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Fat Grafting / Fat Transfer to the Face
IN SAN DIEGO
Natural Restoration. Refined Volume. Subtle Rejuvenation.
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Fat transfer (also known as fat grafting) to the face is a powerful technique to restore youthful fullness, smooth contour irregularities, and improve skin quality using your body’s own tissue rather than synthetic fillers. At Oculofacial Surgical Arts in Del Mar / San Diego, Dr. Abboud and team apply advanced techniques to deliver natural, long-lasting results that harmonize with your facial structure.
What is Facial Fat Grafting?
Facial fat grafting is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which fat is harvested from one area of the patient’s body (commonly the abdomen, flanks, or thighs), processed, and then carefully injected into targeted facial zones to restore volume, soften folds, correct asymmetries, and rejuvenate contours. Because the tissue is your own, the risk of allergic reaction is virtually nil, and the results can last many years.
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Whereas dermal fillers provide temporary volume, fat grafting offers the possibility of a “permanent filler,” with the transformed fat integrating into facial tissues and contributing to improved skin texture and quality over time.
Am I Candidate for Fat Transfer?
Ideal candidates typically:
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Are in good general health (no uncontrolled medical conditions)
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Desire restoration of volume loss due to aging, weight loss, or congenital hollows
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Seek a more lasting solution than synthetic fillers
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Understand that a portion of transferred fat may be resorbed (thus modest overcorrection is often planned)
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Have realistic expectations about outcomes, recovery, and potential need for touch-ups
During your consultation, Dr. Abboud will evaluate your facial anatomy, skin quality, donor sites, and aesthetic goals to determine whether fat grafting is appropriate, and whether it should be combined with other procedures (e.g. blepharoplasty, fat repositioning, brow lift, laser resurfacing) for optimal overall balance.
Benefits of Facial Fat Transfer
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Long-lasting results — once the fat survives the transfer, it typically remains stable for years
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Natural look and feel — the transferred fat behaves like native soft tissue
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Dual benefit — fat harvesting may contour donor region (like a mild liposuction effect)
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Improved skin quality — regenerative properties in fat (stem cells, growth factors) can improve overlying skin tone, radiance, and elasticity
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Versatility — can address multiple facial areas: cheeks, tear troughs, nasolabial folds, temples, chin, under eyes
Why Choose Dr. Abboud for Fat Grafting?
Dr. Jean-Paul Abboud has:
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Fellowship-trained oculofacial and facial plastic expertise
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Deep understanding of facial anatomy, vascular pathways, and aesthetic balance
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Skill in conservative, natural augmentation rather than aggressive overfilling
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Integrated approach — Dr. Abboud routinely blends fat grafting with eyelid surgery, brow lifts, skin resurfacing, and more for harmonized rejuvenation
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Personalized care — each plan is customized to your unique face, goals, and lifestyle
The Procedure: Fat Transfer to the Face
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Planning & Mapping
Dr. Abboud will plan the donor and recipient sites, mark facial zones that need volume, and calculate how much fat to harvest.
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Anesthesia & Harvesting
The procedure is often done with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on extent. Fat is gently harvested with microcannulas to minimize trauma.
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Processing & Purification
The harvested fat is filtered to isolate viable fat cells and remove excess fluid, oil, or debris.
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Microinjection / Fat Placement
The processed fat is injected in multiple microdroplets into various layers (subdermal, intramuscular, subcutaneous) using very fine cannulas. This layered, feathered placement encourages better survival, integrates with surrounding tissue, and reduces lumps.
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Adjustment & Optimization
Small refinements may be made to balance symmetry, contour transitions, and smoothness. The goal is subtle, harmonious enhancement, not an overfilled appearance.
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Closing & Dressings
Incisions are minimal. Donor site incisions are closed and dressed. Light compression may be used at harvest sites. No heavy bandaging is placed on the face.
Typical procedure time depends on the number of zones treated but often ranges from 1 to 2 hours, sometimes more if combined with other facial surgeries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can fat grafting be combined with eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty?
Yes, facial fat transfer is frequently performed in combination with blepharoplasty, brow lift, and skin resurfacing to achieve a comprehensive rejuvenated look.
How much fat do you need to harvest?
It depends on how many facial zones are being treated and the degree of volume loss. Excess is harvested so there is flexibility, though not all will be used.
How does fat grafting compare to fillers?
Fat grafting and fillers each have unique benefits and drawbacks. Fillers are quick, non-surgical, and reversible, offering immediate results, but they are temporary, can cause swelling, and remain a foreign substance in the body. Fat grafting, on the other hand, uses your own body fat, making it natural and biocompatible. It tends to provide longer-lasting results and can even improve skin quality over time, though it does require a surgical procedure and the amount of fat that survives can vary.
Will there be scarring?
Scars are minimal. Both donor and recipient sites use tiny incisions that heal invisibly in most cases.
When will I see my results?
You will see initial fullness immediately, but over time (weeks to months) some volume is lost. Final results stabilize by 3 to 6 months, and subtle improvements may continue up to a year.
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What are some of the risks, considerations, and limitations of fat grafting?
While facial fat grafting is generally safe in experienced hands, there are inherent risks and factors to consider:
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Fat resorption and unpredictability — some of the injected fat may not survive; overcorrection is often performed, and results can also change with weight fluctuations over time.
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Irregularities or lumps — if too much fat is placed in one spot, contour irregularities or unevenness can occur.
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Asymmetry — perfect symmetry is difficult; minor revision may occasionally be needed.
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Donor site issues — bruising, temporary discomfort, or contour changes can occur at the fat harvest site.
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Infection, bleeding, or hematoma — low risk in healthy patients but possible with any procedure.
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Overfilling or unnatural look — surgeon judgment and technique are key to creating natural, balanced results.
During your consultation, Dr. Abboud will discuss risks specific to your anatomy and how to mitigate them.
Facial Fat Grafting Recovery & Postoperative Expectations
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Immediate Period (Days 1–3):
Mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort are expected. Ice or cold compresses and head elevation help reduce swelling. -
First Week:
Many patients resume light activities. Bruising gradually resolves. Sutures or small dressings may be removed. -
Weeks 2–4:
Swelling continues to subside. Some of the transferred fat will be resorbed naturally. Final contour begins to emerge. -
1–3 Months:
The surviving fat becomes integrated and vascularized; the final shape will define itself. Skin quality improvements may be noticeable. -
Long-Term:
The results tend to be stable. However, natural aging continues, and minor volume adjustments or touch-up grafts may be considered over time.
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Important Notes:
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Don’t disturb or massage the grafted area early on; gentle care per Dr. Abboud's guidance is critical.
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Use sun protection, avoid smoking, and maintain stable weight as weight fluctuations can influence your results.
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Results may not be perfectly symmetrical; subtle refinement might be performed later if desired.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to replace a medical consultation, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Each individual’s treatment and/or results will vary, and no guarantee is stated or implied by any photo or statement used on this website.
Schedule Your Facial Fat Transfer Consultation
Your consultation will include:
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A detailed facial assessment
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Discussion of your aesthetic goals
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Evaluation of donor sites and which facial zones will benefit most
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A personalized surgical plan with explanation of recovery, risks, and costs
We invite you to experience facial rejuvenation that feels and looks natural — restoring your youthful contours while preserving your individuality.