Benefits of Facial Fat Transfer vs. Dermal Fillers
Both facial fat transfer and dermal fillers are effective methods for addressing lost facial volume and enhancing facial aesthetics, but they differ in several key ways. Injectable fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based products, are non-surgical treatments that can smooth wrinkles and restore volume with immediate results. However, because these are synthetic dermal fillers, the effects are temporary and typically require ongoing maintenance.
Unlike fillers, facial fat grafting has the added benefit of improving skin quality. Research suggests that stem cells found in autologous fat grafting may help rejuvenate skin tone and skin texture over time. For many patients, this means not only restoring youthful volume but also improving overall facial rejuvenation. While not all transferred fat will survive, it is estimated that a significant portion of the fat remains long-term. Results are generally considered a longer-lasting solution compared to hyaluronic fillers.

What is a Facial Fat Transfer?
Facial fat transfers are commonly used in patients who are seeking to rejuvenate their skin and have a more youthful, brightened appearance. By harvesting fat from designated areas of the body through liposuction (LINK), the patient’s natural fat is then processed and injected into the cheeks, around the eyes, or lower face.
Ideal for Facial Fat Transfer?
The best candidates for facial fat transfer are patients who need improvement in the contour of their jaw and chin or replacement of volume along the cheek bone in the temporal region, or the cheeks. Alternative procedures, include injection of Voluma® or Sculptra®.
Fat Transfer to the Face Videos
The Procedure: What to Expect
The harvesting of the fat and the injections are all done under a local anesthesia. Fat is taken from either the abdomen or the thighs, depending on how much you need. After the fat is removed from the body it is set aside to stand until it settles into separate layers. The fat is passed through a series of successively smaller filters to purify and prepare it for injection. This entire process takes place within syringes so that the fat is never exposed to the air. Then, a small puncture would is made and a blunt cannula is used to inject the fat in a series of small injections. The procedure can take up to two hours and the final results may not be seen for several months because of the regenerative nature of the procedure. The percentage of the fat that survives is variable, and it is estimated that a loss of 35 percent of the injected fat can be expected.
Recovery and Results
You can experience mild to moderate swelling and bruising which may persist up to one to two weeks. Depending on the amount of fat injected, most people can expect to go back to work in a day or so.
Plan Your Procedure
Recovery Time: 5-10 days
Average Procedure Time: 30-60 minutes

Why Choose Dr. Rothaus for Facial Fat Transfer in NYC
When considering a facial fat grafting surgery, choosing the right surgeon is essential. Dr. Kenneth Rothaus is a board-certified specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery, with decades of experience performing both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face. His expertise allows him to create a customized surgical plan that addresses your unique facial structure, areas of volume loss, and desired results.
Dr. Rothaus uses advanced techniques to gently extract fat and purify it before precise fat injection into targeted areas of the face. Whether performed as an isolated procedure or combined with complementary procedures such as a facelift or neck lift, his approach focuses on achieving natural contours and enhancing your natural beauty.
If you are considering facial fat transfer in NYC, contact Dr. Rothaus for treatment rooted in the skill, artistry, and dedication needed to safely and effectively restore lost volume, improve skin quality, and achieve long-lasting facial rejuvenation.
Real Patient Testimonials
I worked with Dr. Rothaus and saw firsthand both his compassion for patients and his skill and artistry as a surgeon. He also performed surgery on me. Excellent results, no bruising, very minimal swelling and no real post-operative pain – just some discomfort that was manageable with over-the-counter medication.
Get (Some Benefit)
In the hands of a qualified plastic surgeon, fat injections are safe, effective and can result in a restoration of lost volume and youthful facial contours. If you are ready to discuss facial fat transfer with Dr. Rothaus, we invite you to contact Rothaus Plastic Surgery today and schedule your consultation.
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About Dr. Rothaus
Kenneth O. Rothaus, MD is a board-certified Manhattan and Westchester plastic surgeon offering cosmetic and reconstructive surgery for the face, breast, body, and skin. Educated at Yale College and Harvard Medical School, Dr. Rothaus’ general and plastic surgery training was at the Columbia and Cornell campuses of the New York Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Rothaus values the wants and needs of his patients and strives to give them the best experience possible.
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