Fat Transfer at Lakeside Cosmetic Center

As we age, one of the most significant contributors to an aged appearance is volume loss. The face gradually loses the fullness and contour that create a youthful, refreshed look, resulting in hollowing, deep lines, and a deflated appearance that can be difficult to address with skincare or non-surgical treatments alone. Fat transfer offers a natural and long-lasting solution, using your body's own fat to restore volume, soften wrinkles, and rejuvenate the face from within. At Lakeside Cosmetic Center, Dr. Chelsea Obourn performs fat transfer with careful precision, delivering results that look and feel entirely natural.

What is Fat Transfer?

Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is a surgical technique that involves harvesting fat from one area of the body and carefully transferring it to areas of the face that have lost volume or developed deep wrinkling. Because the transferred fat comes from your own body, the results feel natural and carry no risk of allergic reaction. Dr. Obourn is able to perform fat transfer to a variety of regions throughout the face, with common treatment areas including:

Temples
Under eye hollowing
Cheekbones
Laugh lines

Who is a Good Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for fat transfer if you:

Notice hollowing, deflation, or volume loss in the face
Have deep wrinkles or folds that have not responded well to filler or other non-surgical treatments
Are looking for a longer lasting, natural alternative to dermal filler
Have adequate donor fat available in areas such as the abdomen or thighs
Are in good overall health with realistic expectations for your outcome

Fat transfer is frequently performed in combination with other procedures such as a deep plane face and neck lift, browlift, or blepharoplasty to achieve a comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Dr. Obourn will discuss all relevant options at your consultation.

Cosmetic Considerations

Fat transfer is a cosmetic procedure and is considered self-pay. It is not covered by insurance. Dr. Obourn will discuss all aspects of the procedure, including cost and surgical planning, at your consultation.

Dr. Obourn's Technique

Dr. Obourn harvests fat using liposuction, typically from the abdomen or inner thighs. The fat is then carefully purified before being transferred to the areas of volume depletion and wrinkling in the face. The entire process is performed with meticulous attention to detail to ensure a smooth, natural, and balanced result. Your complete surgical plan will be reviewed in full at your consultation.

Where is the Procedure Performed?

Fat transfer is performed in a fully accredited operating room (OR) setting, ensuring the highest standard of safety and surgical care.

Recovery

It is normal for the face to appear quite puffy and bruised for several weeks following fat transfer. Steroids are typically prescribed in the immediate post-operative period to help manage swelling. Here is a general overview of what to expect:

First few days: Significant swelling, bruising, and puffiness in the face are normal and expected. Rest is strongly encouraged, and the head should be kept elevated.
First week: Most patients are comfortable recovering at home. Steroids prescribed by Dr. Obourn will help manage swelling during this time.
2 to 3 weeks: Swelling and bruising begin to subside, though some puffiness may linger. Many patients begin to feel comfortable resuming light daily activities, though individual timelines vary.
4 to 6 weeks: Most normal activities can gradually resume with Dr. Obourn's clearance.
Several months: As residual swelling fully resolves, the final result becomes visible. Some of the transferred fat will naturally reabsorb, and the remaining fat establishes a long-lasting result.

Dr. Obourn and our care team will provide you with detailed, personalized recovery instructions and are available to support you throughout the process.

Pre-Op Considerations

Prior to your fat transfer procedure, Dr. Obourn will provide you with thorough pre-operative instructions. General guidelines typically include:

Avoiding blood-thinning medications, supplements, and alcohol in the weeks leading up to surgery
Stopping smoking well in advance of your procedure, as smoking significantly impacts healing
Completing any required pre-operative labs or medical clearances
Arranging for a trusted adult to drive you home and assist you during the early days of recovery
Preparing your recovery space at home ahead of time for comfort and ease

All specific instructions will be personalized and reviewed with you before your procedure.

Post-Op Considerations

Following your fat transfer, you will receive detailed aftercare instructions from Dr. Obourn and our team. General post-operative guidelines often include:

Taking prescribed steroids as directed to help manage post-operative swelling
Keeping the head elevated, particularly during sleep, to minimize swelling
Avoiding strenuous activity and heavy lifting for several weeks
Being gentle with the treated areas of the face and avoiding unnecessary pressure or manipulation
Protecting the face and any donor sites from sun exposure during healing
Attending all scheduled follow-up appointments so Dr. Obourn can monitor your healing and address any questions
Allowing time for the full result to develop, as swelling resolves gradually and the transferred fat settles over several months

Our team is always available if you have questions or concerns during your recovery.

Risks

As with any surgical procedure, fat transfer carries potential risks that Dr. Obourn will review with you thoroughly at your consultation. Risks include:

Bleeding
Infection
Injury to surrounding structures
Asymmetry
Bruising
Scarring

Ready to Learn More?

If you are curious about whether fat transfer might be right for you, we would love to connect. Please complete our surgical inquiry form below and a member of our team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.

Complete the Surgical Inquiry Form.

Click here for Pre and Post Procedure Instructions: Fat Transfer