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Fat Grafting vs. Fillers: Which One’s Right for You?

  • David LeFave
  • May 4
  • 3 min read

Black and white portrait of a woman with long, wavy hair and dark lipstick, gazing over her shoulder with a subtle, confident expression.

Fillers and Fat Grafting: Two Ways to Restore Volume

As we age, we don’t just develop wrinkles—we lose volume. Cheeks flatten, temples hollow, and the space under our eyes starts to look sunken or shadowy. Whether it happens gradually or feels sudden, that shift in facial structure is one of the first signs of aging most people notice.


Luckily, modern aesthetics offers more than one way to address it. The two most popular options? Dermal fillers and fat grafting.


At first glance, they might seem like interchangeable treatments. But while they both restore volume, they work in fundamentally different ways—and one may be much more suited to your needs than the other.


What Are Fillers?

Dermal fillers—like Restylane, RHA, or Sculptra—are synthetic substances injected into the face to smooth folds, lift features, and plump up areas that have thinned. They’re widely available, relatively quick to administer, and typically last anywhere from 6 to 18 months depending on the product and the area treated.


They’re often used to:


What Is Fat Grafting?

Fat grafting (or fat transfer) takes a different approach. It uses your own fat—gently harvested from areas like the abdomen or thighs—and reinjects it into areas that need volume. This procedure can be done on its own or combined with surgeries like facelifts or lower blepharoplasty.


Because fat is living tissue, once it settles and integrates with your body, the results are long-lasting—often permanent. And since it’s your own tissue, there’s no risk of allergic reaction or filler migration.


Fat grafting is often used to:

  • Rejuvenate under-eye hollows

  • Restore youthful fullness to the midface

  • Smooth transitions between the lower eyelid and cheek

  • Rebuild structure around the temples, chin, and jawline

  • Create a softer, more balanced look overall


So, Which One Is Right for You?

You might prefer fillers if:

  • You want to try a subtle, temporary enhancement

  • You’re just starting to explore injectables

  • You have a very specific area of concern (e.g., lips)

  • You want zero downtime and immediate results


You might prefer fat grafting if:

  • You’re noticing deeper or more widespread volume loss

  • You’re tired of maintenance injections every 6–12 months

  • You want a natural option that doesn’t rely on synthetic materials

  • You’re already considering surgery and want to maximize results


Dr. Schwarcz’s Take

While both options have their place, Dr. Robert Schwarcz often recommends fat grafting—especially for patients seeking long-term improvement with a soft, natural finish.


His background as a double board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon allows him to approach fat grafting with a level of precision and finesse that goes far beyond simply “filling in” an area. Every injection is carefully placed to support and sculpt your features—not just plump them up.


And because fat grafting is done in-office with minimal downtime, the payoff is significant. You leave looking refreshed, not overdone—and the results only get better over time.


Want the Best of Both?

Some patients start with fillers to get a sense of their ideal volume, then transition to fat grafting when they’re ready for a more permanent solution. Others use fat grafting for structural support and tiny amounts of filler for fine-tuning.


At your consultation, Dr. Schwarcz will walk you through every option and help you decide what works best for you.


Enhance the Results Even Further

Fat grafting pairs beautifully with:


Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Schwarcz

Offices are located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and in Rye, NY. Every procedure is performed by Dr. Schwarcz himself—because results this natural demand expert care.


Click “Request an Appointment” below to get started.

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