Fat Grafting: Making Your Facelift Look More Natural
by Dr. Lucie Capek, Board-Certified New York-Based Plastic Surgeon
According to an article written by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, fat grafting incorporated with facelift surgery has become the most popular technique among plastic surgeons. This technique involves gently harvesting fat cells using donor sites from the patient’s own body, such as the thighs or abdomen. The fat cells are then meticulously injected into the deflated areas of the face to add volume and three-dimensional rejuvenation. According to the survey, an incredible 85 percent of the plastic surgeons said they used fat grafting during facelift procedures.
I have embraced autologous fat transfer to the face since 1997. I also use this powerful procedure for breast enhancement and body contouring, such as Brazilian butt lifts. In the face, I refer to this technique as micro-fat grafting because of the delicate and precise nature of the procedure. In my practice, I routinely use micro-fat grafting during facelifts and blepharoplasties, which are two of the most common procedures I perform.
My goal in performing a facelift, or other facial rejuvenation surgery, is to make you look like your younger self – healthy, rested and refreshed. As we age, not only does our skin become looser and droopier but we also lose volume in all the tissues of our face, including fat and bone. Older facelift techniques addressed skin laxity but making your face look tighter, but did not always make it look younger. This is the look so many of my patients DON’T want – think bad celebrity lifts. By combining a less invasive, short-scar technique with micro-fat grafting, I can achieve a natural-looking facelift result that looks like you, just a decade or two ago. Check out my before and after gallery to see for yourself. I recommend carefully looking at the ¾ view photos, which really show the midface/cheek contour as well as the jawline.
Based on my experience and in the ASPS article referenced above, the rejuvenating power of fat transfer is long-lasting. Although a small amount of the injected fat is absorbed early on, I agree with the surgeons in the study, who stated that most of the transferred fat was still present one year after the procedure. In my personal experience, I have found that the volume present at 3 months after the procedure is stable and lasts for years thereafter if the patients otherwise lead a healthy lifestyle and use sun protection.
For more information or to schedule your consultation, call us today!
Dr. Lucie Capek, MD
Advanced Cosmetic Surgery 
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 
Boutique Aesthetic Practice & Medspa 
MedSpa - @capekmedspa
Dr. Lucie Capek
Dr. Lucie Capek is a dual board-certified plastic surgeon, certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. With more than three decades of experience, she has perfected the art of blending surgical precision with artistic vision to create beautiful, natural results for her patients.
Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Capek has helped thousands of individuals achieve their aesthetic goals with skill, compassion, and integrity. She is an active member of several esteemed professional organizations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Aesthetic Society, the American College of Surgeons, the New York State Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY).
Dr. Capek’s commitment to excellence and personalized care has earned her a reputation as one of the region’s most trusted and respected plastic surgeons.
