabial folds, temple hollowing, and overall facial volume loss using the patient's own adipose tissue, which is considered biocompatible and can produce long-lasting, natural-appearing results.
At a Glance
- Approximately 85% of plastic surgeons report using fat grafting as part of facelift procedures, reflecting widespread clinical adoption[2]
- Autologous fat is considered 100% biocompatible, and studies indicate approximately 80% of patients retain about 80% of grafted fat long-term[4]
- General complication rates for facial fat grafting are estimated at approximately 2%, with bruising and edema being the most common side effects[5]
- Fat is injected in small parcels of approximately 0.1 mL per pass along multiple vectors and tissue depths to promote graft survival[4]
Overview
Autologous fat grafting transfers a patient's own fat from a donor area such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks to the face through a multi-stage process of harvesting, processing, and reinjection. Because the filler material comes from the patient's own body, it is considered 100% biocompatible and avoids the risks associated with synthetic materials.
The procedure targets multiple facial areas affected by age-related volume loss, including the temples, periorbital region, cheeks, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and lips. Fat is injected in small parcels at multiple tissue depths to promote vascularization and graft survival, with the goal of restoring a natural, youthful facial contour.
Research indicates that approximately 80% of patients retain about 80% of the grafted fat long-term, while a subset of patients may experience more significant resorption. Surgeons typically apply slight overcorrection of approximately 20% to account for expected volume loss during the initial healing period. The surviving fat can provide lasting results, and the procedure is often combined with facelift surgery or other facial rejuvenation procedures.
What to expect
- Consultation to assess facial volume loss, discuss goals, evaluate donor sites, and develop a treatment plan
- Pre-operative evaluation including medical history review and any necessary laboratory tests
- Administration of local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia depending on the extent of the procedure
- Infiltration of wetting solution into the selected donor site
- Harvesting of fat from the donor area using low-pressure liposuction through small cannulas
- Processing of harvested fat by sedimentation, centrifugation, or filtration to isolate viable fat cells
- Loading purified fat into small (typically 1 mL) syringes for precise injection
- Injection of fat into targeted facial areas in small parcels along multiple vectors and tissue depths
- Assessment of facial symmetry and volume with additional fat placement as needed
- Application of dressings to donor and recipient sites and post-operative instructions
How a facial fat grafting works
- Fat is harvested from a donor site, typically the abdomen, flanks, or thighs, using low-pressure liposuction through small cannulas. A wetting solution containing saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine is infiltrated into the donor area before harvesting.
- The harvested fat is processed to separate viable adipocytes from blood, oil, and tumescent fluid. Processing methods include gravity sedimentation, centrifugation, or washing and filtering through gauze or strainers.
- Purified fat is loaded into small syringes (typically 1 mL) and injected into the face in small parcels of approximately 0.1 mL per pass, placed along multiple vectors and at different tissue depths to maximize contact with surrounding blood supply.
- The grafted fat must develop a new blood supply (neovascularization) in the recipient site to survive. Small parcel placement increases the surface-area-to-volume ratio, improving the likelihood that each fat parcel receives adequate nutrition from surrounding tissues.
When it's recommended
- Facial volume loss due to aging
- Hollow cheeks and midface deflation
- Temple hollowing
- Under-eye hollows and tear trough deformity
- Deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines
- Thin lips requiring volume enhancement
- Facial asymmetry correction
- Post-surgical or post-traumatic facial contour irregularities
- Scar depression and soft tissue deficiencies
Is a facial fat grafting right for you?
Reach out to learn more from Dr. Lucas Boehm.
Concerns it addresses
Recovery & aftercare
- Swelling and bruising at both donor and recipient sites are expected and typically peak within the first 2 to 3 days
- Compression garments for the donor site are typically worn for 2 to 3 days after the procedure
- Cool compresses may be applied carefully during the first 3 days, though excessive icing may be avoided to prevent graft loss from vasoconstriction
- The treated facial areas should not be massaged during the early healing period to avoid disrupting fat grafts
- Vigorous activity and strenuous exercise should be avoided for 2 to 3 weeks
- Most patients can return to non-strenuous activities within 1 to 2 weeks as swelling subsides
- Final results typically become apparent over 3 to 6 months as swelling resolves and surviving fat integrates
Alternatives
- Injectable hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvederm, Restylane) for temporary volume restoration
- Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers (Radiesse) for structural volumization
- Poly-L-lactic acid injections (Sculptra) for gradual collagen stimulation
- Facelift surgery for addressing skin and tissue laxity
- Thread lift for mild volume loss and skin tightening
How much does a facial fat grafting cost?
A facial fat grafting at Consona with Dr. Boehm costs around $3,000. The exact amount depends on your unique goals and treatment needs. Schedule a consultation today to learn more and receive a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Facial fat grafting is a surgical procedure that transfers fat from one area of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, to the face to restore volume and improve contour. The fat is harvested via liposuction, processed, and reinjected in small amounts to address hollow cheeks, under-eye hollows, deep creases, and other areas of facial volume loss.
- The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, so patients typically do not feel pain during treatment. After the procedure, mild to moderate discomfort, tightness, and swelling at both the donor and facial injection sites are common and can usually be managed with prescribed pain medication.
- Facial fat grafting has a well-established safety profile when performed by a qualified surgeon. General complication rates are estimated at approximately 2%, with bruising and swelling being the most common side effects. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks that a surgeon will discuss during consultation.
- Fat that successfully integrates with the surrounding tissue can provide long-lasting results, as it is considered a permanent filler material. Studies suggest approximately 80% of patients retain about 80% of the grafted fat. Some patients may choose additional sessions over time to maintain or enhance their results.
- Most patients can return to non-strenuous activities within 1 to 2 weeks. Swelling and bruising typically peak within the first 2 to 3 days and gradually subside over the following weeks. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 2 to 3 weeks. Final results become apparent over 3 to 6 months as swelling resolves.
- Facial fat grafting may not be appropriate for individuals who actively smoke, are planning significant weight loss, have conditions that impair wound healing, or take blood thinners without medical clearance. Patients who have experienced complete resorption of previously grafted fat may also be advised to consider alternative treatments.
Facial Fat Grafting risks & candidacy
Who should avoid this
- Active smoking or nicotine use (impairs graft survival and wound healing)
- Planned significant weight loss or ongoing weight fluctuation (affects fat volume stability)
- Prior complete or near-complete resorption of previously grafted fat
- Extensive burn scarring or radiation therapy at the recipient site
- Coagulopathies or unmanaged anticoagulation therapy
- Active infection at the donor or recipient site
- Uncontrolled diabetes or conditions that impair wound healing
- Immunosuppressive medication requirements
- Insufficient donor site fat for harvesting
Possible risks
- Bruising, swelling, and ecchymosis at both donor and recipient sites (the most common side effects)
- Overcorrection resulting in excessive fullness that may take weeks to resolve
- Undercorrection from insufficient volume or excessive fat resorption
- Contour irregularities or palpable nodules from uneven fat distribution
- Asymmetry between treated areas
- Fat necrosis or lipogranuloma formation
- Infection at the donor or recipient site
- Prolonged edema or erythema
- Donor site deformity from excessive or uneven fat harvesting
- Rare but serious vascular complications including fat embolism
Your surgeon
Care that respects what makes you, you.
Dr. Lucas Boehm is a Wisconsin native, board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon and the founder of Consona Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics. His practice is dedicated exclusively to aesthetic surgery of the face, nose, breast, and body, with particular expertise in deep plane facelifts, rhinoplasty, and aesthetic breast surgery. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, and completed his plastic surgery residency there as well. He then pursued an Aesthetic Society-endorsed fellowship in aesthetic surgery under the mentorship of Dr. Bradley Calobrace in Louisville, Kentucky. Known for meticulous attention to detail, he approaches each case with precision and intention. His philosophy emphasizes harmony and balance – enhancing what is already beautiful while ensuring every change feels natural, thoughtful, and uniquely you.
- Board-certified
- Am. Board of Plastic Surgery
- Fellowship-trained
- Aesthetic surgery
- 12+ years
- In practice
Sources & references
This article draws on 5 sources, including peer-reviewed research.
Government & research
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lucas Boehm, MD · Last reviewed: 2026-06-13