FAT GRAFTING 101: THE NATURAL, LONG-LASTING ALTERNATIVE TO FILLERS
- David LeFave
- May 4
- 4 min read
What Is Fat Grafting?
Fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, is a facial rejuvenation procedure that restores lost volume using your body’s own fat. It’s a safe, effective way to smooth, soften, and enhance your features—without relying on synthetic fillers.
During the procedure, a small amount of fat is gently removed from a donor area (usually your abdomen, thighs, or flanks), purified, and carefully injected into areas of the face that have hollowed with age. Think of it as a subtle reshaping—filling in under-eye hollows, softening deep folds, and rebuilding volume in the cheeks or temples.
What sets fat grafting apart is its natural origin and long-term results. Unlike temporary fillers, which fade within months, transferred fat can last for years.
And best of all? It’s a relatively simple, minimally invasive procedure with little downtime—a big win for anyone looking for real results without taking weeks off work or life.
Why Dr. Robert Schwarcz Recommends It
Dr. Schwarcz has performed thousands of facial rejuvenation procedures in his 20+ years as a double board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon. When it comes to restoring facial volume, fat grafting is his preferred approach—and here’s why:
It looks natural. Your own fat blends seamlessly with your existing tissue.
It lasts. Results can last for years, with many patients enjoying continued improvement over time as the fat integrates.
It’s gentle. The process is relatively easy on the body, especially when performed by a skilled surgeon.
It enhances surgical outcomes. Fat grafting is frequently combined with procedures like facelifts or eyelid surgery to elevate the final result.
It corrects past surgical procedures. Fat grafting can correct contour irregularities from past cosmetic procedures or enhance results when fat grafting was initially overlooked
This treatment is ideal for patients who want a softer, more youthful appearance—without looking like they’ve “had work done.”
What Areas Can Be Treated with Fat Grafting?
Fat grafting is incredibly versatile. Dr. Schwarcz often uses it to treat:
Under-eye hollows (tear troughs)
Cheeks and midface volume loss
Temples and forehead indentations
Nasolabial folds and marionette lines
Jawline, chin, or pre-jowl sulcus
Because fat is so moldable, it allows for custom sculpting—offering subtle, personalized results for each patient.
Fat Grafting vs. Fat Transposition
Fat transposition is a different technique often used in lower blepharoplasty. Instead of harvesting fat from a different area, it redistributes fat already present beneath the eye to smooth out the lid-cheek junction.
While fat transposition can work well for specific eye concerns, fat grafting offers far more flexibility and a longer-lasting impact, especially for overall facial rejuvenation. It’s the go-to choice when there’s volume loss in multiple areas or when no excess fat exists in the treatment zone.
In short:
Choose fat grafting when you want full-face sculpting or long-term filler replacement
Choose fat transposition when puffiness needs to be repositioned under the eyes
Is Recovery Easy? Yes!
Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable recovery is after fat grafting. There may be minor swelling or bruising for a few days, but downtime is minimal—and most people feel comfortable returning to daily activities within a week.
Because it’s performed under local anesthesia with sedation (or during another procedure like blepharoplasty or facelift), there’s no need for general anesthesia or an overnight stay. You’re in, out, and on your way to looking naturally refreshed.
Who’s a Good Candidate?
You may be a great candidate for fat grafting if:
You’re starting to notice hollowness, sagging, or flatness in the face
You’re tired of the upkeep and cost of fillers
You want a more permanent solution using your own tissue
You’re already planning facial surgery and want to optimize your results
You’re in overall good health with enough donor fat available (you’d be surprised—most people have plenty!)
Why Patients Love It
Fat grafting appeals to patients who want real results without looking overdone. It’s subtle, effective, and long-lasting—and when performed by Dr. Schwarcz, the results speak for themselves.
Because he performs all procedures personally in his JCAHO-certified surgical suite on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, you can expect a level of precision and artistry that’s hard to find elsewhere.
And if you prefer to consult outside of the city, follow-ups and evaluations are available at our Rye, NY office as well.
Fat Grafting Works Beautifully With:
Facelift – to rebuild lost structure and add softness
Lower Blepharoplasty – for youthful eyes
CO2 Laser – to resurface skin and boost collagen
Let’s Keep It Natural
The best aesthetic work doesn’t scream “plastic surgery.” It whispers, “You look incredible.” That’s the ethos behind every treatment Dr. Schwarcz performs—especially fat grafting.