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At De La Cruz Plastic Surgery, we view facial fat transfer as the ultimate marriage of body contouring and facial artistry. By harvesting unwanted fat from areas such as the abdomen or thighs and strategically injecting it into the face, Dr. De La Cruz sculpts a more youthful profile. This procedure is a cornerstone of our facial rejuvenation suite and is often paired with FaceTite to tighten the skin and restore volume. Choosing Dr. De La Cruz means trusting a double board-certified surgeon who prioritizes natural results and uses your own biological material to turn back the clock.
Restores volume to sunken cheeks, hollow temples, and under-eye bags
Uses the patient’s own autologous fat harvested via gentle liposuction
Frequently combined with FaceTite or a neck lift for total facial contouring
Most swelling subsides within 7–10 days; minimal downtime for the harvest site
Once the fat integrates, results can last for many years, far outlasting synthetic fillers
Fat grafting, also known as autologous fat transfer or liposculpture, is a surgical procedure that involves restoring lost volume in the face with the patient’s own fat, taken from the abdomen, thighs, or other areas. This procedure is effective for treating sunken cheeks, facial lines, acne scars, and other areas of volume loss resulting from aging, sun damage, and other conditions.
Unlike fillers and other volume-enhancing treatments, fat grafts are taken from the patient’s own body, and as a result, cannot cause an allergic reaction. Fat is readily accepted by the body. Autologous fat grafts also last longer than synthetic materials.
The facial fat transfer is a multistep surgical procedure typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's comfort level. The journey begins with gentle micro-liposuction to harvest fat cells from a donor site, such as the hips, abdomen, or outer thighs. This step also subtly reduces the harvest area.
Once collected, the fat is processed and purified to isolate the most robust, healthy fat grafts. Dr. De La Cruz then uses specialized cannulas to inject the fat into the face in delicate layers. By placing the fat at varying depths, he ensures the new tissue integrates seamlessly with your existing facial structure. If you are undergoing FaceTite concurrently, Dr. De La Cruz will apply radiofrequency energy to the skin's surface before the fat is placed, ensuring a firm "canvas" for the new volume.
Autologous fat transfer is a versatile tool for addressing the structural signs of aging:
Because the procedure uses your own facial tissue (fat), there is zero risk of an allergic reaction or rejection. It is the most "organic" filler available, integrating naturally into your anatomy.
Beyond just adding volume, fat grafting has been shown to improve actual skin quality. The stem cells naturally present in fat tissue can stimulate collagen production, leading to a more radiant, lit-from-within complexion.
When Dr. De La Cruz combines fat transfer with FaceTite, patients benefit from a lift-and-fill effect. While FaceTite addresses sagging skin with radiofrequency energy, fat transfer adds volume to prevent a hollowed look, resulting in high-definition, three-dimensional rejuvenation.
The ideal candidate for facial fat grafting is someone in good health who has noticed a loss of facial fullness or the onset of deep folds. You must have sufficient donor fat (even slim patients typically have enough for a facial procedure). This is the ideal procedure for those seeking a more permanent solution than temporary dermal fillers. If you have realistic expectations and are looking for a natural-looking way to restore youthful contours, you are likely an excellent candidate.
The recovery process for facial fat transfer is generally mild. While you may experience some swelling and minor bruising at both the harvest and injection sites, most patients feel comfortable returning to social activities within a week. We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for about two weeks to ensure the fat grafts establish a blood supply. Dr. De La Cruz will provide a customized aftercare treatment plan, including guidance on sleeping with your head elevated to reduce swelling.
The results of facial fat transfer are twofold. You will see an immediate improvement in volume, though it is important to note that a portion of the injected fat (typically 30-40%) is naturally reabsorbed by the body in the first few months. Dr. De La Cruz accounts for this by slightly over-correcting during the procedure.
By the three-month mark, the remaining fat is considered permanent tissue. Your face will look softer, fuller, and more vibrant. Unlike synthetic fillers that dissolve over time, the transferred fat lives as part of your face, aging naturally with you. The final results offer a sophisticated, refreshed look that truly stands the test of time.
Success in fat grafting is entirely dependent on the surgeon's technique and artistic eye. Dr. Emmanuel De La Cruz is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who has mastered the delicate balance of volume and tension. His ability to combine facial fat transfer with advanced technologies such as FaceTite ensures that his patients receive comprehensive, high-definition results. At our Houston and Woodlands offices, we offer a concierge experience that enhances your natural beauty through an uncompromising commitment to safety and surgical excellence.
While fillers are convenient, facial fat transfer is permanent, bio-compatible, and improves skin texture. It is a one-time investment for results that can last for a decade or more, rather than a recurring treatment every 6–12 months.
Dr. De La Cruz is known for his less-is-more philosophy. By meticulously layering the fat, he avoids a puffy look and instead focuses on restoring the natural shadows and highlights of a youthful face.
The fat is typically harvested from the abdomen, flanks (“love handles”), or thighs. This also provides a subtle body-contouring benefit in those areas.
Yes. Adding fat grafting to a deep-plane facelift or mini facelift is common. The lift addresses sagging, while the fat addresses volume loss, providing the most comprehensive rejuvenation possible.
Once the fat establishes a blood supply (usually within 3 months), it is permanent. It will grow or shrink if you gain or lose significant weight, just like the rest of the fat on your body.
