Facial Fat Grafting

Micro-Harvesting

Using an incredibly fine cannula, a small amount of fat is gently extracted, typically from the abdomen or inner thigh. The extraction is so delicate that it causes virtually no trauma to the fat cells, maximizing their viability.

Closed-Loop Purification

The fat is placed in a centrifuge to separate the pure, viable fat cells and regenerative stem cells from unwanted oils and tumescent fluid. For fine lines and under-eyes, it is further emulsified into Nano-Fat, a pure liquid stem-cell serum.

Structural Micro-Injection

Dr. Gandhi meticulously layers the purified fat into the face using blunt-tipped micro-cannulas. By laying down hundreds of microscopic threads of fat across multiple planes, he sculpts the cheeks, jawline, and under-eyes with absolute precision.

How much of the fat is permanent?

Unlike fillers which 100% dissolve, fat grafting is a tissue transplant. While your body will naturally absorb about 30% to 40% of the transferred fat during the first few months, the fat that remains (typically 60% to 70%) permanently survives and integrates into your face forever.

What happens if I lose or gain weight?

The transferred fat behaves exactly like fat elsewhere in your body. If you gain significant weight, your face will gain volume; if you lose extreme weight, your face may thin out. It is crucial to be at a stable, maintainable weight prior to the procedure.

Is it done under general anesthesia?

If performed strictly on its own, facial fat grafting can comfortably be done in our clinic under twilight sedation or local anesthesia. However, it is most frequently performed simultaneously with a Facelift or Blepharoplasty, in which case appropriate anesthesia is utilized for the combined surgeries.

Phase 1: Dissolving Previous Filler

If you have existing dermal filler in the areas we plan to graft, Dr. Gandhi may require it to be dissolved with Hylenex a month prior. This ensures we are grafting onto your true biological baseline, not over artificial volume.

Phase 2: Cessation of Nicotine

Fat survival relies 100% on a rich blood supply. You absolutely must stop all nicotine and smoking 6 weeks before and after surgery. Nicotine chokes the micro-circulation, resulting in complete death of the transferred fat.

Phase 3: The Sleep Plan

You will need to sleep strictly on your back for the first few weeks to avoid pressing the newly transferred fat out of position. Purchase a U-shaped travel neck pillow to lock your head in place while sleeping.

The First 7 Days

Your face will look significantly over-filled and puffy. Dr. Gandhi intentionally over-corrects by about 30% to account for the expected natural fat absorption. Bruising and swelling are common. You must strictly avoid massaging your face or sleeping on your side.

Weeks 2 to 4

The intense puffiness subsides, and you will begin to look like your normal self. You may experience fat grafting paranoia-thinking all the fat has disappeared as the swelling drops. Be patient; the fat is simply settling and establishing its new blood supply.

Months 3 to 6

The final, permanent volume is achieved. The fat has fully integrated, and the stem cells have begun their work. You will notice a profound improvement not only in your facial contours, but a radiant, glowing quality to your skin texture.