What are the alternatives to facial fat grafting?

Author: Dr. Matteo Reilly  |  Last update: Monday, September 1, 2025

Dermal fillers are one of the most popular options for restoring lost facial volume. With a few quick injections and no downtime, dermal fillers can smooth wrinkles, soften the skin, and restore a more youthful facial appearance.

What is the alternative to fat grafting?

Dermal Fillers

They're a common choice if you're not into facial fat transfer. These injectable substances, like hyaluronic acid, collagen, or synthetics, work their magic. They give you a temporary boost in volume and reduce wrinkles. Quick results and minimal downtime are some of the main advantages.

Is facial fat grafting worth it?

Fat transfer to the face typically has a higher survival rate, especially in areas that don't move. The aging process continues after the procedure, but patients enjoy a more youthful appearance for many years. Touch-up procedures can extend the results.

Can fat be transferred without surgery?

Fat-Transfer Injections. A type of fat grafting procedure, these injections do just what it sounds like: transfer fat from one area of the body (e.g., outer thighs) into target areas to add volume or fill in irregularities.

What is better, Sculptra or fat transfer?

For example, while Sculptra is a simpler procedure, its effects are more subtle than a fat transfer and typically only last two to five years. On the other hand, a fat transfer can create dramatic, long-term effects, but not all patients have enough spare fat to create the effect they desire.

Fat Transfer (Filler Alternative) - "He Made Me Look Like My Younger Self"

What is the downside of Sculptra?

Regarding the safety of the treatment, Sculptra is known for having just a few side effects. While every person is different, most people experience only temporary side effects, like slight swelling or redness at the point of injection into the skin.

What is the difference between fat transfer and fat grafting?

A surgical fat transfer is cosmetic surgery to move fat from one part of the body to another. It's also known as a "fat graft" or "lipomodelling".

What is the downside to fat transfer?

Firmness, lumpiness, or asymmetry may occur also. If some of the fat does not survive the transfer, it may actually “die” and become firm and cause discomfort. Cysts may form at the transfer site and require a procedure to remove. A symmetrical body appearance unfortunately may not result from a fat transfer procedure.

How much does AirSculpt fat transfer cost?

Prices for AirSculpt® can vary significantly. They generally range from $6,000 to $25,000. Patients seeking treatment should consider their unique circumstances. The extent of the procedure often dictates where they fall within this range.

Does InstaSculpting really work?

Typically you can expect ¼ to 2 inches of fat loss after the first treatment. How Does it Work? InstaSculpting tones the body using radio frequencies and low-frequency ultrasonic waves. These waves form bubbles around fat deposits under the skin.

How much does fat grafting cost for face?

The total cost of facial fat grafting, including both the liposuction and fat transfer components of the procedure, typically falls in the $3,000 to $7,500 range at our practice.

What is the best age for face fat transfer?

Fat Transfer Face Contouring

Most commonly, face contouring benefits people who are 30 years of age or older. The face, at this age, begins to lose “baby fat,” and as a result, fullness begins to fade.

What are the bad results of facial fat transfer?

Similar complications can also be seen at the donor sites, including contour irregularity, prolonged induration or erythema, infection, and skin pigmentation changes. Finally, the most severe complications, resulting from fat embolism due to intravascular injection, can result in vision loss or stroke.

Does facial fat transfer look natural?

Microfat transfer offers long-lasting results and a more natural appearance compared to synthetic fillers, as the transferred fat integrates seamlessly with existing tissue.

Does Sculptra dissolve fat?

Sculptra is an injectable product that restores and corrects the signs of facial fat loss by replacing lost volume. It provides an increase in skin thickness, helping to create a more natural facial appearance in those with facial lipoatrophy.

What is the new fat transfer?

"Nano-fat grafting is a new technique that is often spoken about in recent years," said Rhoad. "It involves the emulsification of fat into a solution of stem cells and growth factors. It is said to improve skin quality without increasing volume."

What are the risks of AirSculpt?

Minor side effects common after AirSculpt® and any surgical procedure include bruising, swelling, numbness, itchiness, and skin irritation, all of which should subside as recovery progresses.

How many pounds is 5 liters of fat?

At the most, 5 liters (similar to quarts) of fat might be removed if a person is larger. Removal of more that 5 liters in one session is considered unsafe. 5 liters of fat would weigh about 11 pounds.

Does the fat come back after AirSculpt?

Although AirSculpt® does not use a general anaesthetic, patients cannot drive home on their own. Will my results be permanent? Once adults are fully mature, fat cells do not regenerate once removed.

Is your face too full after fat transfer?

Immediately after your surgery, you may notice that your face looks fuller than you'd expected. This is a normal and temporary part of having a facial fat transfer.

What are gummy bear implants?

Gummy bear implants are the newest implant available. The consistency of the gel inside the implant is thicker which helps it maintain its shape. If the implant were to be cut in half, the shape would stay in place, the same way a gummy bear candy would if it were cut in two.

Can your body reject a fat transfer?

Your body can't reject the transferred fat since it's your own tissue.

What is the success rate of fat transfer to the face?

Fat transfer rate depends heavily on good surgical technique

These vary from 30% to 83% in the facial area. This fat tissue will successfully develop a blood supply in its new location and will then remain, while the rest of the fat tissue will be reabsorbed by the body within the first few weeks.

What are fat dissolving injections?

Injection lipolysis (“lipo” = fat, “lysis” = breakdown) is a nonsurgical procedure that involves administering a series of injections under the skin to break down fat cells in the areas around the injection sites.

What is the Brava fat transfer?

The BRAVA system is an external tissue expander. The BRAVA system applies a gentle three-dimensional pull, which places the breast under tension. This very gentle, sustained tension causes the cells to respond by replicating. The outcome of proper usage is new breast tissue, resulting in larger, fuller breasts.

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