Facial Fat Grafting in Fort Lauderdale
with Dr. ThomassenRestore Youthful Volume with Natural Results
Facial fat grafting, also known as autologous fat transfer, is a minimally invasive procedure that uses your own fat to restore facial volume, soften deep creases, and rejuvenate aging skin. At Thomassen Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. John Thomassen performs fat grafting under local anesthesia or IV sedation, offering a safe and effective option for patients seeking natural, long-lasting results.
What Is Facial Fat Grafting?
Facial fat grafting involves:
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Harvesting fat from areas like the abdomen or inner thighs
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Processing and purifying the fat
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Reinjecting it into areas of the face that need volume
This procedure enhances the cheeks, tear troughs, lips, nasolabial folds, and temples — improving facial balance and reducing signs of aging.
Benefits of Facial Fat Grafting
Natural Long Lasting Volume
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Your own tissue is used — no risk of rejection or allergic reaction
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Volume retention can last 12 months or longer
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Smooth, natural results in delicate areas like the under-eyes and eyelids
Fat Derived Stem Cells
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Transferred fat contains stem cells that may improve:
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Scar appearance
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Skin tone and texture
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Overall skin health
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Excellent for All Ages
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Younger patients: Subtle volume restoration in cheeks, lips, or tear troughs
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Older patients: Combines beautifully with a facelift to improve fine lines and hollow areas
Minimal Downtime
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Outpatient procedure with small fat removal
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Only 20–40 mL of fat required — not enough to change body shape
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Swelling or bruising typically resolves within 2–3 weeks
How Facial Fat Grafting Works
Step 1: Fat Harvesting
Using gentle liposuction techniques, fat is removed from areas such as:
- Lower abdomen
- Inner thighs
Step 2: Fat Purification
The harvested fat is processed via centrifugation to separate:
- Red blood cells
- Platelet-rich plasma
- Fat-derived stem cells
Step 3: Precision Injection
Purified fat is injected with fine cannulas into areas like:
- Tear troughs
- Cheeks and submalar region
- Temples
- Nasolabial folds
- Jawline
Recovery & Results
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Mild swelling and bruising at both donor and injection sites
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Most patients return to normal activities in 7–10 days
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Results improve over weeks as swelling resolves
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In some cases, a touch-up treatment after 12–16 months is recommended for optimal long-term outcomes