Fat augmentation, often called fat transfer, is a popular and reliable procedure in which fatty tissue is gently removed from the flanks, or thighs and transferred to specific areas of the face to re-establish youthful contours. Dr. Timothy R. Miller has nearly 20 years of experience in the art of fat transfer and uses this expertise in Aliso Viejo with his unique insights and study of facial aging to provide results that are natural looking and beautiful.

Dr. Miller is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who is widely trusted for excellent results. To schedule your personal consultation, please call us at 949-482-1752 or request your consultation online. Dr. Miller performs fat transfer for Orange County residents from Mission Viejo, Laguna Beach, San Clemente, and surrounding areas.

Dr. Miller's Approach to Fat Augmentation

Fat augmentation is often needed because as we age we lose volume or fullness in several areas of the face. The often-used analogy of a balloon losing air with the subsequent looseness, wrinkling, and droop is fitting. In the face, however, it's not a loss of air, but a loss of facial fatty tissue, as well as collagen and bone thickness. We see this loss of volume as deflated and saggy cheeks and jowls, hollowness around the eyes, and sunken temples (an area that is often overlooked by patients). The unfortunate result is an older, tired, and sometimes harsh or unhealthy appearance.

My approach to fat augmentation is meticulous. I use a micro-droplet technique that virtually eliminates the risks of contour irregularities and overfilling. The before-and-after pictures presented here illustrate the effectiveness of this technique. I often combine fat augmentation with other procedures such as facelift surgery, brow lift surgery, or blepharoplasty, as well as skin rejuvenation procedures. For younger patients or those with early signs of aging, fat augmentation is an excellent stand-alone procedure used for maintenance. In this instance, the procedure is performed comfortably within 2 hours using local anesthesia with oral sedation. Other anesthesia options are also available and easily applied to assure your comfort.

Common Questions or Concerns

What are the benefits of fat transfer?

Fat transfer offers multiple benefits because it involves removing one's own fat from an unwanted area and transferring it to an area of the face that lacks volume. Fat augmentation can substantially improve and restore the youthful contours of the cheeks, jawline, and temples. Currently, no other procedure that adds volume can match the benefits of fat augmentation for rejuvenation around the eye area. Another benefit is the procedure does not rely on or charge per syringe, vial, or amount; therefore, fat augmentation is often the most cost-effective option for facial volume restoration.

How does fat augmentation differ from dermal fillers?

Although both techniques are used to restore facial volume, fat augmentation uses your body's own fat cells to obtain results. The results of fat augmentation are considered much longer lasting and can provide very natural-looking enhancements. Both treatments can be used in all areas of the face, but fat has the capacity to offer superior results when used around the eyes. However, fat augmentation has a longer period of downtime, whereas dermal fillers can be performed quickly with minimal recuperation time and are a better option than fat augmentation for smoothing lines and wrinkles.

What is the recovery like?

The downtime after fat augmentation is variable. Those with thinner and more hollowed features have a social downtime of 7 to 14 days, whereas others may feel swollen for 2 to 3 weeks.

How long will the results last?

Fat transfer has an excellent retention rate. Some of the transferred fat will remain permanently while the rest will diminish with the aging process. Those who maintain their weight and health will have excellent, long-lasting results. Losing significant weight after the procedure may have some effect on the survivability of the transferred fatty tissue.

Step-by-Step Procedure Facts

  • Your procedure will be performed in our AAAASF-accredited operating facility.
  • Local anesthesia with oral sedation or conscious sedation is administered for comfort.
  • Fat is gently and safely extracted from the donor site.
  • The fat cells are purified for injection and optimal survival.
  • Small amounts of fat are injected strategically into the appropriate locations using a micro-droplet technique.
  • You can likely resume social activities in about 1 to 2 weeks.
Fat Transfer