A Fat Transfer is performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia to numb the areas from which the fat is harvested and where it will be inserted. The fat is harvested or acquired by performing liposuction on other parts of the body, usually the abdomen, hips or inner thighs, and transferring the fat to the areas where it is needed in the face. Examples of commonly chosen fat transfer sites include the prejowl sulcus, the jawline, the mental crease, the upper and lower lips, the nasolabial folds, the cheek bones, the tear troughs or infraorbital crease, the supraorbital ridge, the glabella and the temples.

There are many benefits to having a fat transfer procedure performed instead of using available fillers. First of all, there is no chance of an allergic reaction. Secondly, the results are generally permanent and do not have to be repeated. Third, if large areas of filling are needed, a fat transfer can be much more cost effective. The procedure is performed in the office under local anesthesia and generally takes about 1-½ hours. Swelling can take up to one week to resolve.