Is Facial Fat Grafting Painful?

Most patients describe facial fat grafting as minimally uncomfortable. The procedure is performed under anesthesia so that you won’t feel pain during the process, but afterward, mild soreness or tenderness in the donor and treatment areas is common. This is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief and post-op care instructions.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Typically, only one facial fat grafting session is needed to achieve your desired outcome. However, some patients may choose to undergo a second touch-up procedure if additional volume or refinement is desired after the initial healing period. Our team will discuss your treatment goals and advise on the best approach for lasting results.

How Long Until I See the Results?

You’ll begin to notice early improvements within a few days after your facial fat grafting procedure, once the initial swelling starts to subside. However, because the fat needs time to integrate with your natural tissues, the full outcome unfolds gradually over the course of several weeks to months. By around 3 to 6 months, you can expect to see the final result—softer, fuller facial contours that look natural and feel like your own. It’s important to understand that some of the fat will be reabsorbed by your body, which is normal, and Dr. Gentile accounts for this when performing the grafting. Once the remaining fat stabilizes, results can last several years or longer.

Can I Combine Facial Fat Grafting with Other Procedures?

Yes, many patients choose to combine it with a facelift, neck lift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), or laser skin resurfacing to address multiple signs of aging at once, such as sagging skin, fine lines, and volume loss. Combining treatments can also reduce overall downtime and help you achieve a more balanced, refreshed look in a single recovery period.

What Are the Risks Associated with Facial Fat Grafting?

Facial fat grafting is generally a safe and well-tolerated procedure when performed by a qualified, experienced surgeon. That said, it does carry some risks like any surgical treatment. Potential complications include bruising, swelling, infection, asymmetry, over- or under-correction, and fat reabsorption (where the body naturally absorbs some of the transferred fat). There is also a small chance of irregular texture or lumpiness if the fat doesn’t integrate smoothly.

Youngstown & Akron, OH

Facial Fat Grafting

Introduction

Introduction to Facial Fat Grafting

As we age, volume loss in the face can create a tired, sunken appearance that, unfortunately, no cream or serum can fully restore. So, if you’re looking for a more natural, long-lasting way to refresh your features, facial fat grafting may be the solution. Offered by board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Gentile in Youngstown and Akron, OH, this treatment uses your body’s fat to restore youthful fullness to the face, without synthetic fillers. Dr. Gentile helps patients achieve subtle, yet sustainable results that harmonize beautifully with their natural appearance for the long run.

A light-skinned woman with brown wavy hair adjusts her hair while looking at her reflection in a round mirror. She wears a white button-down shirt, a small gold necklace, gold earrings, and a gold ring. The mirror has a light gold or brass frame, and the background is a muted gray-beige with soft hints of pink and green, suggesting a room with blurred elements. The lighting is soft and diffused, with no harsh shadows, creating a calm atmosphere. - PRP and PRF in Youngstown, OH

What is Facial Fat Grafting?

Facial fat grafting involves harvesting fat from one part of your body, often the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, and injecting it into areas of the face that have lost volume. Common treatment zones include the cheeks, under-eye hollows, temples, jawline, and nasolabial folds. Since the procedure uses your own fat cells, the results are biocompatible and longer-lasting than many dermal fillers. The process involves gentle liposuction, fat purification, and strategic reinjection to restore balance and definition to the face carefully.

What are the
benefits of
Facial Fat Grafting?

Facial fat grafting offers a number of aesthetic and regenerative advantages:

Natural-looking volume using your own fat, eliminating concerns about allergic reactions.
Dual contouring benefits, as the donor site (such as the abdomen or thighs) is also sculpted during fat harvesting.
Long-lasting improvement compared to synthetic fillers, with many patients enjoying results for years.
Improved skin quality, as transferred fat contains stem cells that can enhance skin texture and tone.
Minimally invasive with no large incisions and a shorter recovery than many surgical alternatives.

Who are the
best candidates
for Facial Fat Grafting?

Facial fat grafting is ideal for individuals who prefer a natural way to restore volume and youthful contours to the face. You may be a good candidate if you:

Notice volume loss in areas like the cheeks, temples, or under the eyes.
Prefer a longer-lasting solution over temporary fillers.
Have adequate fat in donor areas such as the abdomen or thighs.
Are in generally good health and do not smoke, as smoking can interfere with healing.
Desire subtle, natural rejuvenation rather than an overfilled appearance.

What’s the
First Step?

The first step toward facial fat grafting is a personalized consultation with Dr. Gentile at his Youngstown or Akron office, where you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your concerns, aesthetic goals, and any questions you may have. Dr. Gentile will examine your facial structure and potential donor areas to ensure the procedure is appropriate for you. A customized surgical plan will be created if you’re a good candidate. From there, our team will walk you through preoperative instructions and schedule your procedure at a time that works best for you.

What to Expect
on the Day of a
Facial Fat Grafting Surgery

Facial fat grafting is typically performed as an outpatient procedure in either Youngstown or Akron using local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the treatment. The process begins with gentle liposuction to harvest fat from the selected donor area. The fat is then carefully purified and strategically injected into the face using microcannulas for precise placement and smooth, natural contours.

The procedure generally takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the number of treatment areas. Afterward, you’ll rest in our recovery suite before heading home with a set of clear aftercare instructions to support your healing process. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and begin to see subtle results as swelling subsides in the following days.

Facial Fat Grafting Recovery

Most patients can resume normal activities within one to two weeks. You may experience some swelling, bruising, or tenderness in both the donor and treatment areas, but visible improvements begin to emerge within a few days. Final results become more noticeable as swelling subsides over the next few weeks. The body may naturally reabsorb a portion of the transferred fat, but the remaining fat cells can establish long-term volume that lasts for years with proper maintenance.

How much
does
Facial Fat Grafting
cost in Cleveland, OH?

The cost of Facial Fat Grafting in Youngstown and Akron can range anywhere from $6,000 to $16,00The body may naturally reabsorb a portion of the transferred fat, and the complexity of the procedure. While facial fat grafting is often more cost-effective in the long run than repeated dermal filler treatments, we understand that cost can be a concern. Our team will gladly walk you through pricing, payment options, and available financing to help make your investment in rejuvenation more accessible.

Why Choose Gentile Plastic Surgery?

Dr. Richard Gentile is a nationally recognized leader in facial plastic surgery, with over 30 years of experience delivering natural, refined results. Recognized by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS), and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (FAAFPRS), Dr. Gentile combines technical precision with a holistic vision to achieve results that harmonize naturally with each of his patient’s unique features. On top of this, patients across Youngstown, Akron, and beyond trust Dr. Gentile for his expertise, personalized care, and honest approach.

Facial Fat Grafting FAQ’S

You’ll begin to notice early improvements within a few days after your facial fat grafting procedure, once the initial swelling starts to subside. However, because the fat needs time to integrate with your natural tissues, the full outcome unfolds gradually over the course of several weeks to months. By around 3 to 6 months, you can expect to see the final result—softer, fuller facial contours that look natural and feel like your own. It’s important to understand that some of the fat will be reabsorbed by your body, which is normal, and Dr. Gentile accounts for this when performing the grafting. Once the remaining fat stabilizes, results can last several years or longer.
Yes, many patients choose to combine it with a facelift, neck lift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), or laser skin resurfacing to address multiple signs of aging at once, such as sagging skin, fine lines, and volume loss. Combining treatments can also reduce overall downtime and help you achieve a more balanced, refreshed look in a single recovery period.
Facial fat grafting is generally a safe and well-tolerated procedure when performed by a qualified, experienced surgeon. That said, it does carry some risks like any surgical treatment. Potential complications include bruising, swelling, infection, asymmetry, over- or under-correction, and fat reabsorption (where the body naturally absorbs some of the transferred fat). There is also a small chance of irregular texture or lumpiness if the fat doesn’t integrate smoothly.

Schedule a
Consultation

With locations in Youngstown and Akron, OH, our practice makes it easy to take the first step toward restoring youthful volume and confidence. Call the office today or use our online form to schedule your private facial fat grafting consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve a refreshed, natural look, meant just for you.