Services / Facial Lipofilling with Own Fat
Facial Lipofilling with Own Fat
Facial lipofilling uses your own harvested fat to restore volume in areas of the face that have thinned or hollowed over time, such as the cheeks, temples, or under-eye region. At Clinica Estetica OP in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dr. Juan Óscar Polanco Cirineo combines fat harvesting with delicate, layered placement techniques for a soft, natural result. Individual results vary, and an in-person evaluation is required before any treatment plan is finalized.
What facial lipofilling is and who it suits
Facial lipofilling, also known as fat grafting, involves gently removing fat from an area of the body with excess, such as the abdomen or thighs, processing it, and reinjecting it into targeted facial areas to restore lost volume. It is well suited to patients who have developed hollowing in the cheeks, temples, or under eyes.
Because the material used is the patient's own tissue, it is generally well tolerated by the body. Candidacy depends on having a suitable donor area and realistic expectations about gradual, natural-looking volume restoration rather than dramatic reshaping.
Benefits of restoring volume with your own tissue
Fat grafting can soften hollow areas, smooth transitions between facial regions, and contribute to a more youthful, rested appearance, all while using material sourced from the patient's own body rather than a synthetic product. Many patients also appreciate the secondary benefit of light contouring at the donor site.
When a portion of the transferred fat survives long term, results can be more durable than some injectable alternatives, though the exact retention rate varies from person to person.
What to expect: consultation, procedure, and recovery
During your consultation, Dr. Polanco identifies the facial areas that would benefit from volume restoration and evaluates suitable donor sites on the body. This is also the time to discuss the gradual nature of results, since some transferred fat is naturally reabsorbed by the body over the following months.
The procedure combines a gentle fat harvesting technique with careful, layered reinjection into the facial tissue, typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation. Mild swelling and bruising at both the donor and injection sites are common initially, with results becoming clearer as swelling resolves over the following weeks.
Why choose Dr. Polanco and Clinica Estetica OP
Fat grafting requires both surgical skill in tissue handling and an artistic sense of facial proportion. Dr. Polanco's Master's in Aesthetic Surgery from the University of Conde in Veracruz and his ongoing postgraduate work in Facial and Body Aesthetic Surgery at Universidade Monitor, São Paulo, reflect a specific focus on this kind of nuanced facial work.
At Clinica Estetica OP in Santiago de los Caballeros, the team's attentive, bilingual care ensures patients feel informed and comfortable through both the fat harvesting and facial refinement stages of treatment.
Longevity and maintenance
Unlike temporary dermal fillers, a portion of transferred fat that establishes a healthy blood supply can remain in place long term, which is why many patients view lipofilling as a more lasting volume solution. That said, natural aging continues after the procedure, and the retained volume may shift subtly over the years.
Some patients choose a small touch-up session later on to refine results further, and this can be discussed with Dr. Polanco as part of a long-term facial care plan tailored to individual goals.
Frequently asked questions
How long does facial fat transfer last?
A portion of the transferred fat that develops a stable blood supply can remain long term, though some natural reabsorption occurs in the months following treatment. Individual results vary.
Where does the fat come from?
Fat is typically harvested from an area of the body with sufficient excess, such as the abdomen or thighs, using a gentle technique. Dr. Polanco will identify the most suitable donor site during your consultation.
Is facial lipofilling painful?
Most patients experience mild discomfort at both the donor and injection sites, which is generally manageable during recovery. Your care team will provide specific guidance.
Can it be combined with other facial procedures?
Yes, facial lipofilling is often paired with a face and neck lift or eyelid surgery for a more comprehensive rejuvenation. This can be discussed during your in-person evaluation.
Benefits
- Restores lost facial volume using your own tissue
- Softens hollow areas in cheeks, temples, and under eyes
- Generally well tolerated since no synthetic material is used
- Can offer more lasting results than some injectables
- Provides mild contouring benefit at the fat donor site
Related procedures
- Surgical Face and Neck Rejuvenation
- Hyaluronic Acid Fillers for the Face and Nose
- Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
Considering this procedure?
Book a private consultation in Santiago de los Caballeros and get a straight answer about your candidacy.