Facial Fat Transfer

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 treatments at our Nashville, TN, practice are an excellent option for our patients from Brentwood, Memphis, and Knoxville, TN, and Huntsville, AL.

Fat Transfer
 Before & After Photos

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Facelift / Reflection Lift Case 56 Before & After Right Oblique | Nashville, TN | Youthful Reflections
Before & After
Case: 1 of 8

YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS PATIENT AGE 63

Procedures:Level 3 Reflection LiftFat Transfer
Facelift / Reflection Lift Case 4 Before & After Right Oblique | Nashville, TN | Youthful Reflections
Before & After
Case: 2 of 8

YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS PATIENT AGE 69

Procedures:Level 3 Reflection LiftFat TransferResults:She is a 69 year-old female who lost a significant amount of weight over a 3 year period through lifestyle change, including diet and exercise. Following the weight loss, she began to notice increased sagging in the neck and along the jawline, midface volume loss, and deepening of the naso... Read More
Facelift / Reflection Lift Case 27 Before & After Right Oblique | Nashville, TN | Youthful Reflections
Before & After
Case: 3 of 8

YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS PATIENT AGE 50

Procedures:Level 3 Reflection LiftUpper BlepharoplastyLower BlepharoplastyFat Transfer
Facelift / Reflection Lift Case 10 Before & After Right Oblique | Nashville, TN | Youthful Reflections
Before & After
Case: 4 of 8

YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS PATIENT AGE 67

Procedures:Level 3 Reflection LiftFat TransferFractional CO2 Laser Skin ResurfacingResults:At age 67, patient had noticed progressive aging of the face and neck for several years.  She didn’t like to look at pictures of herself anymore, because she felt like she looked old.  She hated the wrinkles around her mouth and the sagging in... Read More
Facelift / Reflection Lift Case 26 Before & After Front | Nashville, TN | Youthful Reflections
Before & After
Case: 5 of 8

YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS PATIENT AGE 54

Procedures:Level 3 Reflection LiftFat Transfer
Facelift / Reflection Lift Case 63 Before & After Right Oblique | Nashville, TN | Youthful Reflections
Before & After
Case: 6 of 8

YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS PATIENT AGE 55

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
Facelift / Reflection Lift Case 49 Before & After Right Oblique | Nashville, TN | Youthful Reflections
Before & After
Case: 7 of 8

YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS PATIENT AGE 47

Procedures:Level 3 Reflection LiftLower BlepharoplastyFat TransferCO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing
Facelift / Reflection Lift Case 113 Before & After Front | Nashville, TN | Youthful Reflections
Before & After
Case: 8 of 8

YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS PATIENT AGE 66

Procedures:Facelift / Reflection LiftBrowpexyUpper BlepharoplastyFat TransferCO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

How Is Fat Transfer Performed?

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® 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.

A Reputation Built on Results

My experience with Dr Boggess & His office has been stellar from day one~His kindness, sincerity & expertise...
My Lifestyle Lift was done 2012. I will be looking again to Dr. Boggess for recommendations re additional...
Dr. Boggess (and the Youthful Reflections team) was patient with my concerns and took the time needed...
Reflection Lift - trusted the process & couldn't be happier Dr. Boggess (and the Youthful Reflections...

Combining Procedures

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. Michael Boggess

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.

What Happens After a Fat Transfer Treatment?

The recovery after a fat transfer procedure involves minimal discomfort. 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. 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

How long will my facial fat grafting results last?

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.

Results

Worth Waiting For

We understand you want your facial plastic surgery right away, but this is an instance where patience pays off. Our surgeries are often booked out a few months 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.

Learn more about why the best facial plastic surgeons are worth the wait, and how you can make the most of that time in this blog post.

Learn More
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