Fat Transfer in McAllen, TX

Facial Fat Transfer: At a Glance

What Is Fat Transfer?

Fat transfer, or fat grafting, is a procedure where Dr. Ayala removes fat from one area through liposuction and processes it to make it suitable for injection into the face. The fat is harvested through liposuction from areas of the body that have a surplus. Because the material is living tissue from your own body, it settles in and builds a blood supply. Dr. Ayala uses fat transfer most often to restore volume in the midface, chin and pre-jowl area. 

What Can Facial Fat Transfer Address? 

Fat transfer is most often used to correct the flattening and hollowing that develop as the face matures. Dr. Ayala uses it to treat several common concerns, including:

• A weak or recessed chin that lacks definition
• The pre-jowl region, where the jawline begins to sag
• Midface hollowing that leaves the cheeks looking deflated
• A general loss of structure across the lower face

Who Is a Good Candidate for Facial Fat Transfer? 

Dr. Ayala looks for healthy adults who want to restore lost volume without using synthetic materials. Patients need to have a modest amount of donor tissue elsewhere on the body, commonly from the abdomen.  Before performing the surgery, Dr. Ayala will make sure you are a good candidate by going over your health history, the amount of available fat for transfer, your goals and all of your treatment options.

The Fat Transfer Process at Ayala ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery

Facial fat transfer combines three different stages: harvesting, processing and placement. Each phase calls for technical precision, and the success of the final result depends on performing all of them well. Dr. Ayala brings decades of facial anatomy experience to each step. 

Harvesting

Dr. Ayala harvests the fat from the abdomen or from other areas of stubborn fat, like the thighs or love handles. The abdomen is the most common donor area because it has a dependable supply of healthy cells that have a strong likelihood of surviving the transfer process. Fat is collected through a gentle liposuction process that keeps fragile cells intact and ready for transfer. 

Processing

Once collected, the fat is refined and broken down into a smooth, injectable consistency. During this step, Dr. Ayala separates the fat from fluid, blood and any other unwanted materials. The processing technique is important because it protects the fat cells and turns them into a substance that behaves like a natural filler. 

Placement

With the fat prepared, Dr. Ayala can inject it into the desired facial areas. He builds and sculpts the face, always paying attention to the natural balance of your features. His goal is to create subtle, lasting enhancements that retain the character of your face. 

What Happens During the Fat Transfer Procedure? 

When the area we are taking the fat from is smaller, we can often use local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia to remove the fat. The procedure will take around one to two hours, during which Dr. Ayala will suction out the fat with liposuction through small incisions that are easily hidden in natural creases. During the injection process, he layers the purified fat a little at a time, building volume gradually and paying attention to the contour as he works. He may inject slightly more to account for any fat that does not survive the process. Then he closes the small incisions and transitions you into recovery. 

What Is Recovery Like? 

Recovery from facial fat transfer is relatively simple compared to other facial surgeries because of how small the incisions are. Both the donor site and the face will need care and time to settle, so be sure to follow any specific guidelines given to you by Dr. Ayala. Here is what to expect:

• First few days: Expect swelling and bruising at your injection sites, and some soreness at the donor area. Give your body plenty of rest and keep your head slightly elevated while you sleep. 
• First week: Much of the early swelling will subside, and you will likely feel ready to return to desk work and light activities. 
• Weeks two to four: Any leftover bruising will fade and the contours of your face will start to look more natural as the rest of the swelling resolves. 
• Three to six months: Your new fat will have established its own blood flow, and all of the fat that will reabsorb will have done so by now. You will be able to see your full result.

Why Choose Dr. Ayala

The success of a fat transfer procedure depends on the skill and experience of the surgeon performing it. It is important to find someone who understands the complex structure of the face and where to position volume so the results look natural.

Dr. Ayala received his knowledge about facial structure and anatomy from his fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Lasky Clinic in Beverly Hills. He is the first double board-certified otolaryngologist and facial plastic surgeon in the Rio Grande Valley and uses these certifications to bring a high standard of care to his community. 

Plastic surgery is about service to Dr. Ayala, and every procedure is a new opportunity to use his full range of experience and skill for the benefit of the patient. He treats every face with care, enhancing features that are already there for a more refreshed version of the same face. Patients come from all over the state and out of town to take advantage of Dr. Ayala’s philosophy and experience.

Book Your Consultation

If facial fat transfer sounds like the right way to restore your lost facial volume and refresh your appearance, Dr. Carlos Ayala is ready to help you explore it. You can start the process by calling Ayala ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery at 956-688-6673 or scheduling a consultation online. Patients come from all over Texas for our care and service.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is facial fat transfer permanent?

Over the months following surgery, your body reabsorbs some of the relocated fat, but the cells that survive become a lasting part of your features. You can have these results for many years, even as natural aging gradually continues. Some changes in facial structure are still possible because of weight gain and changes in skin elasticity. 

Will I need a touch-up treatment?

Sometimes patients may need an additional touch-up session. Each person reabsorbs fat at a slightly different rate, and some individuals may opt for a second session to perfect their volume. However, most people only need one facial fat transfer session. Dr. Ayala will talk through all of these possibilities at your consultation so you understand what to expect from the start.

What are the risks of facial fat transfer?

Surgical procedures carry some degree of risk, and it is important to discuss these with your surgeon. Possible complications include:

• Swelling and bruising
• Infection
• Asymmetry or uneven results
• Fat necrosis, meaning loss of transferred fat cells
• Over-correction or under-correction of volume

Selecting a skilled, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and following your aftercare instructions carefully are the best ways to keep these risks to a minimum.

How much does facial fat transfer cost?

Facial fat transfer at our practice starts at $3,500, though your final cost will depend on how many areas you wish to treat and the complexity of your goals. We review all pricing in detail during your consultation. To make treatment accessible, we offer financing through Prosper and CareCredit, along with an in-office layaway plan.

How Does Fat Transfer Differ From Dermal Fillers and Implants?

Dermal fillers use synthetic gels that offer temporary volume improvements. They provide precise and immediate results, but patients have to return for repeat treatments to maintain volume. Fat transfer acts as a natural filler, and some patients prefer it to dermal fillers because it is longer-lasting and the material used is autologous, meaning it comes completely from the patient’s body, so there is no risk of allergic reaction to the transferred fat.

Implants are small prosthetics made from biocompatible materials such as silicone. They are placed under the skin to mimic bone and add structure. The decision between these three options will be made during your consultation based on the type of result you are looking for.