PROCEDURES / FACE / FACIAL FAT GRAFTING
FACIAL FAT GRAFTING
Facial fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, is a refined technique that restores youthful volume and softness to the face using the patient’s own fat. Beyond replenishing lost fullness, it also enhances the quality of the overlying skin, improving texture, luminosity, and tone for a naturally rejuvenated appearance.
DR. SCHULTZ'S APPROACH
Dr. Kelly Schultz performs facial fat grafting with precision and artistry, viewing it as both a restorative and regenerative procedure. Her goal is to revive the natural balance and vitality of the face not only by restoring volume, but also by improving skin quality through the stem cells and growth factors naturally present in the transferred fat.
Fat grafting integrates seamlessly into the body’s tissues, creating soft, enduring enhancement. Dr. Schultz frequently incorporates it into facelift and neck lift surgery to restore deflated fat pads and refine transitions, though it can also be performed as a stand-alone procedure for gentle rejuvenation.
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WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE
Facial fat grafting may be ideal for individuals who:
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Notice hollowness or deflation in the cheeks, temples, or under eyes
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Have under-eye bags or shadowing and desire a natural alternative to fillers
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Want to smooth the lid–cheek junction and restore a rested appearance
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Experience loss of facial fat pads with aging and want to soften the overall expression
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Prefer a long-lasting, natural approach to rejuvenation using their own tissue
FOR THE UNDEREYE AND MIDFACE
Dr. Schultz often uses fat grafting to address one of the most delicate and expressive areas of the face, the undereyes. With age, the skin and fat beneath the eyes can thin, leading to under-eye bags and hollowness. By precisely placing nano-droplets of purified fat, Dr. Schultz smooths the lid–cheek junction, creating a seamless, youthful transition between the lower eyelid and cheek.
This approach serves as a beautiful alternative to filler, offering natural softness without risk of puffiness or irregularity that may result from lymphatic disruption in this delicate area. The transferred fat also nourishes the skin from within, improving tone, texture, and brightness over time.
SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
Facial fat grafting involves three steps performed with care and precision:
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Harvesting: A small amount of fat is gently taken from a donor site, such as the abdomen or thighs.
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Purification: The fat is processed to isolate healthy, viable fat cells rich in regenerative properties.
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Injection: Using a microcannula, Dr. Schultz delicately transfers the fat in small, layered amounts for smooth, even integration.
When combined with facelift and neck lift surgery, fat grafting restores lost fullness to the midface, temples, and jawline, enhancing lift with natural volume. When performed alone, it can provide subtle rejuvenation under local anesthesia with minimal downtime.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Facial fat grafting is performed on an outpatient basis and takes one to two hours when done independently. When combined with facelift and neck lift surgery, it integrates seamlessly into the surgical plan.
Mild swelling and bruising are normal during the first week. As the fat integrates into the tissues, the skin often becomes smoother, more hydrated, and radiant, reflecting the regenerative benefits of living fat cells.
RECOVERY AND HEALING
DAYS 0-3
Mild swelling and bruising may occur around treated areas and the donor site.
WEEKS 1-2
Swelling improves as the transferred fat begins to settle. Most patients are able to resume normal activities.
WEEKS 3-6
Final contour refines, and the skin appears more luminous and even in tone.
MONTHS 3-6
Results stabilize. Patients note volume restoration and noticeable skin rejuvenation.
BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY
Facial fat grafting rejuvenates both the structure and the surface of the face, restoring volume, refining contour, and improving skin vitality for results that are as natural as they are enduring.
Dr. Schultz combines meticulous surgical technique with an understanding of facial harmony to deliver soft, balanced, and radiant rejuvenation. During consultation, she develops a customized plan that enhances both contour and skin quality, achieving timeless, naturally beautiful results.