Fat Transfer

Name: Fat Transfer
Brand: Refreshed Aesthetic Surgery
Rating: 4.8 (323 reviews)

Fat transfer has revolutionized natural facial rejuvenation. Rather than smoothing lines and wrinkles with synthetic dermal fillers, purified fat cells are delicately injected with a micro-droplet technique for beautiful results.

What is Facial Fat Transfer?

Fat augmentation, or facial fat transfer, is a groundbreaking, effective procedure in which fat cells are gently removed from the flanks or thighs and transferred to specific face areas to restore more youthful contours. Dr. Timothy R. Miller, M.D. has nearly 20 years of experience in the art of fat transfer and uses his expertise in Aliso Viejo with his unique insights and study of facial aging to provide natural-looking, beautiful results.

What Can Fat Transfer Do for Me?

Facial fat transfer can restore sunken facial areas without the use of synthetic fillers. The facial areas that can be enhanced with this delicate procedure include:

Sunken cheeks
Under-eye area
Forehead
Temples
Jawline
Lips
Frown lines

The beauty of this approach is that the fat cells integrate into the tissues, where they live. The body system recognizes the cells, and the risk of a reaction is extremely low.

Leading Facial Plastic Surgeon for Fat Transfer in Orange County

Dr. Miller is a double-board-certified, fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon known for achieving excellent results. To schedule a personal consultation, please call us at 949-482-1752 or request a consultation online. Dr. Miller performs advanced fat transfer procedures at his private luxury practice in Aliso Viejo, which has easy access from Newport Beach and other Orange County communities.

The Refreshed Aesthetic Surgery Difference

Dr. Miller offers only facial enhancements at Refreshed Aesthetic Surgery—no body or breast treatments are performed. This focus on the facial area over more than two decades and exceptional surgical expertise has led to a reputation for excellence among his peers. His familiarity with the most advanced facial techniques has made Refreshed Aesthetic Surgery a favorite for discerning patients who want a natural, fresh look—never overdone. As a boutique practice, the journey will be under the care of a team of warm, caring professionals who genuinely care, listen, and are committed to superior results.

Dr. Miller's Approach to Fat Augmentation

Facial fat transfer may be needed because, as we age, it is natural to 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, it is the loss of facial fatty tissues and reduced collagen and bone thickness. The loss of volume is seen as a deflated facial look, saggy cheeks and jowls, hollowness around the eyes, and sunken temples (an area that patients often overlook). The unfortunate result is an older, tired, worn, aging, or unhealthy appearance.

Dr. Miller’s approach to fat augmentation is meticulous. He uses a micro-droplet technique that virtually removes the risks of contour irregularities or overfilling. The before-and-after pictures presented here illustrate the effectiveness of this technique. He often combines fat augmentation with other procedures such as facelift surgery, brow lift surgery, or blepharoplasty, or coupled with skin rejuvenation treatments. For younger patients or those living with the early signs of aging, facial fat transfer is an excellent stand-alone procedure used for maintenance. In this instance, the procedure is performed comfortably, taking about two hours using local anesthesia with oral sedation. Other anesthesia options are also available to ensure comfort.

Fat Transfer FAQ

What are the benefits of fat transfer?

Fat transfer offers multiple benefits. The procedure involves removing one’s fat from an area with an excess (such as the waist, flanks, or thighs) and transferring it to an area of the face lacking 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 that the procedure does not involve a charge for each syringe, vial, or amount; therefore, fat augmentation is very cost-effective.

How does fat augmentation differ from dermal fillers?

Although both techniques restore facial volume, fat augmentation uses the body’s 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 can deliver superior results when used around the eyes. However, fat augmentation has a more extended downtime. Dermal fillers can be performed quickly with minimal recuperation time and are a better option than fat augmentation for smoothing lines and wrinkles, but require regular injections as the filler is absorbed.

What is recovery like?

The downtime after fat augmentation is variable. Those with thinner and more hollowed features have 7 to 14 days of social downtime, whereas others could be 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 for the long term, while the rest will diminish with the aging process. Those who maintain a healthy weight will have excellent, long-lasting results. Losing significant weight after the procedure may affect the survivability of the transferred fatty tissue.

Step-by-Step Procedure Facts

The procedure will be performed in our QUAD A-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.
Patients are able to resume social activities in about one to two weeks.