Facial Fat Transfer / Grafting

Facial aging involves both drooping of the skin and a loss of volume. While the loosening of the skin is usually most evident by the time you reach your forties or fifties, loss of volume can be seen as early as your late twenties. Loss of volume, or a gaunt look to the face, is most often seen in the lips, the cheeks, and under the eyes. This is best treated by Facial Fat Grafting or Transfer. Fat can be removed from the tummy or thighs via a small incision, purified, and reinjected into areas of the face which have become gaunt with age or hereditary factors. The amount of fat that lasts permanently varies per patient and per area, and can be repeated if necessary for optimal results. There is usually minimal discomfort and scars, although significant swelling may persist for two to three weeks. Most people have a ‘take’ of 30-70%, with a lower take in people who have a high metabolism (really thin). Some surgeons use a more traumatic fat grafting procedure which can result in swelling that can last months, which Dr. Youn does not advocate.