facial fat transfer
in Long Island, NY

Facial fat transfer offers a natural-looking way to restore lost volume and enhance facial contours for individuals concerned about signs of aging, asymmetry, or areas that appear sunken or flat. Many people explore this procedure to soften lines, improve proportions, or refresh their appearance without relying on synthetic fillers.

Our clinic in Long Island uses a patient’s own purified fat to achieve balanced improvements tailored to their personal goals while maintaining a focus on safety, comfort, and realistic expectations.

What Is Facial Fat Transfer?

Facial fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is a technique in which a person’s own fat is carefully collected from one area of the body, refined, and then placed into a specific facial area to create more fullness or support. Because it uses living fat cells, the process involves moving natural tissue from one location to another rather than introducing synthetic materials. This approach allows our specialists to work with a patient’s own biological material to shape or refine specific features, creating a result that blends smoothly with surrounding tissues.

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Which Facial Areas Can Be Treated?

Cheeks: Restore volume and enhance contour for a more youthful appearance.
Under-Eye (Tear Troughs): Reduce hollowing or dark circles for a refreshed look.
Nasolabial Folds: Soften deep lines between the nose and mouth.

Lips: Add subtle fullness and improve shape.
Chin and Jawline: Enhance definition and balance facial proportions.
Temples: Correct sunken areas for a smoother, youthful contour.

Consultation & Preparation for Fat Transfer

During the initial consultation, Dr. Gargiulo reviews the patient’s medical history to understand their overall health and identify any factors that might affect the procedure. This includes checking for the use of blood thinners or certain medications that could influence the approach. Based on this information, a personalized treatment plan is created to guide the process safely and effectively.

How Is Facial Fat Transfer Performed?

Anesthesia

Facial fat transfer is typically performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the treatment and the patient’s comfort level. This ensures that the patient experiences minimal discomfort while the provider carefully completes each step of the procedure.

Fat Removal

The process begins with the removal of fat from designated donor sites, such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks. This step involves extracting fat in a controlled manner to ensure the quality and viability of the tissue for later use in the face.

Fat Processing

Once collected, the fat is purified to retain only the healthiest fat cells. This careful preparation helps maximize cell survival and ensures a smooth, natural appearance when transferred to the facial areas.

Injections

Using small incisions, the prepared fat is carefully injected into the target areas of the face. This allows the provider to precisely add volume where it is needed most, shaping and enhancing contours in a controlled and natural-looking way.

Contouring and Final Touches

After the fat has been injected, the provider gently sculpts and smooths the treated areas to ensure the results blend seamlessly with surrounding tissues. This step is crucial for achieving balanced, harmonious facial contours.

Recovery Process After
Fat Transfer

First 24 Hours

During the first day, patients may experience some discomfort at the injection sites. Wearing a compression garment can help minimize swelling, and gentle rest is recommended to support the healing process.

Week 1

Most individuals find that light movement is possible, but strenuous exercise should be avoided. Any pain can be managed with prescribed pain medication, and care should be taken to avoid disturbing the treated areas.

Week 2

By about two weeks, bruising and swelling generally decrease, marking a key point in the overall recovery period. Patients can slowly resume normal routines while monitoring the treated areas.

Weeks 3-4

At this stage, following a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and hydration helps maintain progress. Gentle physical activity can be gradually reintroduced, but caution is still advised to protect the results.

Weeks 5-6

By the end of this stage, most patients can return fully to their usual activities. Overall recovery time varies but is generally well-tolerated, with results continuing to settle naturally over the following months.

Candidates for Fat Transfer

Ideal candidates for fat transfer are individuals who have sufficient fatty tissue in donor areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, to allow for harvesting. This procedure is suitable for those seeking to restore facial volume, correct asymmetry, or enhance facial contours using natural tissue. Candidates should also be in generally good health and have realistic expectations about the results.

Benefits of Facial Fat Transfer

Restores natural facial volume and contours
Smooths lines and wrinkles for a refreshed appearance
Uses the patient’s own tissue, reducing the risk of allergic reactions
Provides long-lasting results compared to temporary fillers
Can improve symmetry and balance in facial features
Minimal scarring due to small, discreet incisions

Cost of Facial Fat Transfer
in Long Island, NY

The cost of facial fat transfer in Long Island generally ranges from $5,000 to $12,000, depending on the number of areas treated and the procedure’s complexity. Factors such as the surgeon’s experience, the type of anesthesia used, and any additional treatments can influence the overall price. Patients should discuss their personal goals during the initial consultation to receive a customized treatment plan and a clear understanding of the expected costs.

Schedule your appointment with Dr. Gargiulo today!

Refine Your Face and Body with Advanced Plastic Surgery

Our advanced plastic surgery techniques allow patients to achieve a more sculpted and harmonious look. Procedures such as autologous fat grafting use a patient’s own tissue to redistribute excess fat from one area of the body to another, enhancing contours and supporting a youthful appearance. By carefully planning each treatment, our specialists help patients reach their desired outcome, resulting in natural-looking improvements that can boost self-confidence and overall satisfaction with their appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to undergo facial fat transfer procedures?

Facial fat transfer is considered a safe procedure when performed by experienced specialists. It is a surgical procedure that uses fat from your own body, which greatly reduces the risk of allergic reactions. The procedure is often performed under local anesthesia, allowing patients to remain comfortable while minimizing risks.

How long do the results last?

The longevity of results depends on how well the transferred fat establishes a healthy blood supply in the treated areas. Once the fat integrates, it provides natural-looking results that can enhance self-image and restore volume in places where it was previously lost.

Is fat transfer more effective than dermal fillers?

Unlike temporary fillers, fat transfer uses the patient’s own tissue, which can provide longer-lasting results. Dr. Gargiulo can remove fat from donor areas and carefully place it to achieve subtle, balanced improvements. This natural approach can add additional volume where needed, creating harmonious contours.

Will there be visible scars after fat transfer?

Patients can expect minimal scarring because the procedure uses very small incisions for both fat removal and placement. Scars typically heal discreetly and fade over time.

Can I combine fat grafting with other procedures?

Yes, fat grafting can be combined with other procedures. For example, during fat harvesting, fat can be used for facial rejuvenation or paired with stem cell therapy and breast procedures to enhance breast volume, providing more comprehensive results.

What are the advantages of choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon?

Choosing a board-certified specialist ensures professionalism and safety. Surgeons experienced in breast reconstruction and fat transfer techniques understand anatomy and tissue handling to minimize complications. To achieve excellent results from fat transfer, Long Island residents benefit from the knowledge, precision, and personalized care that only certified professionals, such as Dr. Gargiulo, can provide.

facial fat transfer in Long Island, NY