Is Facial Fat Grafting Painful?

Discomfort is typically minimal and well-controlled with medication and local anesthetic. Patients often describe a sense of soreness or fullness rather than sharp pain. Both the donor and injection sites may feel tender for several days. Most people feel well enough to return to light activity within a few days.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Aside from your consultation, you’ll have the surgery itself and a series of follow-ups to monitor healing and outcomes. Some patients may benefit from a touch-up procedure, depending on the amount of fat retained. Dr. Li will work with you to tailor your treatment timeline to your specific needs.

How Long Until I See Results?

Initial swelling subsides within the first 1–2 weeks, revealing early improvement. Final results typically appear after 2–3 months, once the fat has fully settled. Results are long-lasting and permanent, especially when combined with weight stability and good skincare.

Can I Combine Facial Fat Grafting With Other Procedures?

Yes! Fat grafting pairs beautifully with eyelid surgery , facelifts , or chin augmentation . Combining procedures can enhance overall harmony and reduce downtime. Dr. Li often designs comprehensive plans for patients seeking a more complete rejuvenation.

What Are the Risks Associated With Facial Fat Grafting?

Facial fat grafting is generally a safe and well-tolerated procedure; however, as with any surgical treatment, it carries certain risks that patients should understand before proceeding. Under the care of a board-certified surgeon like Dr. Eric Li, complications are uncommon, but informed consent is an essential part of the process. Potential risks include: Bruising and swelling at the donor or injection sites Infection or delayed healing Asymmetry or irregular contour Lumps or nodules under the skin Over- or under correction of volume Partial fat resorption requiring future touch-ups Rare risk of fat embolism

Facial Fat Grafting

In San Jose, CA

Facial Fat Grafting Introduction

When facial volume fades, it can distort the balance and softness that defines a youthful look, but that doesn’t mean you need a full surgical overhaul. Loss of facial volume can leave the skin looking tired, sunken, or hollow, especially around the eyes, cheeks, temples, and mouth. Facial fat grafting offers a natural, long-lasting solution by restoring volume using your body’s own fat cells. At CA Aesthetics, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Li specializes in refined facial rejuvenation techniques designed to restore a subtle youthful appearance. For patients in Campbell, and San Jose, this procedure is a popular option for achieving results that are soft, natural, and tailored to your features.

Facial Fat Grafting Results

Facial Fat Grafting B&A

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woman in white blouse with hand under chin | CA Aesthetics by Dr. Li

What is Facial Fat Grafting?

Facial fat grafting, also known as autologous fat transfer, is a minimally invasive procedure that harvests fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs and injects it into areas of the face that have lost volume. It’s used to smooth deep folds, restore contour to the cheeks or jawline, and rejuvenate the under-eye region. Because the fat comes from your own body, the results are biocompatible and long-lasting. Dr. Li employs modern fat processing and precise microinjection techniques to ensure even distribution, a smooth texture, and a natural appearance.

brunette woman with blue eyes | CA Aesthetics by Dr. Li

What Are the Benefits of Facial Fat Grafting?

Facial fat grafting offers a wide range of aesthetic and regenerative benefits:

Restores youthful fullness to the cheeks, temples, and under-eye hollows
Reduces fine lines and deep folds like nasolabial creases
Improves skin tone and texture thanks to stem cell-rich fat
Provides long-lasting, natural-looking results
Avoids synthetic fillers or foreign materials

At CA Aesthetics, Dr. Li combines artistry and advanced surgical techniques to deliver subtle, elegant facial rejuvenation that ages beautifully over time.

black and white photo of asian woman crossing arms | CA Aesthetics by Dr. Li

Who Are the Best Candidates For Facial Fat Grafting?

The best candidates for this procedure are men and women looking to restore facial volume and improve contour without the use of dermal fillers. Facial fat grafting can often complement skin tightening procedures such as facelift, neck lift, or blepharoplasty. You should be in good health, have sufficient donor fat, and maintain realistic expectations about gradual improvement and longevity. Facial fat grafting is especially beneficial for patients in San Jose and the Bay Area who prefer a natural, biocompatible alternative to synthetic injectables. A consultation with Dr. Li will determine if this treatment aligns with your goals and facial anatomy.

Facial Fat Grafting First Step

What’s the first step?

The first step to getting facial plastic surgery in San Jose and the greater Bay Area is to book your initial consultation with Dr. Li at CA Aesthetics in Campbell. In order to get the most out of your facelift cost and procedure details, you should prepare your questions ahead of time and do a little bit of research.

When you come in for your appointment, you will have the opportunity to meet with Dr. Li who will review your medical history, discuss the appearance you would like to achieve, and other pertinent medical information. After a physical examination, he will craft a surgical plan that he believes will produce the best results. If both of you are in agreement and you wish to move forward with your surgery, our Patient Coordinator will help coordinate a date for surgery.

We will also provide detailed preoperative and postoperative instructions to best help you prepare and recover from your surgery.

What to Expect on the Day of Facial Fat Grafting Surgery

Facial fat grafting can be performed under local anesthesia with or without sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of treatment. Fat is harvested using gentle liposuction, purified, and then meticulously injected into targeted areas of the face using microcannulas. The entire surgery typically takes 1 to 2 hours, and patients are discharged home on the same day. At CA Aesthetics, every detail is handled with care to ensure your safety, comfort, and aesthetic success.

Facial Fat Grafting Recovery

Post-procedure swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common and usually resolve within 7–14 days. Some volume loss is expected as the body absorbs a portion of the transferred fat, with final results settling in after 2 to 3 months. Dr. Li provides comprehensive aftercare instructions and monitors your progress through follow-up visits. Most San Jose area patients resume normal activities within a week, with results refining over time.

Facial Fat Grafting Cost

How Much Does Facial Fat Grafting Cost in San Jose, CA?

The cost of facial fat grafting is determined by the complexity of your treatment and the number of areas being enhanced. Often, patients in the San Jose and Campbell area combine their fat transfer treatment with other procedures such as blepharoplasty or browlift to create transformative results with minimal downtime. During your consultation with Dr. Eric Li, you’ll receive a detailed and transparent pricing breakdown, along with a personalized plan. We believe in thoughtful investments that deliver long-lasting beauty.

Real Patient Reviews

Dr. Li and his staff are amazing ! From the consultation, surgery, and post op appointments everything was flawless . Dr. Li is highly skilled and knowledgeable about what he does . I am 6 months post op and I love my results more and more everyday . I have the confidence I never had prior to my surgery , and this was my first surgery of any kind and I felt like I was in very good hands! Thank you Dr . Li & his team

— Devin Guardino

Why choose Dr. Li?

Dr. Eric Li brings a meticulous, art-meets-science approach to facial cosmetic surgery, backed by elite training and international recognition. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC), and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). His practice at CA Aesthetics reflects his philosophy of personalized care, refined technique, and long-term relationships with patients. Whether you’re seeking subtle enhancement or comprehensive facial transformation, Dr. Li is trusted across the Bay Area for delivering excellence with integrity.

Facial Fat Grafting FAQ’S

Facial fat grafting is generally a safe and well-tolerated procedure; however, as with any surgical treatment, it carries certain risks that patients should understand before proceeding. Under the care of a board-certified surgeon like Dr. Eric Li, complications are uncommon, but informed consent is an essential part of the process.

Potential risks include:
- Bruising and swelling at the donor or injection sites
- Infection or delayed healing
- Asymmetry or irregular contour
- Lumps or nodules under the skin
- Over- or under correction of volume
- Partial fat resorption requiring future touch-ups
- Rare risk of fat embolism

Schedule a Consultation

To take the next step toward refreshed, youthful facial contours, contact CA Aesthetics in Campbell, CA, to schedule your consultation with Dr. Eric Li. We proudly serve patients throughout San Jose and the greater Bay Area, offering a welcoming environment where safety, results, and comfort are our top priorities. Our friendly staff will help coordinate your visit and answer any questions you have along the way.

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