Facial plastic surgery specialists such as Dr. Michael Boggess recognize that the loss of volume in the face is a key element of the aging process. It’s the reason dermal fillers such as JUVÉDERM® products are among the most popular cosmetic treatments available today. As a natural alternative to fillers, fat transfer gives our patients from Nashville, Brentwood, Memphis, and Knoxville, Tennessee, and Huntsville, Alabama, long-lasting facial rejuvenation.
Procedures:Facelift / Reflection LiftLower BlepharoplastyFat TransferResults:Patient presented in her early 70’s with concerns related to aging of the face and neck. African-American patients tend to have thicker dermis of the skin and don’t typically wrinkle the way Caucasians do as they age. However, they commonly experience volume los... Read More
Procedures:Facelift / Reflection LiftFat TransferFractional CO2 Laser Skin ResurfacingResults:Patient is a 55 year-old female who presented with concerns related to progressive sagging in the jowls and neck and wrinkling of the skin. She had noticed these problems progressively worsening over the past 10 years. She did not like the aging appe... Read More
The process of removing unwanted fat from one area of your body and using it as a facial filler—which is also called fat grafting—involves 3 steps.
First, Dr. Boggess uses liposuction to harvest fat from the lower abdomen or thighs.
Second, the fatty tissue is spun in a centrifuge to purify the fat.
Third, Dr. Boggess uses a specialized cannula (similar to a syringe) to carefully re-inject the fat in the facial treatment areas.
Dr. Boggess performs autologous fat grafting—using a patient’s own fat for cosmetic purposes—using a local anesthetic with light sedation, with the procedure typically taking about an hour.
Who Can Benefit From Fat Transfer?
Facial aging involves multiple factors. The loss of collagen leads to lax skin, and wrinkles develop because of sun exposure and a lifetime of squinting, smiling, and other muscle movements. We also see a progressive loss of fat and bone volume in the face that results in the skin in the midface and lower face drooping. Cheeks flatten out, nasolabial folds become deeper, and marionette lines (extending from the corners of the mouth to the chin) develop.
Treatments such as microneedling can stimulate new collagen production and BOTOX® Cosmetic injections can smooth crow’s feet and worry lines, but fillers are needed to replace lost volume. Synthetic fillers such as JUVÉDERM are effective but using your own fat can actually provide a longer-lasting result that’s equally effective. What’s even more remarkable is that these fat grafts contain regenerative cells that can rejuvenate and repair skin cells, so fat grafts have the ability to create healthy, youthful, glowing skin from the inside out.
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Women and men with early signs of aging can benefit from a number of nonsurgical treatments to rejuvenate their appearance. Dr. Boggess evaluates each patient during the consultation and offers a customized treatment plan that addresses the concerns described by the patient. Someone who needs fillers, for example, may also benefit from BOTOX injections or laser skin resurfacing. Combining procedures provides comprehensive results in a cost-effective way that patients appreciate.
Dr. Boggess
By focusing exclusively on facial procedures, Dr. Boggess provides patients a level of expertise rarely found at other plastic surgery practices in the Southeast. Certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology, Dr. Boggess combines exceptional technical skill with a down-to-earth demeanor that puts patients at ease from the moment they meet him.
The recovery after a fat transfer procedure involves minimal discomfort. Most patients return to their normal daily activities within a week. We provide detailed post-op instructions that patients should follow closely.
Facial Fat Transfer FAQ
Is there bruising after fat transfer?
The liposuction site will have some bruising and swelling that typically resolves within 1 to 2 weeks. You can also expect some bruising around the injection sites.
How long does fat transfer last in your face?
Facial fat transfer results last for many years, as most of the transferred fat “lives” in its new home as if it had always been there. However, fat loss and aging will continue, and over the years, your original results will change along with the rest of your face. Still, many people enjoy an overall younger appearance indefinitely.
Is it better to get implants, injectable fillers, or facial fat grafting?
While choosing between these three options is a matter of personal preference and your surgeon’s recommendation for the best results, facial fat grafting offers some advantages that the other two procedures do not. Facial fat transfer uses your own fat tissue, which may offer regenerative benefits in some cases. You also enjoy the bonus of reducing fat on your lower abdomen or thighs where your fat was harvested. Facial fat grafting is also a long-term solution, while injectable fillers are not.
Will my results look natural?
Based on his years of experience and extensive knowledge of how facial anatomy changes due to aging, Dr. Boggess creates very natural-looking facial fat transfer results. His goal is always to refresh and rejuvenate your appearance rather than change your appearance.
Does facial fat transfer actually work?
Yes, studies have shown that facial fat transfer is an effective way to restore lost volume to the face. It is especially useful as a complement to facelift surgery.
Does facial fat grafting leave scars?
Facial fat transfer uses small incisions, so scarring is minimal and often undetectable. It is important to follow your surgeon’s incision care instructions to minimize any risk of scarring.
Are there any risks?
As with any surgical procedure, the facial fat transfer procedure does carry some risk of infection, reaction to anesthesia, sensation changes or numbness at the injection sites, and edema. These risks are low and minimized by choosing an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon to perform the procedure.
Start With a Consultation
The first step in learning about what Dr. Boggess can do for you is scheduling a personal consultation. Dr. Boggess is known for taking whatever time is needed to learn about your concerns and expectations and to recommend the procedure or procedures best suited to produce the desired results. You can request a consultation using the online form or call our office at
(615) 942-8016 to schedule an appointment.
We understand you want your facial plastic surgery right away, but when it comes to your safety and appearance, patience pays off. Immediate appointments aren’t always available because Dr. Boggess:
Is highly accomplished, and his services are in demand.
Takes his time to ensure outstanding safety, care, and results.
Offers personalized techniques that aren’t available elsewhere.
We are worth the wait.
If you can’t see Dr. Boggess right away, learn why waiting for the best facial plastic surgeon is essential and how you can make the most of that time in blog post.