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Facial Procedures

Facial Fat Grafting
Restore Volume Naturally with Your Own Fat

Facial fat grafting uses your body's own fat to restore lost volume, sculpt facial contours, and rejuvenate your appearance—naturally and permanently. Unlike synthetic fillers, transferred fat contains stem cells that improve skin texture, tone, and color while delivering results that look and feel completely natural.
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Duration 1-2 Hours
Anesthesia Local or General
Downtime 1-2 Weeks
Results Permanent
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Benefits of Facial Fat Transfer

Permanent, Natural Results

Unlike fillers that dissolve over time, fat cells that survive the transfer become a permanent part of your face. The result looks and feels completely natural—because it's your own tissue.

Stem Cell Rejuvenation

Fat contains millions of stem cells that actively improve skin quality. Patients often notice improved texture, tone, and color in the treated areas—benefits fillers simply can't provide.

Facial Sculpting, Not Just Filling

With volumes up to 60cc or more, fat grafting allows Dr. Neavin to reshape and remodel your facial architecture—restoring cheekbones, defining jawlines, and recreating youthful contours.

No Risk of Allergic Reaction

Because the fat comes from your own body, there's zero risk of allergic reaction or rejection. It's the most biocompatible option for facial volume restoration.

Expected Results

The results from facial fat grafting are permanent. Fat cells that successfully integrate become a natural part of your face, responding to weight changes just as they would in their original location. Most patients see a dramatic yet natural improvement looking refreshed, not "done."

Restored Youthful Volume

Hollowed cheeks, sunken temples, and under-eye depressions are filled with your own fat, recreating the fullness that defines a youthful face. You'll look like yourself—just years younger.

Improved Skin Quality

The stem cells within transferred fat actively rejuvenate your skin. Many patients notice smoother texture, improved tone, and a healthier glow in the months following their procedure.

Enhanced Facial Architecture

Fat grafting goes beyond filling, it sculpts. Dr. Neavin can strengthen cheekbones, define the jawline, and restore the heart-shaped facial structure associated with youth and beauty.

Patient Stories

5-Star Experiences

“

I was tired of getting fillers every six months and never feeling like I looked quite right. Dr. Neavin suggested fat grafting and the difference is night and day. My face looks full and rested—like I turned back the clock ten years. I only wish I'd done it sooner.

— Facial Fat Grafting Patient

"Everyone keeps asking if I've been on vacation. They can tell something is different but no one can pinpoint what. That's exactly what I wanted to look like myself, just better. Dr. Neavin is a true artist."

— Facial Fat Grafting Patient
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Technical Specifications

How Facial Fat Grafting Works

Facial fat grafting is a two-part process: harvesting fat from a donor site and strategically injecting it into the face. Every step—from extraction to injection—impacts fat cell survival, which is why technique and experience are critical to achieving lasting, natural results.

01

Fat Harvesting

Fat is gently extracted through a small, hidden incision—typically inside the belly button or low on the hip. Using specialized cannulas and controlled negative pressure, Dr. Neavin carefully removes fat from the love handles or abdomen, areas known for producing hardy, long-lasting fat cells. The amount harvested depends on your treatment plan, but even thin patients have enough fat for facial rejuvenation.

02

Fat Processing

Once harvested, the fat is washed, strained, and prepared for injection. Dr. Neavin follows a “less is more” approach—minimizing manipulation to preserve cell viability. The fat is processed quickly and transferred to syringes immediately, reducing the time cells spend outside the body. This meticulous technique is what separates excellent results from mediocre ones.

03

Strategic Injection

Using micro-cannulas, Dr. Neavin injects tiny droplets of fat in multiple passes at varying depths. This layered approach ensures each fat cell has access to blood supply, maximizing survival rates. Common injection points include the corner of the mouth and within the hairline—leaving no visible scars on the face. Volumes up to 60cc or more may be injected depending on your goals.

04

PRP Enhancement (Optional)

Dr. Neavin frequently uses PRP (platelet-rich plasma) to enhance fat cell survival. PRP is derived from your own blood and contains concentrated growth factors that support healing and cell integration. While technique remains the most important factor in fat survival, PRP may offer additional benefits for optimal results.

Patient Profile

Candidates

Ideal Candidates

Facial fat grafting is ideal for men and women who want to restore lost volume, rejuvenate their appearance, or enhance their facial structure using their own natural tissue.You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Have noticed hollowing in your cheeks, temples, or under-eye area
  • Look tired or aged despite adequate rest
  • Have lost facial fullness due to aging or weight loss (Ozempic Face)
  • Want a permanent alternative to dermal fillers
  • Desire facial sculpting to enhance cheekbones, jawline, or chin
  • Have enough donor fat available (even thin patients typically qualify)
  • Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations

Not Ideal Candidates

Facial fat grafting may not be the right choice for everyone. You may not be an ideal candidate if you:

  • Want virtually no downtime, fillers may be a better option as fat grafting involves swelling that can last over a week
  • Are uncomfortable with general anesthesia or have difficulty tolerating local anesthesia
  • Have unrealistic expectations about results
  • Are not prepared for the more involved process compared to injectable fillers
  • Have significant skin laxity that would be better addressed with a facelift (though fat grafting is often combined with surgical procedures)

During your consultation, Dr. Neavin will evaluate your goals and anatomy to determine if fat grafting alone or in combination with other treatments is the best approach for you.

Volume Comparison: Fillers vs. Fat Grafting

See the dramatic difference in treatment volume—and understand why fat grafting can sculpt and transform while fillers only fill.

Typical Treatment

Dermal Fillers

2 cc
per session
Transformative Treatment

Facial Fat Grafting

50 cc
single procedure
Adjust Fat Grafting Volume
20cc (Subtle) 50cc (Typical) 80cc (Comprehensive)
????

That's 25× More Volume

At 50cc, facial fat grafting delivers the equivalent of 50 syringes of filler—in a single procedure. This massive volume difference is why fat grafting can reshape facial architecture, not just fill lines.

Permanent
Fat grafting results last a lifetime
6–12 mo
Typical filler longevity
Stem Cells
Fat improves skin quality
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Estimated Investment
$4,500 – $9,000+
The cost of facial fat grafting depends on the volume of fat transferred, the areas being treated, and whether the procedure is combined with other treatments such as a facelift or eyelid surgery. Factors that influence pricing include the complexity of your treatment plan, anesthesia type, and facility fees. During your consultation, Dr. Neavin will evaluate your goals and create a personalized plan with transparent pricing. Unlike fillers that require ongoing maintenance every 6-12 months, facial fat grafting is a one-time investment with permanent results making it a cost-effective choice over time. Financing options are available to qualified candidates to help make your procedure more accessible.
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Fat Grafting vs. Dermal Fillers

01

Which Is Right for You?

Both fat grafting and dermal fillers restore facial volume, but they serve different purposes. Fillers like Juvederm and Restylane are ideal for quick touch-ups with minimal downtime typically 1cc at a time with results lasting 6–12 months. Fat grafting, on the other hand, allows for much larger volumes (40–60cc in the face), delivers permanent results, and includes the added benefit of stem cells that actively rejuvenate skin quality.

If you're looking for subtle, temporary enhancement with no downtime, fillers may be the better choice. But if you want lasting facial rejuvenation, the ability to sculpt and remodel your features, and results that look and feel completely natural, fat grafting offers value that fillers simply can't match. In some cases, Dr. Neavin combines both—using fillers for precise, predictable areas and fat for larger volume restoration.

Surgery Day Journey

Arrival & Preparation

You'll arrive at our surgical facility where our team will greet you and ensure you're comfortable. Pre-operative photos will be taken, and Dr. Neavin will meet with you to review your treatment plan and mark the donor and injection sites. You'll change into a surgical gown, and the anesthesia team will prepare you for your procedure either local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your plan.

Fat Harvesting

Once you're comfortable, Dr. Neavin begins by injecting the donor site (typically the love handles or abdomen) with a tumescent solution containing saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine to minimize bleeding and discomfort. Using small cannulas through tiny, hidden incisions, he gently extracts the fat needed for your procedure. Most patients require 40–60cc for facial rejuvenation.

Processing & Injection

The harvested fat is carefully washed, strained, and prepared for injection—handled minimally to preserve cell viability. Using micro-cannulas, Dr. Neavin injects the fat in precise, layered micro-droplets throughout the treatment areas. Injection sites are strategically placed in the hairline or corner of the mouth, leaving no visible scars. The entire process is meticulous, often involving dozens of passes to ensure optimal fat cell survival.
The Artisan Promise

Comprehensive
Aftercare Support

Our commitment to your results doesn't end when you leave the operating room. Dr. Neavin provides attentive, personalized aftercare to ensure your recovery is smooth and your results are everything you envisioned.

Personalized Recovery Instructions

Before you leave, you'll receive detailed post-operative guidelines tailored to your specific procedure. This includes medication schedules, wound care for both donor and injection sites, activity restrictions, sleep positioning, and tips to minimize swelling. Clear expectations for each phase of healing help you feel confident and prepared.

Scheduled Follow-Up Visits

Dr. Neavin will see you for multiple follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and assess fat cell survival. These visits allow him to track your progress, address any concerns, and ensure your results are developing as expected. You're never left guessing we guide you through every stage of recovery.

Direct Access to Dr. Neavin

Questions between appointments? Our team is readily available by phone or email to provide reassurance and guidance. Whether you're wondering if swelling is normal or need advice on when to resume activities, we're here for you. Your long-term satisfaction matters, and we remain a resource for skincare recommendations and maintenance treatments for years to come.

Healing Timeline

Every patient heals differently, but this timeline offers a general guide for your return to daily life.

Days 1–3: Initial Healing

Expect significant swelling and possible bruising in both the face and donor site. Keep your head elevated and rest as much as possible. Prescribed pain medication will manage any discomfort. Avoid touching or applying pressure to the treated areas. Cold compresses may help reduce swelling but should be used gently to avoid disrupting fat cells.

Days 4–7: Swelling Peaks, Then Subsides

Swelling typically peaks around day 3–4, then begins to improve. Bruising will start to fade, often shifting in color before resolving. Most patients feel comfortable moving around the house but should continue to avoid strenuous activity. You may notice your face looks overfilled—this is intentional over-correction and will settle.

Weeks 2–4: Returning to Normal

Most visible swelling and bruising resolves during this period. Many patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities by week two, though some residual puffiness may remain. The donor site should feel nearly back to normal. Avoid direct sun exposure and follow all post-operative skincare instructions.

Months 1–6: Final Results Emerge

As swelling fully resolves and transferred fat cells establish blood supply, your final results take shape. You'll notice improved facial volume, contour, and skin quality. The surviving fat cells are now permanent. Most patients see their full outcome by month three, with continued skin improvements from stem cell activity for up to six months.

Safety &
Potential Risks

Facial fat grafting is a safe, well-established procedure when performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. Because the fat comes from your own body, there’s no risk of allergic reaction or rejection. Dr. Neavin prioritizes safety at every step, using meticulous techniques refined over thousands of procedures.

Important Considerations

Harvest Site Risks:

  • Bruising and swelling – Common and temporary, typically resolving within 1-2 weeks
  • Discomfort – Mild soreness at the donor site, managed with prescribed pain medication
  • Contour irregularity – Rare, as fat is harvested from deep layers; using multiple donor sites in thin patients further minimizes this risk
  • Infection – Exceptionally rare at the donor site

Recipient Site (Face) Risks:

  • Bruising and swelling – Expected for the first 7–14 days; residual mild swelling may persist for several weeks
  • Asymmetry – Minor asymmetry may occur as swelling resolves; touch-up sessions can address this if needed
  • Lumps or irregularities – Very uncommon in experienced hands; proper cannula selection and injection depth virtually eliminate this risk
  • Infection – Rare, as the face is highly vascular and heals quickly
  • Fat absorption – Some fat cells will not survive the transfer; Dr. Neavin accounts for this with slight over-correction

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is facial fat grafting?
Facial fat grafting is a procedure that takes fat from one area of your body—typically the love handles or abdomen—and transfers it to your face to restore lost volume, enhance contours, and rejuvenate your appearance. Because it uses your own tissue, results look and feel completely natural.
How long do results last?
Results are permanent. While some fat cells are naturally absorbed in the first few weeks, the cells that survive become a lasting part of your face. They respond to weight changes just like fat anywhere else in your body. Most patients enjoy their results for a decade or longer without needing touch-ups.
How much fat is needed for facial rejuvenation?
Most facial fat grafting procedures use between 40–60cc of fat—the equivalent of about 40–60 syringes of dermal filler. Even very thin patients typically have enough donor fat available. The exact amount depends on your goals and the areas being treated.
What's the difference between fat grafting and fillers?
Fillers are synthetic products injected in small amounts (usually 1–2cc) that last 6–12 months. Fat grafting uses your own tissue in much larger volumes, provides permanent results, and includes stem cells that improve skin quality. Fillers offer convenience with no downtime; fat grafting offers lasting transformation with added rejuvenation benefits.
Will the fat harvesting leave a dent or visible mark?
The amount of fat needed for facial grafting is relatively small—typically 40–80cc compared to the 600cc or more removed during body liposuction. Incisions are hidden inside the belly button or low on the hip and heal to be virtually invisible.
Dr. Tim Neavin
The Artisan

Artistry Meets
Surgical Precision

Dr. Tim Neavin is one of the foremost experts in facial fat grafting, having trained directly under Dr. Richard Ellenbogen—the pioneer of the technique—where he performed hundreds of fat transfer cases. He also studied fat cell research under Dr. Peter Rubin at the University of Pittsburgh, giving him a deep understanding of what makes fat cells survive and thrive.

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Neavin has refined a meticulous approach that prioritizes fat cell viability at every step—from harvest to injection. His patients consistently achieve natural, lasting results because he treats fat grafting as facial sculpting, not just filling.

Dr. Neavin lectures nationally on injection techniques and instructs doctors worldwide on aesthetic ideals and facial rejuvenation. When it comes to fat transfer, few surgeons combine his level of scientific understanding with artistic precision.

Diplomate American Board of
Plastic Surgery
Philosophy "Surgery with
Symmetry"

Beverly Hills & Santa Barbara

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Schedule your private consultation with Dr. Neavin today.

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