Who Benefits from Combining a Facelift with Fat?

• Midface flattening or hollowing: Cheek scaffold loss makes folds look heavy. Deep micro-fat along the zygomatic arch restores lift without puffiness.
• Tear trough / lid–cheek transition: Often improves after cheek support is restored; any direct trough work is conservative.
• Temple hollowing: Reduces “skeletal” shadowing so brows and upper face read softer.
• Jawline balance: Tiny structural fat to the pre-jowl or chin can smooth the mandibular line after SMAS work.

If your main concern is jowls and neck only—good tissue quality, minimal hollowing—you may not need fat. We decide from front, oblique, and profile views.

Technique at a Glance

• Lift: Deep-plane or SMAS (tailored). Goal is vector control and release where needed—not over-tightening skin.
• Fat placement: Small, deep aliquots (structure first), then selective transition polish. We avoid superficial “puff.”
• Zones: Cheek scaffold, temple, chin/pre-jowl, occasional lateral brow. Lower eyelid work is conservative and only after midface support.
• Amount: Less than most people think—precision beats volume.

Same Day or Staged?

• Same-day (one anesthesia): Efficient when indications are clear (midface/temple/chin). Swelling overlaps; overall downtime can be shorter.
• Staged: Helpful in very thin skin, revision facelifts, or when we want to judge the lift first and fine-tune with small fat later.

Recovery & What It Feels Like

• Days 1–7: Bruising/swelling; head elevation; light walking. Most patients feel “tight but supported,” not painful.
• Weeks 2–3: Social downtime ends for many. Early fat “fullness” starts to settle; stitches/sutures removed per plan.
• Weeks 6–12: Definition improves; fat that will persist begins to declare. Photos at this stage are meaningful.
• Exercise: Gradual return after clearance; protect incisions from sun; start scar care when appropriate.

Curious about fat-specific healing? See our guide to facial fat transfer recovery.

Longevity & Maintenance

• Facelift mechanics: Deep-plane/SMAS work repositions descended tissues; longevity varies with anatomy and lifestyle.
• Fat grafting: A portion persists long-term; we plan conservatively to avoid overcorrection.
• Skin program: Daily SPF + nighttime retinoid keep texture and pores in check so contours read cleanly.
• Weight change: Significant gain/loss can subtly affect appearance; we plan for “future you.”

Risks & How We Reduce Them

• Facelift: Hematoma, nerve irritation, asymmetry, delayed healing—minimized with conservative vectors, meticulous hemostasis, and clear aftercare.
• Fat grafting: Bruising, contour irregularity, variable take—reduced with micro-aliquots in correct planes; staging is preferred over heavy single-stage filling.
• General safety: Accredited OR, board-certified anesthesia, and reachable follow-up. Read more about what makes plastic surgery safe.

Quick Decision Guide

FAQ

Will fat make me look “overfilled”?

No—when placed deep in small amounts to rebuild structure, the face reads rested, not puffy. We avoid superficial bulk.

Can I combine eyelid surgery or a brow lift?

Often, yes. We stage or combine depending on anatomy and downtime. The plan is built to protect expression.

What if I change my mind about volume later?

We plan conservatively and can stage volume. Small HA filler adjustments months later are also an option.

Next step: If you want a natural result—lifted and softly supported—we’ll map a plan that fits your features and calendar.

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