Facial Fat Graftingin Tampa

Facial fat grafting is a procedure that uses your own fat to restore volume to areas of the face such as the cheeks, lips, and chin. At VIVIFY Plastic Surgery & Medspa in Tampa, Dr. Dallas Buchanan, MD, FACS, a board-certified plastic surgeon, performs it in three steps: fat is gently removed by liposuction from a donor site such as the stomach, inner thighs, or lower back; the fat is purified to remove fluids, tissue, and impurities; and it is then injected into the areas of your face that need more fullness. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes 1 to 3 hours.

Facial fat grafting uses your own tissue and generally provides a longer-lasting result than injectable fillers, which must be repeated to maintain results. Many patients choose fat grafting when they experience filler fatigue, the cycle of repeating injectable treatments every year. Another advantage is that the fat is taken from an area where you want less volume, so the procedure also contours the donor site. Because fat grafting includes a liposuction harvest, it involves a donor-site recovery that fillers do not. Dr. Buchanan can help you decide which approach fits your goals during a consultation.

Recovery from facial fat grafting is typically fast and manageable. Most patients experience swelling and bruising that largely resolves within 10 to 14 days, and many can return to work right away. You should wait until swelling has completely subsided before exercising or lifting heavy objects. Your recovery may also depend on the donor site where fat was harvested, which can require additional care and support. Dr. Buchanan and the VIVIFY team provide comprehensive post-operative care to guide you through healing.

Results are visible almost immediately, but they develop in stages. During the first three months, some of the transferred fat cells will not survive, so volume may temporarily decrease before it improves. Around four months, the surviving fat cells begin to plump up and you see the fullness you want, and by about nine months your results have stabilized. Because the fat is your own tissue and reconnects to your blood supply, results are long-lasting. Natural aging continues, so sun protection, a daily skincare routine, and healthy diet and exercise help maintain your results.

Facial fat grafting at VIVIFY Plastic Surgery & Medspa in Tampa starts at $8,000. This all-inclusive price covers the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, facility fees at our AAAHC-accredited surgical suite, and comprehensive post-operative care. Your final cost depends on the number of facial areas treated, the volume of fat transfer needed, and whether you combine fat grafting with procedures such as a facelift or eyelid surgery. Financing options are available, and during your complimentary consultation Dr. Buchanan will evaluate your goals and provide a detailed personalized quote.