Volume loss is one of the primary causes of facial aging. If you want to fill wrinkles, add fullness, or address facial asymmetry, you may be a good candidate for facial fat transfer surgery. This all-natural alternative to dermal fillers is popular with women and men from Denver, CO, Beverly Hills, CA, and the surrounding areas.
Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Keith Ladner brings over 15 years of specialized experience in facial and neck rejuvenation, offering patients in Denver and Beverly Hills natural, refined results through advanced techniques and personalized care.
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Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
What Is Facial Fat Transfer?
Facial fat transfer — or fat grafting — is a surgical procedure that uses harvested fat from another area of your body to enhance facial volume and improve overall facial appearance. Dr. Ladner often combines it with facelift and eyelid surgery for more noticeable rejuvenation.
Good candidates for facial fat transfer are typically seeking facial rejuvenation, enhanced volume, or correction of facial asymmetry. Ideally, candidates should have sufficient excess fat in donor areas to enable the fat grafting procedure.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Facial Fat Transfer?
The best candidates are generally in good overall health and want long-term improvement rather than temporary filler results. Many patients in their 40s through 60s choose this procedure to address volume loss in the midface, temples, or under-eye hollows. It’s also beneficial for those seeking subtle facial reshaping rather than dramatic change.
Because the procedure uses your own fat, it’s particularly beneficial if you prefer a natural, biocompatible approach to rejuvenation. During your consultation, Dr. Ladner evaluates your facial anatomy, skin elasticity, and available donor fat to create a customized surgical plan.
Benefits of Facial Fat Transfer
Facial fat transfer can improve your skin and give you a more youthful appearance. Many people choose facial fat transfer to enjoy the following benefits:
- Natural-looking results: Facial fat transfer takes advantage of your body’s biological processes, leaving you with natural-looking results.
- Minimal risks: Since this procedure utilizes your own cells, it carries minimal risks of allergic reactions, bodily rejection, or other side effects.
- Short recovery: The healing time after facial fat transfer is brief, taking only two to three weeks for a full recovery.
- Long-term results: Once transferred fat develops a blood supply, it becomes a living part of your face and provides lasting fullness for years.
Meet Dr. Keith Ladner
Dr. Keith Ladner is a double board-certified and fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon in Denver, CO and Beverly Hills, CA. His world-class training and accomplishments are virtually unmatched. Dr. Ladner pairs exceptional technical skills with an approachable personality that earns 5-star reviews from his patients.
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Credentials You Can Trust
Facial Areas Commonly Enhanced With Fat Transfer
Dr. Ladner uses precise placement to restore youthful contours in key areas, including:
- Cheeks: Adds volume and definition for a lifted, refreshed appearance.
- Under eyes: Softens hollows and shadows that contribute to a tired look.
- Temples: Rebalances facial proportions and restores a smooth transition to the forehead.
- Nasolabial folds and marionette lines: Reduces creasing for smoother skin.
- Jawline and chin: Enhances facial structure for improved definition.
Facial Fat Transfer vs. Dermal Fillers
While both options restore facial volume, they differ in longevity and texture. Dermal fillers are ideal for temporary corrections or first-time patients, typically lasting 6 to 18 months. Fat transfer, by contrast, offers results that can last for many years and often feels more natural because the tissue integrates with your own.
Although the initial investment is higher, fat transfer can be more cost-effective over time, eliminating the need for regular filler touch-ups. Dr. Ladner discusses both options during your consultation to help you make an informed choice.
How Is Facial Fat Transfer Performed?
Facial fat transfer involves a 3-step process. It begins with liposuction to collect excess fat from a donor area, such as the abdomen, thighs, or hips. Dr. Ladner then uses an advanced nano-fat purifying system to prepare the harvested fat for transfer.
After the fat is safely collected, Dr. Ladner uses a small cannula or syringe to meticulously place the purified fat into targeted facial areas requiring augmentation or rejuvenation. This precision ensures a smooth and natural-looking outcome.
How Long Do Fat Transfer Results Last?
While not every transferred cell survives, most patients retain approximately 60–80% of the injected fat. The results that remain after three months are considered permanent, providing long-term improvement in facial contour and softness. Because the transferred fat contains stem cells and growth factors, you may notice additional improvements in skin tone and texture over time.
Combining Facial Fat Transfer With Other Procedures
Dr. Ladner often performs facial fat grafting as part of a comprehensive rejuvenation plan. It pairs seamlessly with facelift surgery to restore lost volume, with eyelid surgery to smooth under-eye hollows, and with chin augmentation to enhance facial balance. Combining procedures allows for harmonious, natural results while minimizing recovery time.
What To Expect During Facial Fat Transfer Recovery
After the procedure, patients may experience some initial mild swelling, bruising, or discomfort at the injection site, which typically resolves within seven to ten days. As your body adjusts to the procedure, the transferred fat will naturally integrate with surrounding tissues and their blood supply, resulting in long-lasting and natural-looking results.
Swelling and bruising at the liposuction site may linger longer, generally taking two to three weeks to resolve fully. Dr. Ladner may place a bandage or compression garment over the liposuction site to inhibit swelling and fluid accumulation.
Why Choose Dr. Ladner for Facial Fat Grafting?
At Ladner Facial Plastic Surgery, we strive to make every patient feel welcome. Dr. Ladner and his team value you and want to hear your story so we can achieve your optimal results.
Dr. Keith Ladner is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who focuses exclusively on cosmetic procedures of the face and neck. With more than 15 years of surgical experience and advanced fellowship training, he combines precision, artistry, and compassion in every case. All procedures are performed in his private, fully accredited ambulatory surgical center, supported by a board-certified anesthesiologist and a highly trained staff.
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We are always here for you when you need us — our team is available through phone calls, emails, and texts during our regular working hours.
Request a consultation in Denver or Beverly Hills with Dr. Ladner to discuss your goals and get started. Contact (303) 253-7686 for our Denver office or (213) 457-7740 for our Beverly Hills office.