As facial fat pads diminish or shift with age, you may notice flattening in the cheeks, hollowness under the eyes, and deeper folds around the mouth. These changes—exacerbated by rapid weight loss or the natural aging process—create sharper angles and a “tired” appearance.
At Facial Cosmetic Surgery Associates, double board-certified surgeon Dr. Thomas Kaniff uses advanced autologous fat grafting to replenish this lost volume. By using your own living tissue, we provide a natural, biocompatible solution that restores the soft contours of youth while improving skin quality from the inside out.
At a Glance: The Fat Transfer Advantage
| Feature | The Regenerative Solution |
| Primary Goal | Restore volume, smooth deep lines, and repair skin texture. |
| 2026 Trends | Corrects “Ozempic Face,” addresses “Filler Fatigue,” and Bio-Grafting. |
| Longevity | Permanent results (approx. 75–80% fat survival) after integration. |
| Downtime | 7–10 days of “social downtime” for initial swelling and bruising. |
| Expertise | Performed by Dr. Thomas Kaniff, Double Board-Certified Specialist. |
Modern Solutions: Why Fat Grafting is the New Gold Standard
Correcting “Ozempic Face” & Post-Weight Loss Volume
Rapid weight loss from GLP-1 medications often leaves the face looking “melted” or gaunt. Fat transfer is the gold standard for post-weight loss rejuvenation, as it can safely replace the significant volume lost in the midface and temples that synthetic fillers often cannot adequately address.Resolving “Filler Fatigue”
Many patients are moving away from the “puffy” or “heavy” look associated with years of synthetic filler buildup. Because fat is your own living tissue, it integrates seamlessly into your facial structure, moves naturally with your expressions, and never looks artificial.The Power of Nanofat & Bio-Grafting
- Microfat: Restores structural volume to the cheeks, jawline, and temples.
- Nanofat: A regenerative liquid rich in stem cells and growth factors used to repair skin texture, brighten dark under-eye circles, and soften fine lines.
Am I a Candidate for Facial Fat Transfer?
Use this checklist to see if this procedure aligns with your goals.
- [ ] Donor Fat: You have small pockets of fat on the abdomen, flanks, or thighs.
- [ ] Stable Weight: You are at or near your goal weight for at least six months.
- [ ] Non-Smoker: You do not smoke (nicotine significantly reduces fat survival).
- [ ] Aesthetic Goal: You prefer a soft, natural look over synthetic “sculpted” fillers.
- [ ] Longevity: You want a long-term solution rather than a 6-month maintenance cycle.
What Can Facial Fat Transfer Treat?
- Sunken Temples: Smooths the “hollow” transition from the forehead to the cheeks.
- Flattened Cheekbones: Rebuilds the “Ogee curve” for a natural midface lift.
- Hollow Under-Eyes: Fills tear troughs to eliminate a chronically tired look.
- Deep Nasolabial Grooves: Softens the deep folds between the nose and mouth.
- Jawline & Chin: Restores definition and separates the jaw from the neck.
The Expertise of Dr. Thomas Kaniff
Specialization is critical when working with facial anatomy. Dr. Thomas Kaniff is a Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience. His surgical technique focuses on “structural layering,” ensuring that transferred fat integrates with a healthy blood supply for maximum survival and a smooth, lump-free result.Expanded Fat Transfer FAQs
Dermal fillers are synthetic gels that eventually dissolve and require maintenance every 6–12 months. Fat transfer uses your own tissue, making it biocompatible and permanent once integrated. Unlike fillers, fat also contains regenerative stem cells that improve skin health.
The investment typically ranges from $3,500 to $8,000. The final price depends on the number of areas treated and whether it is performed as a standalone procedure or combined with other surgeries. Because the results are long-term, it is often more cost-effective than a decade of synthetic fillers.
Discomfort is usually mild. You may feel “tightness” or pressure in the face due to swelling and a sensation similar to a pulled muscle at the donor site. These are easily managed with standard pain medication.
Most patients achieve their desired results in one session. On average, 75–80% of the fat survives permanently. If significant volume is needed (such as after major weight loss), a second session may be scheduled to achieve optimal projection.
Yes. Transferred fat behaves like the fat in the rest of your body. If you gain or lose a significant amount of weight, the transferred fat cells will grow or shrink accordingly. We recommend staying within a stable weight range to maintain your results.
Absolutely. Fat grafting is frequently paired with a Facelift, Eyelid Surgery, or Skin Resurfacing to address both skin laxity and volume loss in a single recovery period.
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Ready to Restore Your Natural Radiance?
Serving Sacramento, Tahoe, Modesto, and surrounding areas. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Kaniff, call (916) 571-0597 or contact us online.
Our Services at Facial Cosmetic Surgery Associates
At Facial Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Sacramento, we focus exclusively on procedures that enhance and restore the face and neck. Dr. Thomas Kaniff, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, brings decades of surgical experience and a deep understanding of facial anatomy to every treatment. We approach each case with careful planning, providing clear and realistic information to help you make informed choices. Whether you are considering surgical correction or a non-surgical option, we adjust your care to match your needs and anatomy. Our practice is built on precision, transparency, and respect for the personal reasons that lead patients to seek aesthetic changes.
Learn More About Fat Grafting in Sacramento, CA
Facial fat transfer uses your own fat to restore volume to areas that have lost structure with age, offering results that last for several years. At Facial Cosmetic Surgery Associates, we offer this procedure to our patients in Sacramento, Tahoe, Modesto, and many of the surrounding areas using precise techniques that allow for natural-looking enhancement and minimal scarring. To schedule a consultation, call (916) 480-9080 or contact us using the online form.