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View Dr. Ambani's Crisalix profileFacial Fat Grafting
Facial fat grafting moves a small amount of your own fat from one area of the body to selected areas of the face. It is considered when longer-lasting volume restoration may suit the concern better than an off-the-shelf filler. The stem cell effect of fat grafting also enhances skin quality and complexion.
Medically reviewed by Shoshana Ambani, MDLast reviewed August 26, 2026
Introduction
What is facial fat grafting?
Fat is removed with liposuction, prepared, and placed in small amounts to build contour gradually. Both the donor area and the face are part of the plan.
Not all transferred fat survives, and the amount that remains varies. This makes careful planning and conservative placement important. Fat grafting restores volume; it does not tighten loose skin.
Technology in consultation
See the plan more clearly.
These tools support discussion and evaluation. They do not replace the examination or guarantee an outcome.
Honest guidance
Are you a good candidate?
YOUR CONSULTATION CONSIDERS
- Facial volume loss is the main concern and enough donor fat is available.
- You are comfortable with swelling in the face and soreness at a liposuction donor site. Most swelling and soreness resolve after 1 week.
- You understand that some fat is reabsorbed, and touch-ups may be discussed.
A SHARED DECISION
Candidacy is personal. Dr. Ambani reviews your goals, anatomy, health, medications, prior procedures, healing history, and timing before recommending treatment. Whole fat, nanofat, and microfat are options for different areas of the face, depending on what is needed.
She will also tell you when another procedure, further evaluation, waiting, or no treatment is the better plan.
A useful consultation is a discussion about the options that are right for you.
Why choose Dr. Ambani
ABPS board-certified plastic surgeon with more than twenty years of experience
MEDICAL SCHOOL
Duke University School of Medicine
RESIDENCY
Plastic Surgery, University of Michigan Affiliated Hospitals
FELLOWSHIP
Microsurgical Reconstruction, University of Pittsburgh Affiliated Hospitals
BOARD CERTIFICATION
American Board of Plastic Surgery
EXPERIENCE
Attending surgeon since 2017
Supported at every stage
What recovery involves
01
Early healing
Expect facial swelling and bruising plus soreness at the donor area for about 1 week.
02
Returning to routine
Visible swelling improves gradually, while the transferred fat settles over a longer period.
03
Post-procedural care
Dr. Ambani gives specific instructions on pressure, exercise, and skin care.
Risks to discuss: Risks include bleeding, infection, contour irregularity, asymmetry, fat necrosis, oil cysts or calcifications, loss of transferred fat, donor-site unevenness, anesthesia complications, revision, and need for repeat injections.
Clear, personalized planning
Cost and self-pay care
Shoshana Ambani Plastic Surgery is a cosmetic, self-pay practice. Cost depends on the procedure, complexity, setting, anesthesia, supplies, and time required.
A price is useful only when it matches your actual plan. You receive an itemized estimate after consultation.
Thoughtful answers
Common questions
These answers are general. Your consultation is where Dr. Ambani applies them to your anatomy, health, and goals.
How is facial fat grafting different from filler?
Fat comes from your own body and requires liposuction. This provides the benefit of fat removal (liposculpting) from areas of unwanted fat. Fat grafts are live adipocytes that are placed in a new location in your body, where they will continue to live and provide volume. Fillers are manufactured products. Duration, recovery, and placement differ.
Is facial fat grafting permanent?
The surviving fat is long-lasting, but retention varies. Over time, the face continues to age with time and gravity.
Does fat grafting tighten skin?
No. It adds volume. Loose skin may require a different procedure.
Where is the donor fat taken from?
The donor area depends on your anatomy and available fat, and is selected during planning.
Plan your care with Dr. Ambani
Consultation-based, self-pay plastic surgery in Ann Arbor.