FACIAL FAT TRANSFER IN NYC

Restore Volume. Reclaim Youth. Stay Uniquely You.

A youthful face isn’t just about smooth skin—it’s about volume. Full cheeks, softly rounded temples, and a gently contoured jawline are the hallmarks of youth. But as we age, our facial fat gradually diminishes or shifts downward, creating shadows, hollowness, and sagging that creams and injectables alone can’t fix. If you’ve lost facial volume and want a natural, long-lasting solution that’s truly your own, facial fat transfer in NYC may be your ideal treatment.

Also known as autologous fat grafting, this advanced procedure uses your body’s own fat to restore lost volume and contour key areas of the face. Dr. Robert Schwarcz, a double board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon, performs facial fat transfer with a highly refined and personalized approach. Using precise harvesting, purification, and injection techniques, he carefully sculpts areas like the under-eyes, cheeks, temples, jawline, and nasolabial folds to restore harmony and youthfulness without overfilling or distorting your natural features.

The result? A face that looks refreshed, fuller, and subtly younger—without ever looking “done.”

What Is Facial Fat Transfer?

Facial fat transfer is a three-stage surgical procedure that uses your own fat to replace volume lost through aging, weight changes, or genetics. Fat is first harvested from an area with excess—usually the abdomen, flanks, or thighs—using gentle liposuction. The fat is then purified to isolate the healthiest cells, which are carefully injected into targeted areas of the face using micro-cannulas and layered techniques for smooth, natural integration.

Common treatment areas include:

• Under-eye hollows

• Cheeks and midface

• Temples

• Jawline and chin

• Nasolabial folds and marionette lines

Dr. Schwarcz is especially known for under-eye fat transfer, a delicate procedure that requires an oculoplastic surgeon’s touch. He often uses this technique to correct tear trough deformities, soften dark circles, and smooth under-eye hollows for a more awake, youthful expression.

Why Choose Fat Over Fillers?

While dermal fillers remain a popular option for facial rejuvenation, they have limitations. Fillers are temporary and often require touch-ups every 6 to 12 months. They also carry the risk of puffiness or distortion if overused, especially in sensitive areas like the under-eyes or cheeks.

Fat transfer, on the other hand, offers a permanent solution. Once the transferred fat establishes a blood supply and integrates into the tissue, it becomes a living part of your face. There’s no foreign substance involved—just your own fat, repurposed where it’s needed most.

The result is a more natural texture, feel, and appearance—one that ages gracefully with the rest of your face. Plus, fat contains regenerative stem cells, which may improve skin tone, elasticity, and texture over time.

Ideal Candidates for Facial Fat Transfer

You may be a great candidate for facial fat transfer if you’re noticing volume loss that makes you look tired, hollow, or aged. If you’ve tried fillers but want a more permanent or natural solution—or if you’ve never used injectables and prefer a long-term option—fat grafting could be right for you.

The best candidates are in good general health, have adequate donor fat available, and have realistic expectations about the outcomes. Facial fat transfer is often ideal for patients in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, but can also be beneficial for younger individuals dealing with facial asymmetry, hollow under-eyes, or post-traumatic volume loss.

During your consultation, Dr. Schwarcz will assess your face and discuss whether fat transfer alone—or combined with procedures like lower blepharoplasty, facelift, or laser resurfacing—will give you the most balanced result.

How the Procedure Works

Facial fat transfer is performed in Dr. Schwarcz’s private JCAHO-certified surgical suite on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The procedure typically takes between two and four hours depending on the number of areas treated and whether it’s combined with other surgeries.

The process begins with gentle liposuction of the donor area. Common sites include the abdomen, inner thighs, or flanks. The fat is then processed using specialized techniques to isolate the healthiest, most viable fat cells and remove impurities like blood and oil. This step is essential to ensure high fat survival and smooth results.

Once purified, the fat is injected into the face in micro-droplets using a fine cannula. Dr. Schwarcz uses a layered approach, depositing the fat in multiple planes to create a natural, contoured appearance that integrates seamlessly with your facial anatomy. His artistry lies in knowing exactly how much fat to place in each area to restore youthful structure without adding bulk.

There are no large incisions or stitches on the face. Most entry points are small enough to heal without noticeable scarring.

Recovery and Results

Recovery from facial fat transfer is generally well tolerated. You may experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in both the donor and recipient sites. Most patients feel ready to resume light activities within 7 to 10 days, although visible swelling may take a few weeks to fully resolve.

It's important to note that some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed in the first few months. This is normal, and Dr. Schwarcz accounts for this during the injection process. What remains after the three-month mark is considered permanent and will age naturally with you.

Patients love the subtle but powerful difference this procedure makes. You’ll look like yourself—just softer, more lifted, and more rested. Full cheeks return. Under-eye hollows fade. Facial balance is restored, and the overall effect is one of vitality and youth, not obvious enhancement.

How Long Does Fat Transfer Last?

Because the fat becomes living tissue, results can last for many years—often a decade or more. Unlike filler, which metabolizes and needs maintenance, fat transfer creates long-term improvement in facial volume and contour.

Of course, you’ll continue to age, and additional touch-ups may be desired down the line. But for many patients, a single fat grafting session offers long-lasting, natural rejuvenation that eliminates the need for repeated filler treatments.

Complementary Procedures

For optimal rejuvenation, facial fat transfer is often combined with:

• Lower Blepharoplasty

• Facelift

• Mid Facelift

• CO2 Laser Resurfacing

• Endoscopic Brow Lift

Alternative Procedures

If you’re not ready for surgery, you may want to explore:

• Hyaluronic Acid Fillers (e.g., Restylane or RHA for cheeks and tear troughs)

• Sculptra to gradually build volume over time

• Morpheus8 to tighten skin and stimulate collagen

These treatments provide short- to medium-term improvements, but do not match the longevity or natural integration of fat grafting.

Why Choose Dr. Robert Schwarcz?

Facial fat transfer requires more than technical skill—it demands an eye for balance, proportion, and restraint. Dr. Schwarcz brings over 20 years of experience in facial surgery and aesthetics, combining his oculofacial expertise with a nuanced understanding of beauty and symmetry. He’s performed thousands of facial procedures with a focus on subtle, natural outcomes that never appear overfilled or artificial.

Every fat transfer is performed by Dr. Schwarcz himself in his state-of-the-art Manhattan surgical suite. You’ll receive attentive care from consultation to recovery, with follow-ups at either our Upper East Side or Rye, NY office for your convenience.

Restore What Time Has Taken—Naturally

If you're ready to restore youthful fullness and balance to your face using your own fat, schedule a consultation today. Click the Request an Appointment button below to begin your transformation with Dr. Robert Schwarcz—where every result is personalized, refined, and beautifully natural.