Understanding Facial Fat Grafting
Facial fat grafting is a natural, long-lasting way to restore volume to areas of the face that have lost fullness due to aging, weight loss, or previous surgery. Over time, our faces naturally lose fat in key areas like the cheeks, temples, and under the eyes—leading to a hollow or tired appearance. Fat grafting replenishes this lost volume using your own fat, creating soft, youthful contours without synthetic fillers.
Dr. Iyengar uses advanced techniques in fat harvesting, refinement, and microinjection to ensure smooth, precise results tailored to each patient’s facial anatomy and aesthetic goals.
When should I consider facial fat grafting?
If you’ve noticed deepening facial folds, sunken cheeks, hollow temples, or thinning under-eye areas, facial fat grafting may be a great option. It’s ideal for patients seeking natural results with long-term volume restoration. Many also consider fat grafting as part of facial rejuvenation surgery (such as a facelift or eyelid lift), or as a standalone procedure.
Fat grafting is particularly beneficial for those who prefer using their own tissue rather than synthetic products.
What are my treatment options?
Facial Fat Grafting (Autologous Fat Transfer)
The procedure involves gently harvesting fat from an area of the body—commonly the abdomen, flanks, or thighs—using liposuction. The fat is then purified and injected in small amounts into specific areas of the face to restore natural volume and contour.
Dr. Iyengar uses a layered, microdroplet technique to ensure even integration of the fat, producing smooth, subtle enhancement. Common target areas include the cheeks, tear troughs, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, jawline, and lips.
Nanofat and Skin Quality Enhancement
In select cases, a portion of the fat can be processed into nanofat—a fine, cell-rich solution used to improve skin texture, tone, and radiance. Nanofat can be used under the eyes, around fine wrinkles, or even in scarred areas to promote regeneration and collagen remodeling.
Why choose Dr. Iyengar for facial fat grafting?
As a plastic surgeon with an artistic eye and reconstructive expertise, Dr. Iyengar delivers natural, refined results through meticulous technique. His background in facial anatomy and attention to detail ensure precise fat placement for lasting results that enhance—not overpower—your features.
Whether performed alone or as part of a comprehensive rejuvenation plan, fat grafting with Dr. Iyengar is designed to restore harmony and confidence.
What does recovery look like?
Recovery after facial fat grafting is typically mild. You may experience temporary swelling, bruising, or fullness in both the donor and injection sites. Most patients can return to light activities within a few days, with more visible results settling over 1–2 weeks.
Because some fat is naturally reabsorbed, a small percentage of volume loss is expected, and touch-up procedures may be recommended for optimal results. However, the fat that survives becomes a living part of your tissue—offering long-lasting, natural rejuvenation.
Check out how our patients looked before and after.
Check out galleryWhat our patients have to say.
Michael W
Dr Iyengar did a repair on an old eyelid surgery. Him and his staff were a pleasure to work with and I could not be happier with the results!
Laurie A.
Dr. Raj Iyengar is awesome!!! I had 3 areas of botox today (glabella, crow's feet, and forehead). I had absolutely no pain and zero bruising. He was very informative throughout the procedure, and very kind. A great experience
Christina R.
I am 6 days post brow lift, blephraplasty, nanofat transfer, and neck lipo with Renuvion, and I already see a significant difference. I am SO excited already, and I’m still healing. Dr Iyengar has an incredible bed side manner, remembers little details about his patients, and has an impeccable résumé. I made the right choice trusting him with my face!
Ron L.
I’m glad to have this doctor and his staff on my side. When I heard the words skin cancer I went through a WIDE verity of feelings. I got worse case scenario and it scared me. After some reassurance I felt much better. I’m amazed at the complexity of the surgery and how well everything went. Just 6 weeks after surgery I’m feeling much better about the future look that everyone will see when they see my smiling face. Thanks Dr. Iyengar. I’ll share photos with anyone interested.
Jenny M.
I’m incredibly grateful that I was referred to Dr. Iyengar for my breast reconstruction surgery. From the very first consultation, he has been an absolute blessing throughout the entire process. His kindness, super friendliness (a rare trait), helpfulness, caring nature, and outstanding service are truly remarkable. Additionally, his extensive knowledge and confident responses to my questions, along with his ability to treat me with personable care, make him an exceptional surgeon.
Quality care in all realms of plastic and reconstructive surgery.
We see our patients as individuals, not just cases on the schedule. Dr. Iyengar makes every effort to get to know his patients personally and thoroughly understand their goals. This personalized approach ensures that every patient receives the highest quality care and achieves the results of their dreams! Dr. Iyengar executes every procedure with precision, integrity and utmost care.
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