Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or fat injection, is a natural and long-lasting method to restore youthful volume, improve facial contours and rejuvenate the skin. This technique uses your own body’s fat—harvested from areas like the abdomen or thighs—and carefully injects it into targeted facial areas for a refreshed, natural look.
Benefits of Fat Transfer
- Natural Results: Using your own fat avoids the risks of allergic reactions or synthetic fillers.
- Long-Lasting Volume: Unlike temporary dermal fillers, fat transfer can provide durable correction as many fat cells survive and integrate into the new location.
- Multi-Purpose Rejuvenation: Fat transfer can restore volume to cheeks, temples, under-eye hollows, lips and jawline, helping to soften wrinkles and fine lines.
- Skin Quality Improvement: Recent studies show that nanofat injections, which use a refined fraction of fat rich in regenerative stem cells and growth factors, can improve skin texture, tone and elasticity, rejuvenating the skin beyond just volume restoration.
- Minimally Invasive: Fat harvesting is done via small liposuction incisions, and injection sites are tiny, resulting in minimal downtime.
- Versatility: Fat transfer can be combined with other facial procedures such as facelift, blepharoplasty or skin resurfacing for comprehensive rejuvenation.
What Is Nanofat and How Does It Help?
Nanofat is a processed form of fat that contains a high concentration of stem cells and growth factors but minimal mature fat cells. When injected superficially into the skin, nanofat stimulates regeneration, promoting:
- Improved skin texture and hydration
- Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
- Enhanced skin elasticity and firmness
- Healing of acne scars and pigmentation irregularities
This makes nanofat an excellent adjunct treatment to volumizing fat transfer or a standalone therapy for subtle skin rejuvenation.
The Procedure
- Fat is gently harvested from donor areas (such as the abdomen or thighs) using liposuction techniques.
- The harvested fat is purified and processed—some of it used for traditional volume restoration, and a portion can be further refined into nanofat.
- Fat and nanofat are strategically injected into targeted areas to restore volume, improve contours and enhance skin quality.
- The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation for comfort.
Recovery and Results
- You may experience mild swelling, bruising or tenderness at both the donor and injection sites, which usually resolve within 1–2 weeks.
- Initial volume may appear enhanced due to swelling but will stabilize as some fat naturally reabsorbs.
- Results begin to appear within weeks and can last for several years, especially with proper skincare and sun protection.
Why Choose Dr. Carolyn Montes for Fat Transfer?
With her expertise in facial anatomy and reconstructive techniques, Dr. Carolyn Montes ensures precise fat placement tailored to your facial structure and aesthetic goals. Her meticulous approach maximizes fat survival and rejuvenation benefits, providing natural, harmonious results.
Interested In a Natural Approach to Facial Rejuvenation?
Schedule a consultation to learn how fat transfer and nanofat treatments can restore your youthful glow.
Call San Diego ENT at (858) 926-7010 for more information or to schedule an appointment.