Is Facial Fat Grafting Painful?

Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure, as anesthesia is used to ensure your comfort. Postoperative soreness and swelling are normal but usually subside within a week. Any discomfort can typically be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Facial fat grafting is generally completed in a single surgical session. However, in some cases, a follow-up touch-up may be recommended several months later to refine results. Your surgical plan will be customized during your consultation.

How Long Until I See Results?

Initial improvements are visible immediately after surgery, though swelling may temporarily obscure your final results. As swelling decreases over the following weeks, your new contours will become more apparent. Final results are typically seen after three to six months.

Can I Combine Facial Fat Grafting With Other Procedures?

Yes, facial fat grafting is often combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as facelifts, eyelid surgery, or skin resurfacing treatments for more comprehensive results. Dr. Subbio will recommend the best combination for your needs during your consultation.

What Are the Risks Associated With Facial Fat Grafting?

As with any surgical procedure, facial fat grafting carries some risks, including infection, asymmetry, over- or under-correction, and fat resorption. Choosing an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Subbio significantly reduces these risks and increases the likelihood of a safe, successful outcome.

Facial Fat Grafting

Philadelphia, PA

Introduction

Introduction to
Facial Fat Grafting

At Subbio Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa, we specialize in advanced facial rejuvenation procedures that help our patients achieve natural, youthful results. One of our most popular options for restoring lost facial volume is facial fat grafting. This technique uses your body’s own fat to enhance facial contours, soften lines, and create a refreshed appearance without relying on synthetic fillers.

Dr. Christian Subbio, a board-certified plastic surgeon, combines artistry and precision to deliver results that harmonize with your natural features. Whether you’re noticing signs of facial aging or have volume loss from weight changes, facial fat grafting offers a safe and long-lasting way to rejuvenate your look.

What is Facial Fat Grafting?

Facial fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, is a cosmetic procedure that harvests fat from one area of your body and injects it into specific areas of your face to restore volume and improve contour. Common donor areas include the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, where fat is removed through gentle liposuction.

The purified fat is then carefully injected into targeted facial zones such as the cheeks, temples, lips, or under-eye hollows. Because it uses your own tissue, the results are natural-looking and have a reduced risk of allergic reaction. At our Philadelphia practice, Dr. Subbio customizes each treatment plan to address your unique goals and achieve a balanced, rejuvenated appearance.

A close-up of a woman's face and shoulder, highlighted by soft light, showcasing natural beauty and a contemplative expression. - Buccal Fat Removal in West Chester Pike Newton Square, PA

What Are the Benefits of Facial Fat Grafting?

Facial fat grafting offers both cosmetic and regenerative benefits that go beyond simple volume restoration. Patients choose this procedure for its ability to:

Restore youthful fullness to the cheeks, temples, and under-eye areas
Smooth deep folds and wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds
Enhance lip shape and definition naturally
Provide long-lasting results compared to most dermal fillers
Improve skin quality due to the regenerative properties of fat-derived stem cells

Many patients appreciate that the procedure uses their own fat, making it biocompatible and a natural alternative to synthetic materials. When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Subbio, the results blend seamlessly with your natural features.

Who Are the Best Candidates For Facial Fat Grafting?

Ideal candidates for facial fat grafting in Philadelphia are individuals who have experienced facial volume loss due to aging, weight fluctuations, or genetic factors. You should be in good overall health, have sufficient donor fat available, and maintain realistic expectations about your results.

This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients seeking:

A natural alternative to synthetic fillers
Correction of hollow under-eyes or sunken cheeks
Subtle lip enhancement without implants
Long-term improvement in facial contours

A consultation with Dr. Subbio will help determine if you are a good match for facial fat grafting or if another facial rejuvenation option would better suit your goals.

Facial Fat Grafting First Step

What’s the First Step?

The first step toward facial fat grafting is scheduling a private consultation at Subbio Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa in Philadelphia. During your visit, Dr. Subbio will review your medical history, assess your facial anatomy, and discuss your desired outcome.

He will also evaluate possible donor areas to ensure there is adequate fat available for transfer. Based on your needs, he will create a personalized treatment plan that details the procedure, recovery process, and expected results. This is your opportunity to ask questions and explore whether fat grafting aligns with your facial rejuvenation goals.

What to Expect on the Day of Facial Fat Grafting Surgery

On the day of your procedure, you will arrive at our Philadelphia office and be prepared for surgery. Facial fat grafting is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of treatment.

Dr. Subbio will begin by harvesting fat from a predetermined donor site using gentle liposuction techniques. The fat is then purified to remove excess fluids and non-viable cells. Using fine cannulas, the processed fat is carefully injected into targeted facial areas, sculpting and shaping for optimal symmetry. Most patients return home the same day to begin recovery.

Facial Fat Grafting Recovery

Recovery after facial fat grafting in Philadelphia is generally well-tolerated, though some swelling and bruising are common in both the donor and injection sites. These effects typically improve within one to two weeks.

You may be advised to keep your head elevated and avoid strenuous activities for the first several days. Most patients can resume light daily activities within a week, but final results may take several months to develop as the transferred fat fully integrates into the tissues. Following Dr. Subbio’s aftercare instructions will help optimize your healing and long-term results.

How Much Does Facial Fat Grafting Cost in Philadelphia, PA?

The cost of facial fat grafting in Philadelphia varies depending on the number of treatment areas, the complexity of your case, and whether additional procedures are performed at the same time. After your consultation, we will provide a detailed quote outlining all fees, including anesthesia, facility, and surgeon’s costs.

Because fat grafting offers long-lasting results, many patients consider it a worthwhile investment compared to temporary fillers. Our team can also discuss available financing options to make your procedure as affordable as possible.

Why Choose Dr. Subbio?

Dr. Christian Subbio is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a reputation for delivering natural, refined results. With years of experience in facial aesthetics, he blends advanced surgical techniques with an artistic eye to restore youthful contours and balance.

At Subbio Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa, patient safety, comfort, and satisfaction are our top priorities. Our state-of-the-art facility in Philadelphia provides a welcoming environment where each treatment plan is customized to your needs and aesthetic goals. Choosing Dr. Subbio means trusting your appearance to a skilled, compassionate professional dedicated to excellence.

Facial Fat Grafting FAQ’S

Plastic Surgery in Philadelphia

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re ready to explore how facial fat grafting in Philadelphia can rejuvenate your appearance, contact Subbio Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa today. Schedule your consultation to discuss your goals, review before-and-after photos, and create a personalized plan with Dr. Subbio.