Fat Transfer Upper East Side

Loss of volume in the face is one of the most recognizable signs of aging. Facial fat transfer restores youthful softness using your body’s own tissue. It’s a natural, long-lasting solution for subtle rejuvenation and refined facial balance.

*Real Patient

*Real Patient

Achieve Subtle Rejuvenation and Refined Facial Balance Upper East Side Facial Fat Transfer

While skin can be lifted and tightened, volume loss requires a different solution. Facial fat transfer—also called fat grafting—replenishes depleted areas of the face using fat taken from another part of your body. For patients seeking a natural alternative to fillers or implants, this procedure provides a refined and long-lasting enhancement.

Dr. Allison Coombs, a board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon and ophthalmologist, performs fat transfer with meticulous attention to detail. She focuses on restoring harmony while preserving the natural contours of your face, helping you look more rested, youthful, and refreshed, without appearing overly done.

About Facial Fat Transfer for a Refreshed Appearance

This procedure uses your body’s own fat, harvested from areas like the stomach or thighs, which is then purified and precisely injected into areas of the face that need soft, natural-looking volume. Because the fat comes from your own body, the results are soft, biocompatible, and long-lasting.

It is commonly used to treat the following concerns:

Hollow under-eyes or tear troughs
Sunken cheeks or midface volume loss
Thinning temples
Smile lines or nasolabial folds
Jawline definition or contouring
Subtle lip enhancement

Advantages of Fat Transfer

Unlike synthetic fillers, fat transfer offers lasting correction with the added benefit of tissue integration. It’s ideal for patients who want to soften age-related volume loss or subtly enhance facial features using their body’s own natural material. The benefits of this procedure include the following:

Long-lasting, natural-looking volume
No risk of allergic reaction or synthetic filler rejection
Softer, more youthful facial contours
Improved skin texture from stem-cell-rich fat
Minimal scarring and downtime
Biocompatible and permanent (after fat stabilizes)

About Facial Fat Transfer Candidacy

Fat transfer is ideal for patients seeking volume restoration or subtle contouring who have sufficient donor fat available for use. Dr. Coombs will evaluate your facial structure and overall health to ensure this approach is appropriate for your desired outcome.

The following are ideal candidates:

Adults in good health with no uncontrolled medical conditions
Non-smokers, or those able to stop smoking before and after treatment
Patients with enough donor fat in areas like the abdomen or thighs
Individuals without active skin or eye infections
Those who are able to follow recovery instructions and attend follow-ups

Dr. Allison V. Coombs

Why Patients Choose Dr. Allison Coombs

Fat transfer demands both surgical skill and an artistic eye, especially when used on the face. As an oculofacial plastic surgeon, Dr. Coombs is uniquely trained to understand the subtle interplay between structure, volume, and movement in the face. She delivers natural results that blend seamlessly into your facial expression.

Dr. Coombs trained at top institutions including Tufts Medicine, Weill Cornell, and MEETH, where she now leads the hospital’s oculofacial plastic surgery division. With board certification and fellowship-level training, she offers a level of precision rarely found in general cosmetic practices. Every procedure is performed with your safety, comfort, and long-term satisfaction in mind.

What to Expect During the Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Coombs will perform a comprehensive facial analysis and review your medical history to determine whether fat transfer is a good match for you. She will discuss what to expect, evaluate your available donor sites, and explore whether fat grafting alone or in combination with other procedures is the best option for you.

About Facial Fat Transfer Cost

The cost of facial fat transfer varies based on the number of areas treated, the amount of fat needed, and whether it’s combined with other procedures. RealSelf found that this treatment costs about $7,000 on average. You’ll receive a detailed quote during your consultation, along with transparent information about surgical fees, facility costs, and financing options.

The Treatment Experience

Facial fat transfer is typically performed under local anesthesia with light sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of treatment. The process is performed in two stages—harvesting and reinjection—and is done in a single session.

Steps may include the following:

Fat is gently harvested using a small cannula from an area like the abdomen or thighs.
The fat is processed and purified to isolate healthy, viable cells.
Dr. Coombs uses microinjection techniques to place small droplets of fat into targeted facial areas for smooth, even volume.
You’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions to support healing and maximize fat retention.

What to Expect After the Procedure

Swelling and bruising are most noticeable in the first week and gradually improve over 10 to 14 days. Mild fullness may persist during this period when fat stabilizes. Most patients return to normal activities within a week, and final results are visible after four to six weeks as the fat integrates naturally into the tissues.

Fat Transfer Techniques

Microfat – used for larger areas like cheeks and jawline
Nanofat – ultra-purified for under-eye hollows or skin texture
Structural fat grafting – for contour correction and deep support

Combining Procedures With Fat Transfer

Fat transfer can be performed alone or combined with other procedures for enhanced results. One or more of the following may be recommended to you based on your desired aesthetic outcome:

Midface Lift – elevates cheek position while fat adds volume.
Lower Eyelid Surgery – improves skin and muscle, while fat supports a smooth contour.
Brow Repositioning – for full upper face rejuvenation.
Fillers – a temporary option for those not ready for fat transfer.
Laser Skin Resurfacing – to improve skin tone and texture.

FAQ Fat TransferFAQ

Is fat transfer permanent?

Yes, after the initial healing phase, the fat that successfully integrates becomes a permanent part of the facial structure.

How much fat is retained long-term?

Depending on the technique, area, and individual healing response, roughly 50–70% of the transferred fat typically survives.

Does fat transfer leave scars?

Only tiny incisions are used for both harvesting and injection, and they usually heal with minimal to no visible scarring.

What are the risks?

Risks include asymmetry, over- or under-correction, bruising, or fat resorption. Choosing a highly trained specialist, such as Dr. Coombs, reduces these risks.