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What Is a Facial Fat Transfer?
A facial fat transfer (also sometimes called facial fat grafting) is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses fat from one area of your body, like your abdomen or thighs, to restore volume to the face. It’s an ideal procedure designed for individuals looking to correct volume loss due to aging, weight fluctuations, or genetics. Offered at Ohio Facial Plastics, Dr. Sumit Bapna performs facial fat transfers for Columbus-area patients who want the shape and appearance of their face to match how they feel inside.
Unlike fillers, facial fat transfer offers longer-lasting, natural-looking results by using your own tissue. The procedure typically involves gentle liposuction, purification of the fat, and precise re-injection into the cheeks, temples, jawline, or under-eye area. Recovery is mild to moderate, with most patients resuming normal activities in just about 7-10 days.
Facial Fat Transfers in Columbus: A More Natural Way to Look Younger
Facial fat transfers are all about helping smooth, soften, and restore your natural definition across key facial zones, including:
- Sunken cheeks or temples
- Hollow under-eyes
- Loss of jawline contour
- Deep nasolabial folds (smile lines)
- Marionette lines (lines from mouth to chin)
- Aging-related facial deflation
- Facial or acne scars/indentations
Are You a Good Candidate?
Everyone ages, but not everyone is happy with the age-related changes to their face. Particularly when the skin’s loss of volume and “bounce” furthers signs of aging, including deepening static wrinkles, fine lines, and emphasizing darker, hollowed eyes and cheeks.
Good candidates for facial fat transfers at Ohio Facial Plastics include individuals who answer yes to the following:
- Do I have visible facial volume loss?
- Am I in generally good health?
- Do I have enough body fat to harvest for the procedure?
- Am I looking for long-term results, not a temporary fix?
- Can I commit to the recovery process? (Including time off work.)
- Do I prefer a more natural alternative to fillers?
- Have I reviewed realistic goals and expectations with my physician?
See Real Results in Our Before & After Gallery
See Real Results in Our Before & After Gallery
Explore natural, refined outcomes achieved through facial fat transfer at Dublin’s Ohio Facial Plastics.
Benefits
of a Full Facial Fat Transfer
There are tons of advantages to using your own fat to restore your facial rejuvenation. We find patients appreciate many of the following when choosing Ohio Facial Plastics as their partner in this procedure.
Dr. Bapna’s Method:
Full Facial Fat Transfer Steps, Explained
Every single facial fat transfer performed by Dr. Bapna in our Dublin-based medical spa facility is tailored to your unique facial structure, age, and final goals.
Initial Consultation
Dr. Bapna will assess your facial volume loss, discuss your concerns, and determine where fat will be harvested and placed. He’ll review your medical history and customize a treatment plan designed just for you and appropriate for your age and overall health.
Pre-Procedure Planning
You’ll receive pre-procedure instructions, including guidelines around medication, supplements, hydration, and any necessary lab work. Dr. Bapna will also walk you through where fat will be taken from and how much volume will be restored, all to set clear expectations.
Day of Procedure
This outpatient procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with light sedation. Fat is gently harvested through liposuction, purified, and then strategically re-injected into specific facial areas for balanced, natural contouring according to your treatment plan.
Immediate and Post-Treatment Care
You’ll go home the same day with detailed aftercare instructions. Expect mild swelling and bruising in both the donor and injection sites. Avoid strenuous activities for about a week, and keep the treated areas protected from injury and contact trauma.
Follow-up Appointments
Follow-up visits ensure the grafted fat is integrating properly and your results are healing on track. Dr. Bapna will also review long-term care tips to preserve your outcome.
What Do Real Columbus, Ohio Patients Say About Their Facial Fat Transfers?
Hear from patients who chose facial fat transfer in Columbus and Dublin and are thrilled with their refreshed, naturally enhanced face.
This isn’t a typical doctors office. It’s a place where you are graciously welcomed and treated like family. I’m not kidding. These folks literally text and call to check in. The doc behind the knife is an artist unlike any other. The bedside manners, the attention to detail, the making patients comfortable through the entire process, the education - every single note was hit during this performance by Dr. Bapna, Sarah, Annie and the rest of the team.
I wholeheartedly recommend Bapna Facial Plastics to anyone near and far. This is the pinnacle of healthcare. 100 stars out of 5.
Facial Fat Transfer Recovery Timeline: What to Expect
Recovery from facial fat transfer works in stages, resolving typically within 1-3 months. It includes the following:
- Days 1-3: Swelling and bruising peak, lots of rest and light movement recommended.
- End of Week 1: Bruising starts to fade, most patients return to work.
- Weeks 2-3: Swelling reduces significantly, appealing contours become more visible.
- Week 4+: Final volume begins to stabilize.
- Months 3-6: Fat fully integrates and long-term results become settled and visible.
Even the Best Grafting Procedures Carry Some Risks
While facial fat transfer is generally low-risk, no procedure is without potential complications. With Dr. Bapna’s and the team’s expertise, risks are minimized. But here’s what to be aware of:
- Swelling or bruising at injection or donor sites
- Uneven fat absorption over time
- Fat necrosis (rare)
- Infection at injection site
- Temporary numbness or tenderness
- Overcorrection or undercorrection (rare with experienced surgeons)
- Need for touch-up procedure(s) for symmetry refinement
Ohio Facial Plastics: Your Trusted Choice for a Facial Fat Transfer in Columbus
Schedule your consultationDr. Bapna offers precision-driven care backed by decades of expertise in facial surgery and aesthetics. Patients in Columbus and Dublin trust him because
- Distinct dual board-certified honor by the prestigious American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
- Over 7,000+ facial-focused procedures performed
- 20+ years of clinical and surgical experience right here in Dublin, OH.
- Published educator in facial aesthetics, facial rejuvenation, and fat transfers.
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor, multiple years.
- Known for warmth, integrity, and patient-first care.
- Top-rated reviews across RealSelf and Yelp.
- Proud father, husband, and active Columbus community member
Discover More About Facial Fat Transfer in Dublin, OH
Considering a natural way to restore volume and refresh your appearance? We’re here to help.
Schedule a ConsultationRelated Facial Rejuvenation Treatments
If you’re exploring age-targed face procedures like fat grafts, you may also benefit from:
Still Have Questions?
We’re happy to walk you through facial fat transfer options and recovery.
Reach out to Ohio Facial Plastics today here or at (614) 356-7112.
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Schedule a one-on-one consult with Dr. Bapna and get personalized advice on facial fat transfer options that work for your face.
Written by Dr. Bapna
Explore expert insights and valuable tips from the best rhinoplasty surgeon in Ohio, Dr. Bapna, our distinguished facial plastic surgeon. He is renowned for his expertise and dedication to achieving exceptional results — both in the clinic and through published medical research.
Curious about his scientific contributions?
View Dr. Bapna’s research on Google Scholar ›Located in Dublin, the office is conveniently close to several towns, including Columbus, Westerville, and Grove City. Our practice ensures accessibility and convenience for all our patients seeking nasal surgery.
