Natural Volume. Long-Lasting Rejuvenation.
A portion of the transferred fat can remain long term. How much fat survives varies, and some patients need additional treatment.
What Is Fat Transfer?
Fat transfer (also called fat grafting) is a technique that uses your own fat to restore lost volume in the face. Fat is gently removed from areas like the abdomen or thighs, purified, and then precisely injected into areas that benefit from volume restoration.
Because it uses your own tissue, fat transfer is biocompatible, natural-feeling, and integrated by the body over time.
What Areas Can Fat Transfer Treat?
Fat transfer is commonly used to restore volume in:
- Cheeks and midface
- Under-eye hollows (tear troughs)
- Temples
- Nasolabial folds
- Jawline and chin
- Lips (subtle, natural enhancement)
- Acne scars or contour irregularities
It can also be combined with facelift or eyelid surgery for comprehensive rejuvenation.
Why Choose Fat Transfer?
Natural Material
Uses your own fat, no synthetic products.
Long-Lasting Results
A portion of transferred fat establishes a blood supply and remains long term.
Soft, Natural Look
Ideal for patients seeking subtle, undetectable rejuvenation.
Skin Quality Improvement
Changes in skin texture may occur, but the main goal of facial fat transfer is volume restoration.
Am I a Good Candidate?
You may be a strong candidate if you:
- Have facial volume loss due to aging or weight loss
- Prefer a natural alternative to fillers
- Want longer-lasting results
- Have enough donor fat for harvesting
- Are in good general health
A consultation is the best way to determine if fat transfer aligns with your goals.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Fat transfer is typically performed with local anesthesia and light sedation or during another facial procedure.
The process includes:
- Gentle fat harvesting from a donor area
- Purification to isolate healthy fat cells
- Precise placement for smooth, natural contours
Dr. Butler uses meticulous technique to ensure symmetry and natural integration.
Recovery & Downtime
- Mild swelling and bruising for 1–2 weeks
- Most patients resume normal activities within several days
- Final results refine as swelling resolves and fat stabilizes
Some of the transferred fat is naturally reabsorbed. Dr. Butler plans treatment with this in mind and will discuss the possibility of touch, up treatment.
Fat Transfer vs Fillers
Fillers are excellent for temporary enhancement, but fat transfer may be preferable for patients wanting:
- Longer-lasting results
- Larger volume restoration
- A natural tissue solution
- Fewer repeat treatments over time
Many patients choose fat transfer as a long-term strategy after trying fillers.
Dr. Butler’s Approach
Fat transfer is both a science and an art. Dr. Butler applies advanced technique and aesthetic judgment to ensure results look balanced, refined, and never overfilled.
His philosophy is simple:
Enhance, not change. Restore, not overcorrect.
Schedule a Consultation
Every face is unique. A personalized consultation allows Dr. Butler to design a plan tailored to your anatomy and goals.
Request your private consultation to learn if fat transfer is right for you.
Plan Your Consultation
Contact our Santa Monica team to discuss your goals and next steps.
Start Your Journey With Us
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Location
2001 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 890W
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Call Us
(310) 428-0033