Fat Grafting San Diego
What Is Fat Grafting?
Fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, is a popular cosmetic procedure that uses your own body fat to restore volume, contour, and smoothness in targeted areas. At Restore SD Plastic Surgery in San Diego, fat grafting offers a natural alternative to synthetic fillers or implants—enhancing areas like the breasts, buttocks, face, or hands with long-lasting results.
The process involves gently removing fat from one area of your body—such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks—using liposuction. This fat is then purified and carefully re-injected into the desired area to add fullness and improve shape. Because it uses your own tissue, fat grafting is biocompatible, safe, and often provides a softer, more natural look and feel compared to implants or fillers.
Whether you’re looking to enhance curves, correct asymmetry, or reverse age-related volume loss, fat grafting is a versatile solution that delivers beautiful, subtle results with minimal scarring.
The Best Fat Grafting Candidates
- Have areas of the flanks, hips, thighs or abdomen that are adequate to donate fat
- Are in good health and not taking any blood-thinning medication
- Have an identifiable area that is amenable to correction
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Gallus is a board certified plastic surgeon and Castle Connolly Top Doctor. She will partner with you to develop a tailored surgical plan that prioritizes your safety and results.
Dr. Chao’s elite facial plastic surgery training and remarkable attention to detail offers patients safe, natural-looking results. She will work closely with you to understand your goals and concerns to bring your aesthetic vision to life.
Fat Grafting Options
Fat grafting is a popular cosmetic and reconstructive procedure that has very dramatic results that can permanently restore lost volume. Alternatives to fat grafting include the family of hyaluronic acid fillers, hydroxyapatite fillers, and silicone implants. The injectable fillers absorb over time and the effects are lost so you will have to return on a regular basis for maintenance. Each approach and material has its pros and cons and your Restore SD surgeon will listen to your goals to partner with you in establishing a surgical plan that maximizes your results in a safe and cost-effective manner.
No Fat to Give? AlloClae™ Is Your Alternative
If you’re not a candidate for traditional fat transfer due to low body fat or want to avoid liposuction, AlloClae™ may be the right fit. This innovative treatment uses safe, donor-derived fat cells to enhance areas like the breasts, buttocks, and hips. Like fat grafting, it supports collagen production and long-term volume restoration—without requiring harvesting from your own body.
Fat Grafting Surgery
Fat grafting is generally performed under general anesthesia in an accredited ambulatory surgical center although smaller volumes of grafting may be safely done in the office with mild sedation. Very small incisions are made to harvest the fat for grafting using the SAFELipo™ technique. The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours to perform. The fat is purified in a sterile machine and then grafted into the areas of lost volume to sculpt your appearance into a more youthful and vibrant look.
Fat Grafting Recovery
After your fat grafting surgery is completed, you will be able to go home with a responsible adult. Ideally, a loved-one or friend can stay with you for the first few days of the recovery process. Some surgical pain is expected and you will be prescribed pain medication as part of your recovery. You will need to wear a compression garment for 4-6 weeks after surgery to ensure smooth healing of the area from which the fat was harvested. Some swelling and bruising is expected and will subside within the first weeks after surgery.
Following your facial fat grafting procedure, we encourage the incorporation of lymphatic massage into your aftercare routine. This specialized massage technique can help reduce post-operative swelling and promote quicker healing.
You will have a follow-up with your Restore SD surgeon after your procedure and will be guided back to your usual activities. Most complications occur from getting too active, too soon after surgery so select a surgical date that allows an appropriate amount of time to heal and gradually return to your more vigorous activities.
“I recently had surgery at Restore. I had several procedures performed…The consultation is what convinced me to use Restore. I had several other consultations and none compared to Restore SD. There was no hard sales pitch or recommendation to have a procedure done that was more than what was needed. At Restore the office staff is friendly, patient and knowledgeable. The surgical staff was beyond wonderful. This wasn’t my first experience with plastic surgery and by far Restore has been the best… I highly recommend Restore SD.”
—Actual patient review
The Combined Fat Grafting Procedures
Fat grafting is a wonderful procedure that can be a stand-alone intervention or combined with other procedures to place additional volume in needed areas. Fat grafting is frequently done as part of facial rejuvenation procedures like a facelift, part of secondary breast reconstruction, and to smooth aging hands.
Fat Grafting + Breast Implant Removal
Dr. Katerina Gallus talks about combining a fat transfer during breast explant surgery in this short video.
Your Safety = Beautiful Results
Fat Grafting at Restore SD
At Restore SD Plastic Surgery, patient safety comes first. Board-certified plastic surgeon and former Navy plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus and facial plastic surgeon Dr. Janet Chao operate in a private, on-site Quad A-accredited surgery center, with state-of-the-art equipment and LED surgical lighting. Our plastic surgeons proudly work with a board-certified anesthesiologist and hold privileges at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.
Fat Grafting FAQs
What happens at my fat grafting consultation?
You may visit Restore SD Plastic Surgery to discuss fat grafting as part of facial rejuvenation, breast reconstruction, to treat aging hands, or to treat another congenital or acquired contour defect. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus or facial plastic surgeon Dr. Janet Chao will perform a thorough examination, take a complete medical history, and review any medications you are taking. At your consultation, you will have photos taken with our Vectra 3D imaging system and discuss treatment areas and options while viewing your photo series. With our state of the art Canfield software, potential surgical results can be viewed and adjustments can be made, helping you to visualize possible outcomes. your surgeon will closely listen to your goals and partner with you to develop a unique surgical plan that optimizes your results and safety.
Does all of the grafted fat survive?
Although tremendous advances have been made in the field of structural fat grafting, not all of the grafted fat survives. Expertly harvested and carefully purified fat can yield graft survival in the range of 60-75%. This amount of fat survival is very predictable and you can expect to see some decrease in size after the swelling subsides and the non-viable fat is reabsorbed by your body. The final results of fat grafting can generally be seen after 4-6 months. Sometimes patients like to return for a second round of fat grafting in a year or two
How do I choose a surgeon?
It is important to ask if your surgeon has the proper qualifications and expertise. The plastic surgeons at Restore SD have years of training and expertise in fat grafting that cannot be imitated by short courses and alternative certifications. Ensure that your surgeon is proficient in body contouring surgery and fat grafting in particular.
Why should I come to Restore SD Plastic Surgery for my fat grafting?
Dr. Gallus holds over 15 years of experience with cosmetic and reconstructive fat grafting and is a fully credentialed, board certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Gallus’ time as a Navy surgeon in wartime yielded new and unique applications for fat grafting and use of lasers in tissue expansion. She has the expertise and vision to employ fat grafting to artistically sculpt and shape your ideal proportions.
Dr. Janet Chao is a distinguished facial plastic surgeon who specializes in aesthetic surgery of the face and neck. With over a decade dedicated to studying and perfecting techniques for the face and neck, Dr. Chao brings great care and expertise to the patients of Restore SD Plastic Surgery.Dr. Gallus and Dr. Chao will take the time to listen to you, and partner with you to develop a surgical plan that prioritizes your safety and beautiful results. We want you to leave Restore SD Plastic Surgery feeling nothing short of satisfied with your fat grafting journey!
Why is fat grafting surgery for me?
Every individual has a unique shape and proportions. Filling out your cheeks, plumping your lips, smoothing aging hands are all great reasons to consider fat grafting surgery. At Restore SD Plastic Surgery, we want you to look and feel your best. Your Restore SD surgeon will partner with you to develop a comprehensive surgical plan that tailors the optimal result to your goals and desires.
- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Restores lost facial volume with your own natural fat
- Smoothes out wrinkles, lines, and creases for subtle facial rejuvenation
- Offers a modest increase in breast size without the need for implants
- Improves hand appearance by restoring lost volume and minimizing the appearance of veins and tendons
- Adipose Tissue: A type of connective tissue that stores fat in the body, providing insulation, protection, and energy storage.
- Anesthesia: Medication administered during surgical procedures to prevent pain. In fat grafting, local or general anesthesia may be used depending on the extent of the procedure.
- Autologous Fat Transfer: A procedure that involves harvesting fat from one’s own body and re-injecting it into another area to enhance volume or correct deformities.
- Body Contouring: A range of procedures that reshape body areas to improve their appearance.
- Cannula: A thin, hollow tube used during liposuction and fat transfer procedures to extract or inject fat.
- Centrifugation: A process used to separate the fat cells from other components of the harvested fat tissue before reinjection, ensuring the purity and viability of the fat cells.
- Dermal Fillers: Injectable products used to add volume, alter contours, and fill in wrinkles on the face. Unlike fat grafting, which uses the patient’s own fat, dermal fillers often consist of hyaluronic acid or other substances.
- Donor Site: The area of the body from which fat is harvested for a fat grafting procedure.
- Facial Fat Grafting: A cosmetic procedure that involves transferring fat from one part of the body to the face to restore volume, improve facial contours, and reduce signs of aging.
- Fat Embolism: A rare but serious complication where fat droplets enter the bloodstream and block blood vessels, potentially leading to life-threatening conditions.
- Fat Transfer (Fat Grafting): The process of harvesting fat from one area of the body (donor site) and injecting it into another area (recipient site) to add volume or correct deformities.
- Hand Rejuvenation: A procedure aimed at making the hands look younger by adding volume to the hands, reducing the appearance of veins and tendons, and improving skin quality.
- Liposuction: A surgical procedure used to remove excess fat from specific areas of the body, often used in conjunction with fat grafting to harvest fat.
- Microfat Grafting: A technique that involves injecting small amounts of purified fat into various layers of the skin and tissue to achieve more precise volume enhancement and contouring.
- Nanofat Grafting: A refinement of fat grafting where fat cells are further processed into a more liquid form, allowing for injection into delicate areas such as the face for subtle improvements in skin texture and tone.
- Recipient Site: The area of the body where the harvested fat is injected during a fat grafting procedure.
- Recovery Time: The period required for a patient to recuperate after a surgical procedure.
- Tumescent Solution: A fluid mixture containing saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine, injected into the donor site during liposuction to minimize bleeding and facilitate fat removal.
How much time off work should I take after fat grafting surgery?
Depending on your profession and extent of surgery, you should expect to take 1-2 weeks off from work. You will not be able to drive while taking narcotic pain medication. You will need a ride home after having general anesthesia and have a friend or family member stay with you for the first night and a day or two if possible.
How do I minimize post-operative scarring after fat grafting surgery?
Unfortunately, scarless surgery does not yet exist. However this procedure is performed through very small incisions and injection sites so there are only a few small scars to treat. Your Restore SD surgeons will educate you about scar management postoperatively. A surgical scar will take 9-12 months to fully mature. Your scar will go through changes during the healing process and your Restore SD team will help you manage this part of your recovery. This can consist of skin care, sun avoidance, scar massage, scar cream, and fractionated laser treatments.
What should I do to prepare for fat grafting surgery?
If you have close friends or relatives who have had fat grafting surgery – start there! A personal story of their journey may guide you to questions to ask your surgeon and having someone with a shared experience is invaluable. Educate yourself by reading our procedure page and viewing our educational videos. Other sources of information include RealSelf and WebMd.
I am a smoker – can I have fat grafting surgery?
At Restore SD Plastic surgery, we want to deliver safe, consistent, and reproducible results. Smoking tobacco or using any nicotine products has adverse effects on wound healing. Your risk of fat necrosis, infection, and prolonged incision healing are much higher if you use nicotine. We recommend a nicotine free period of 8 weeks prior to surgery and a minimum of 4 weeks after. We have a simple urinary nicotine test that we complete in the office to help you on your journey to a safe and gratifying surgical experience with us.
I have Diabetes – what do I need to know about fat grafting surgery?
If you have diabetes it is important to work with your medical team to keep an ideal HbA1C. Diabetes can increase your risk for prolonged wound healing and certain types of infections. Surgery can be safely performed but requires a coordinated effort from patients, surgeons, and medical doctors to attain outstanding results. There are some instances where your Restore SD surgeon may want to postpone surgery until your diabetes is under better control.
How soon can I travel after having fat grafting surgery?
Having surgery means a commitment to an appropriate recovery. We recommend scheduling your surgery at a time that allows enough time to recover and gradually return to your normal activities. Flying, driving long distances, or leaving the immediate area are not recommended until you have been cleared by your surgeon. If you have specific travel needs or require advice for emergency travel soon after a procedure, please let us know and we will be glad to discuss the details with you.
Schedule your consultation!
Call 858-224-2281 or contact us online today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Katerina Gallus or Dr. Janet Chao!
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References »
Bellini E, Grieco MP, Raposio E. The science behind autologous fat grafting. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2017 Nov 10;24:65-73. doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2017.11.001. PMID: 29188051; PMCID: PMC5694962.
Satish C. Fat Injection and Its Clinical Applications. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2022 Apr-Jun;15(2):124-130. doi: 10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_242_20. PMID: 35965896; PMCID: PMC9364459.
Tonnard P, Verpaele A, Carvas M. Fat Grafting for Facial Rejuvenation with Nanofat Grafts. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2020 Jan;47(1):53-62. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2019.08.006.
Crowley JS, Kream E, Fabi S, Cohen SR. Facial Rejuvenation With Fat Grafting and Fillers. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2021 May 18;41(Suppl 1):S31-S38. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjab014.
Hanson SE. The Future of Fat Grafting. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2021 May 18;41(Suppl 1):S69-S74. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjab130.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Katerina Gallus — Updated on Jun 27, 2025
