As we age, the face gradually loses the fat that gives it a youthful, lifted appearance. Facial fat grafting uses your own tissue to restore that volume naturally — with results that can last a decade or more.
Aging isn't just about wrinkles. One of the most significant changes in facial appearance over time is volume loss — the gradual depletion of the fat compartments that give young faces their fullness, lift, and three-dimensional structure.
Hollow temples, sunken cheeks, flattened midface, and a less defined jawline are all hallmarks of this process. Facial fat grafting addresses these changes using the most biocompatible filler available: your own fat.
What Is Facial Fat Grafting?
Facial fat grafting — also called fat transfer or lipofilling — is a surgical procedure in which fat is harvested from a donor site on the body (commonly the abdomen, flanks, or thighs), purified, and then carefully injected into strategic areas of the face to restore volume and improve contours.
How the Procedure Works
- Performed under local anesthesia with sedation for patient comfort
- Fat harvested via a small-incision liposuction technique from the abdomen or flanks
- Harvested fat is centrifuged and purified to isolate viable fat cells
- Purified fat injected in small passes across targeted facial areas
- The entire procedure typically takes one to two hours
Benefits of Fat Grafting Over Dermal Fillers
- Uses your own tissue — no risk of allergic reaction
- Results can last five to ten years or longer once the grafted fat has established a blood supply
- Provides simultaneous contouring benefit at the donor site
- Natural feel and movement that matches surrounding facial tissue
Recovery
Patients typically experience swelling and bruising for one to two weeks. Final results are visible after three to six months as the swelling fully resolves and the transferred fat integrates with the surrounding tissue. Dr. Poppler has performed this procedure since 2019 and serves patients throughout Boise, Meridian, and the Treasure Valley.