Facial Fat Transfer in
Scottsdale, AZ

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Facial fat transfer in Scottsdale, Phoenix & Paradise Valley, performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Gruszynski.

Facial fat transfer in Scottsdale, Phoenix & Paradise Valley, performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Gruszynski.

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Scottsdale Facial Fat Transfer Specialist · Board Certified Plastic Surgeon · Thousands of Procedures ·  Scottsdale Facial Fat Transfer Specialist · Board Certified Plastic Surgeon · Thousands of Procedures ·

Would You Like to Turn Back Time?

Over time, the face can lose its youthful volume and make features appear tired or less defined. Restoring that natural fullness isn’t about changing how you look, but about bringing harmony back to your features.

Facial fat transfer offers a different type of approach. By using your body’s own fat, this technique restores volume where it has been lost and brings back a natural sense of softness. The result is subtle, helping your features look balanced and authentic without feeling altered.

Our facial fat transfer experts help patients in Scottsdale and Phoenix decide whether this procedure is the right choice for them.

What To Know About Facial Fat Transfer in Scottsdale

Facial fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is a way to restore softness and balance to areas of the face that have lost volume over time using your own natural tissue.

A small amount of fat is taken from an area like the abdomen or thighs, purified, and then placed into areas of the face that appear sunken or tired.

These areas might include the cheeks, under-eye hollows, temples, or around the mouth, where subtle volume loss can affect how we look and feel.

The fat comes from your own body, so the results feel and look completely natural. There’s no risk of allergic reaction, and unlike fillers, fat transfer has the potential to provide long-lasting results as the cells reintegrate into your tissue. 

Facial fat transfer is all about restoring proportions that make the face appear rested and beautiful.

We offer expert care to patients seeking facial fat transfer in Scottsdale and Phoenix. Book your consultation to find out more.

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Benefits of Facial Fat Grafting

Facial fat transfer uses your own fat to replace lost volume and improve facial contours in a natural way. Some of the key benefits include:

  • Restores Contours: Adds natural-looking fullness to the cheeks, temples, jawline, and under-eye area.
  • Smooths Lines and Folds: Softens creases around the mouth, nose, and eyes for a refreshed appearance.
  • Uses Your Own Tissue: Reduces risk of reaction and creates a result that feels completely natural.
  • Improves Two Areas: Fat is gently taken from the abdomen or thighs, leaving them slimmer after healing.

Ideal Candidates
for Facial Fat Transfer

Not everyone seeking facial fat grafting is looking for the same solution. Some patients want a softer, fuller look, while others hope to replace fillers with something longer-lasting. The best candidates often share these qualities:

Hollow or Sunken Cheeks

Midface volume loss that makes the face appear flat or sharp.

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Eye Bag Icon

Under-Eye Shadows

Depressions or dark circles that make you look tired even when well-rested.

Unhappy with Fillers

Experience with fillers that looked unnatural or needed constant maintenance.

Jawline Volume Loss

Thinning along the outer face that makes features appear less defined.

Preference for Natural Results

A desire for subtle, longer-lasting results using your own tissue.

If you’d like to learn more about preparing for and recovering from surgery, schedule your consult with Dr. Mark.

Take the first step toward natural facial volume. 

Plan Your Procedure

Facial Fat Transfer Consultation in Scottsdale

Your consultation with Dr. Mark is a conversation about what you see, how you feel, and how subtle volume restoration might support the way you want to look. 

He will begin by reviewing your facial structure in detail and pay close attention to areas of volume loss, skin tone, and overall facial proportions. He’ll ask about any previous experience with fillers or facial treatments, and talk about your candidacy.

You’ll also discuss potential donor sites (like the abdomen or thighs) and review how the fat transfer procedure works, including how much fat may be needed, what results to expect, and how the outcomes will evolve over time. 

By the end of your consultation, you’ll have a fully personalized plan tailored to your face, your preferences, and your comfort level.

How to Prepare for Your Facial Fat Transfer

Preparing for this plastic surgery procedure involves a few steps that help your body get ready. Whether you’re in Scottsdale or the greater Phoenix area, our team will provide detailed instructions tailored to you.

Maintain a Stable Weight

Avoid major weight changes before surgery, as that can affect the fat available for transfer and alter your final results.

Avoid Facial Treatments

Skip massages, aggressive skincare, or filler injections for at least two weeks so the tissues are calm and ready.

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Stop Smoking Icon

Quit Smoking and Vaping

Stop nicotine use at least four weeks before and after surgery to protect blood flow and improve fat survival.

Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Drink plenty of water and eat balanced meals for several days leading up to the surgery to keep fat cells healthy.

Stop Alcohol 72 Hours Before

Avoid wine, beer, and spirits for at least three days before surgery to lower bleeding risk and support healing.

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Organice Transportation Icon

Arrange a Ride Home

Have a friend or family member drive you after surgery and stay with you for the first night if possible.

Ready to move forward? Schedule your facial fat transfer consultation today at our Scottsdale practice. 

Request a Consultation

What are the Steps of a Facial Fat Transfer?

Facial fat transfer is chosen by those across the Phoenix metro area seeking refined results. It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure and typically takes between 1 to 2 hours. This is usually how the procedure goes: 

Depending on the extent of the procedure and your comfort level, Dr. Mark may use local anesthesia with light sedation or general anesthesia. This will be reviewed during your consultation, so you know exactly what to expect. Throughout the procedure, your breathing and comfort are monitored closely to keep you relaxed and safe.

Fat is gently harvested through a small cannula, usually from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks. Only a small amount is needed for facial areas1, but great care is taken to protect the structure of the fat cells during removal so they are healthy for transfer.

After collecting, the harvested fat is processed using a sterile method that separates and discards excess fluids, oils, and damaged cells. This step concentrates the healthiest fat cells, which improves their ability to survive and integrate naturally once they are placed back into the face.

Dr. Mark carefully injects small amounts of purified fat into the selected areas of the face using microcannulas. This precise, layered approach allows the fat to blend smoothly with surrounding tissue and gradually build natural-looking facial volume in places like the cheeks, under-eyes, temples, or jawline.

Once the fat has been placed, Dr. Mark assesses the overall balance of the face and gently smooths the treated areas. This step helps achieve symmetry and a result that looks soft and natural, not overfilled.

You will be monitored in a recovery area for a short time before heading home the same day. Some swelling and bruising are expected in both the donor and facial sites, but these usually improve over several days. You’ll receive detailed post-op instructions to help protect the transferred fat and support smooth healing.

Facial Fat Transfer Recovery Timeline

Recovery after facial fat transfer is unique, but here’s a general idea of what to expect:

Days 1–3

During the first few days, swelling and mild bruising are expected around the face and the donor area where fat was taken. A feeling of fullness or tightness is normal as the tissues adjust.

Days 4–7

By days 4 to 7, bruising may start to fade, and swelling begins to decrease. Many patients feel comfortable working from home or resuming light activities.

Weeks 1–2

Around the end of the second week, swelling continues to decrease, and the early shape of your results becomes visible. Some mild puffiness may remain, but it’s normal and temporary.

Weeks 3–4

The majority of swelling has resolved by week 3 or 4. The transferred fat begins to blend with the surrounding tissues, and you can finally notice softer contours. Donor sites also feel more comfortable.

Months 2–3

During the second and third months, the results become more refined. The skin texture improves, and your facial shape looks more natural as the grafted fat stabilizes and integrates fully.

Months 3–6

By three to six months, the final results are well established. The transferred fat that remains is considered permanent, and your new contours look soft and natural.

Facial Fat Transfer Phoenix

Dr. Mark’s Recovery Tips

  • Keep your head elevated for the first few nights
  • Apply cold compresses around treated areas
  • Avoid pressing or massaging the face
  • Do not sleep on your stomach or side
  • Follow all instructions for liposuction site care
  • Avoid strenuous activity until approved

Why Choose
Dr. Mark Gruszynski

Dr. Mark is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon recognized across Scottsdale and Phoenix with more than a decade of surgical experience. He completed advanced training at UCLA, one of the country’s most respected programs, where he refined his expertise in aesthetic and reconstructive facial procedures.

He is widely recognized for delivering results that look natural and blend seamlessly with each patient’s features. His approach to facial fat transfer focuses on restoring softness and volume in a way that supports harmony without calling attention to the procedure itself.

Dr. Mark takes time to listen to each patient’s goals, study their facial anatomy, and create a plan designed to match their vision. His commitment to patient comfort and communication helps individuals feel informed, respected, and confident from the first consultation through the final follow-up.

Meet Our Facial Surgeon

Frequently Asked
Questions About Facial Fat Transfer

Successfully transferring fat can provide permanent results, though some fat may be naturally reabsorbed by your body. Typically, 60-80% of transferred fat survives long-term. Results vary based on individual factors, injection technique, and post-operative care.

Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort rather than significant pain. Prescription pain medication manages any discomfort during the first few days. Both donor and recipient sites may feel tender, but this typically resolves within a week.

Initial results appear once swelling subsides around 2-3 weeks. However, final results develop over 3-6 months as transferred fat settles and establishes blood supply. Some patients notice continued improvement up to one year after surgery.

Yes, fat transfer often complements good with a good lift. Some procedures like facelifts, brow lifts, or eyelid surgery are good for comprehensive facial transformation. Dr. Mark can discuss combination approaches during your consultation. Combining procedures may extend recovery time but can provide more dramatic overall results.

Fat transfer can enhance cheeks, temples, under-eye areas, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, lips, and jawline. The procedure works well for any area experiencing volume loss. We customize treatment areas based on your specific concerns and aesthetic goals.

As with any surgical procedure, risks include infection, bleeding, asymmetry, and fat necrosis. Some patients may experience overcorrection or undercorrection requiring touch-up procedures. We discuss all potential risks during your consultation and take measures to minimize complications.

The amount varies based on treatment areas and desired results. Usually, 20-60cc of processed fat is sufficient for facial enhancement. Dr. Mark harvests slightly more fat than needed to account for processing losses and potential touch-up needs.

Donor site incisions are very small and typically fade to barely visible marks. Facial injection sites heal without visible scarring since they’re made with tiny cannulas. Any marks usually disappear completely within a few weeks of surgery.

Yes, additional fat transfer sessions can address areas needing more volume or touch up results. It’s often better to be conservative initially and add more fat later if desired. Dr. Mark can assess whether additional treatment would benefit your results.

Facial fat transfer for cosmetic enhancement is typically not covered by insurance. However, reconstruction after trauma or medical conditions may qualify for coverage. We will also discuss any financing alternatives with you as well.

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References

  1. Vasavada, A., & Raggio, B. S. (2023, July 31). Autologous fat grafting for facial rejuvenation. In StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557860/