Fat grafting to the cheeks, also known as fat transfer, is a minimally invasive procedure that enhances volume in the midface using your body’s own fat. Purified fat is typically harvested from areas such as the abdomen or thighs and then carefully injected into the cheeks. This approach is ideal for addressing age-related volume loss or creating a naturally fuller, more youthful appearance. In addition to adding contour, fat grafting can improve skin texture and hydration due to the regenerative properties of fat cells.
You may be a good candidate for fat grafting to the cheeks if you’re experiencing volume loss, hollowing, or flattened contours and want a natural, long-lasting alternative to synthetic fillers. This procedure requires enough donor fat elsewhere on the body for harvesting.
During your consultation, Dr. Ford will evaluate your facial volume and available donor sites to confirm whether fat grafting is the right option for you. This assessment also helps determine how much fat is needed to achieve your desired result.
Fat grafting to cheeks is performed in the office under local anesthesia. The procedure begins with liposuction to harvest a small amount of fat from a donor site. The fat is then processed and purified before being carefully injected into specific areas of the cheeks. The technique focuses on layering the fat strategically to restore youthful contours and symmetry. Since it uses your own tissue, there is minimal risk of allergic reaction or rejection.
Once the transferred fat establishes blood supply and integrates into the tissue, results can last several years. Some fat may be reabsorbed initially, which is accounted for during the procedure.
Fat grafting offers longer-lasting results, carries no risk of allergic reaction, and can improve skin texture. It also provides a more natural feel and look compared to synthetic fillers.
In some cases, a second session may be recommended to fine-tune volume or address partial absorption. This varies based on your goals and how your body responds to the initial procedure.
You may experience swelling, bruising, or mild soreness in both the donor and injection sites. These effects typically resolve within one to two weeks.
Yes. Fat grafting can complement facelifts, neck lifts, eyelid surgery, or laser treatments for a more comprehensive rejuvenation.
A portion of the transferred fat is reabsorbed by the body, but the fat that survives, typically 60 to 80 percent, is considered permanent.
Fat is harvested from a donor area of your own body, such as the abdomen or thighs, through a gentle liposuction technique.
Since it uses your own tissue, fat grafting carries no risk of allergic reaction to a foreign substance, though your surgeon will review all risks and benefits with you.
Cost depends on the extent of the procedure and your specific goals, and your surgeon will review personalized pricing during your consultation. Summit Plastic Surgery also offers Cherry Financing, CareCredit, Alle Payment Plans, and Alle Rewards to help make treatment more accessible.
Hollowed or flattened cheeks can age your appearance beyond what fine lines alone would suggest, and fat grafting offers a natural way to restore fullness. Dr. Ford and the team at Summit Plastic Surgery will evaluate your donor sites and facial structure to plan your treatment.
Call us at 530-638-8868, visit us at 1800 Buenaventura Blvd, Suite 200, Redding, CA 96001, or contact us online to schedule your consultation today. We’ll walk you through how much correction is realistic for your anatomy.
