Face
Facial Fat Transfer
Dr. Piazza performs advanced fat transfer in Austin, using your own natural fat to restore volume and rejuvenate areas like the cheeks, temples, and tear troughs.
Recovery Time
Discussed at consultation
Surgeon
Dr. Rocco Piazza II, ABPS
Location
Austin, TX
Financing
Cherry, CareCredit & PatientFi →Overview
What Is a Facial Fat Transfer?
Also called autologous fat grafting, a facial fat transfer takes fatty tissue harvested from one area of your body and uses it to restore volume in another. The board-certified surgeons at The Piazza Center in Austin, TX perform facial fat transfers to volumize the tear ducts, temple hollows, lips, cheeks, and chin — using your own tissue rather than a synthetic filler or implant. A fat transfer typically occurs alongside another surgical procedure, such as a facelift.
At a Glance
Everything You Need to Know
Treatment Areas
- Tear troughs (under-eye hollows)
- Temple hollows
- Lips and cheeks
- Chin
Goal
Restore lost facial volume using your own tissue — a safe, natural alternative to synthetic fillers or implants.
The Technique
Fat is harvested via gentle liposuction, purified in a centrifuge to filter out oil, blood, and other unwanted matter, then re-injected in precise quantities with a syringe.
Typically Combined With
Facelift surgery
Common Donor Sites
Thighs, buttocks, abdomen
Surgical Skill Required
Facial fat transfers are only performed by a handful of surgeons — if done incorrectly, the transplanted fat cells fail to survive. Precision technique is essential to lasting results.
Recovery Basics
- Swelling and bruising are expected at both the donor and treated sites
- Recovery timeline varies depending on any procedure performed alongside the transfer
- Dr. Piazza schedules follow-up visits throughout your healing
Why Choose a Fat Transfer
Your own tissue,
naturally restored.
Because a fat transfer uses tissue from your own body rather than a synthetic material, it offers a distinct set of advantages over fillers and implants for patients seeking natural, lasting facial volume.
- 01
All-Natural Volume
Uses your own fat instead of a synthetic filler or implant material.
- 02
Minimal Reaction Risk
Because it’s your own tissue, the risk of allergic reaction is very low.
- 03
Natural Look & Feel
Results look and feel like your own natural facial volume.
- 04
Longer-Lasting
Once transferred fat establishes itself, results last longer than injectable fillers.
Facelift &
Facial Fat Transfer.
A facial fat transfer typically occurs during another surgical procedure, such as a facelift. While a facelift repositions and tightens sagging tissue, fat grafting restores the volume that’s been lost over time — the two working together for a fuller, more natural rejuvenation.
- Single Surgery
- Single Recovery
- Personalized Combination
The Process
What to Expect at Your Consultation
Every facial fat transfer begins with a one-on-one consultation. Your surgeon listens attentively as you share your cosmetic goals and hesitations, examines your face, and reviews your medical history. From there, your surgeon explains how the fat transfer process works, answers your questions, and — if fat grafting is a good option for you — equips you with everything you need to make an informed choice.
Is a facial fat transfer
right for you?
Fat transfers are extremely safe and most people are good candidates. If you identify with any of the following, a facial fat transfer might be a good option for you.
Procedure options
in Austin.
Investment
Cost & financing.
Facial fat transfer is often performed alongside another procedure, such as a facelift, so cost depends on your specific combination and treatment areas. Your surgeon provides a comprehensive estimate after your consultation, and flexible financing is available through Cherry, CareCredit®, and PatientFi.
What to Expect
Your recovery,
step by step.
- 01
Initial Healing
Swelling and bruising are expected at both the donor site and the treated facial areas as your body begins to heal.
- 02
Depends on Your Combination
Because a fat transfer is often performed alongside another procedure, such as a facelift, your overall recovery timeline depends on that combination.
- 03
Follow-Up Care
Multiple follow-up appointments are scheduled throughout your healing to monitor your results.
Results
Your Facial Fat Transfer Results
Because transferred fat cells must establish their own blood supply to survive, initial swelling gradually subsides over the following weeks to reveal softer, more youthful volume in the treated areas — using tissue that’s entirely your own.
Unlike injectable fillers, which are gradually absorbed by the body, fat that successfully establishes itself can provide longer-lasting volume. Results vary by patient and by the procedures performed alongside the transfer.
Rocco C.
Piazza II
Dr. Rocco Piazza is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Austin, TX. Facial fat transfer is a precise technique performed by only a handful of surgeons — done incorrectly, the transplanted fat cells fail to survive. Dr. Piazza's expertise in harvesting, purifying, and placing fat allows him to restore natural facial volume with predictable, lasting results, often as part of a broader facial rejuvenation plan such as a facelift.
At The Piazza Center, Dr. Piazza prioritizes exceptional patient care and results, creating lasting relationships with his clients.
- Board Certified in Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
- M.D., Alpha Omega Alpha, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
- Recognized as a Top Doctor on RealSelf
- Recipient of the Doctor’s Choice Award for Plastic Surgery
- Published author with significant contributions to the field of plastic surgery literature
Rocco C. Piazza II — MD, FACS · Founder, The Piazza Center
Anesthesia
An Exceptional Anesthesia Experience
Because a facial fat transfer is typically performed alongside another surgical procedure, such as a facelift, your anesthesia plan is tailored to that combined surgery. The Piazza Center has developed a collaborative relationship with Dr. Cady to deliver an exceptional, personalized anesthesia experience for patients like you.
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Schedule Your Consultation
with Dr. Piazza
Every patient deserves individualized care. Meet with Dr. Piazza to discuss your specific goals and develop a plan tailored to you.