Fat Transfer in St. George, UT
Volume loss in the face can make your features look tired or less defined, even if you feel energetic and healthy. Fat transfer can restore volume using your body’s fat, improving contours and softening lines without synthetic materials.
At Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery in St. George, we offer facial fat grafting as a natural solution for rejuvenating the face to reflect your desired appearance.
What Is Fat Transfer?
Fat transfer, also known as autologous fat injection or facial fat grafting, involves removing a small amount of fat from one area of your body and placing it where volume has diminished in your face.
Common treatment areas include the cheeks, temples, jawline, and around the eyes. The process involves fat collection, purification, and precise reinjection to create a natural-looking improvement. Because the fat comes from your own body, results tend to blend smoothly with your existing features.
Am I a Candidate for Facial Fat Grafting?
If you’ve noticed hollow cheeks, deep creases, or general thinning in your facial features, you may be a candidate for facial fat transfer. Individuals seeking natural results often choose this procedure without relying on synthetic fillers.
It’s also appropriate to have areas of your body, such as the abdomen or thighs, with enough fat to harvest.
What Happens During the Procedure
Fat transfer begins with a gentle liposuction process to collect fat from a donor area. Once removed, the fat is purified to isolate healthy, viable cells.
Dr. Gardner then injects the prepared fat into areas of the face that have lost volume. Each step is done with attention to both precision and symmetry. The entire procedure typically takes one to two hours and is performed either in-office or at a surgical facility, depending on your needs.
What to Expect After Fat Transfer
Mild swelling and bruising will occur in the donor and treatment areas. Most patients return to regular activity within a few days.
Your body will reabsorb some of the transferred fat during the initial healing period, so Dr. Gardner may slightly overfill areas to ensure lasting improvement.
Over the following weeks, your face gradually becomes refreshed and more balanced as the remaining fat settles and integrates.
Benefits of Fat Transfer
This treatment restores volume using your tissue, meaning there is no allergic reaction risk. It creates soft, natural-looking results that last longer than temporary fillers.
Fat transfer also allows for full-face enhancement, treating multiple areas in a single session. Thanks to increased collagen stimulation during the process, patients often notice that their skin feels smoother and more resilient after healing.
Cost of Fat Transfer in St. George
Fat transfer costs vary based on the number of areas treated and whether it is combined with another procedure like a facelift. During your consultation, we provide a detailed overview of the cost, what it includes, and what to expect.
While fat transfer is considered a cosmetic procedure, we offer guidance on planning and payment options.
Why Choose Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery
Dr. Kent Gardner is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience in surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation. Patients across Southern Utah trust him for his thoughtful approach, clinical expertise, and ability to deliver results that look natural.
At Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery in St. George, your treatment plan is designed to reflect your goals and complement your unique facial features.
You can also explore related services such as facelift surgery to see how fat transfer may fit into a broader rejuvenation plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do results last?
Once the transferred fat cells establish a blood supply, they remain in place. Most patients enjoy long-term results that last several years. Some fat is naturally reabsorbed in the first few months, but the rest stays stable.
What should I expect during and after the procedure?
Light swelling and bruising will last for about one to two weeks. After a few days, most people feel ready to return to non-strenuous activities. Final results will take shape gradually as swelling fades and the fat settles.
Are there risks or complications with fat transfer?
As with any procedure, there are risks, including asymmetry or reabsorption of more fat than expected. However, complications are rare when performed by an experienced surgeon. Dr. Gardner discusses all considerations with you in detail.
How is the fat collected for this procedure?
Fat is harvested using a gentle form of liposuction. Small cannulas remove the fat without damaging the cells. After purification, the fat is ready to be reinjected into areas of the face that have lost volume.
Schedule Your Fat Transfer Consultation in St. George, UT
If you’re ready to restore volume naturally and enhance your facial definition, schedule a consultation for fat transfer in St. George. We will walk you through the process, answer your questions, and recommend a treatment plan that aligns with your goals.
