Fat Grafting

Fat grafting (also called fat transfer) is a technique where fat is gently removed from one area of the body, purified, and then carefully injected into another area to restore volume or improve contour.

At the Northern Center for Plastic Surgery, fat grafting is most commonly used for fat injections to the face to restore a youthful look often during a facelift, second stage breast reconstruction or in conjunction with a traditional liposuction procedure.

Common areas where fat grafting is used

• Face (volume restoration and softening)

• Facelift enhancement (often performed together)

• With liposuction (using harvested fat)

• Breast augmentation (fat transfer to the breast)

• Staged breast reconstruction (volume refinement and areas where fat padding is necessary)

• Brazilian butt lift (BBL) / gluteal enhancement

Why patients like fat transfer

Uses your own tissue

Many patients like the idea of using their own fat rather than a synthetic material.

Soft, natural feel

When appropriate, fat can create a subtle, natural-looking volume restoration.

Two-in-one benefit

Because fat is harvested, you may also see contour improvement in the donor area.

Custom placement

Fat can be placed in precise areas to smooth transitions and improve harmony.

Locations Englewood Cliffs & Oradell, NJ

Serving Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic Counties.

How fat grafting is commonly used

Fat transfer can be used in different ways depending on the area being treated and your overall surgical plan.

Fat injections to the face (most common)

Fat grafting is primarily used for fat injections to the face to restore a youthful look. It can help soften hollowing and improve facial balance especially when performed during a facelift.

In conjunction with liposuction

When you're already having traditional liposuction, the harvested fat may be processed and used for transfer when appropriate. This can be a strategic way to combine contouring with volume restoration. 

Breast reconstruction (staged)

Fat grafting plays a vital role in staged breast reconstruction, helping to refine contour, smooth transitions, and restore a more natural shape. Most importantly, it adds comfort to areas where breast tissue was removed-replenishing the soft tissue cushion lost during mastectomy surgery and filling in transitions where natural fat is no longer present.

Breast augmentation (fat transfer)

In select patients, fat grafting can be used for breast augmentation either as a standalone approach or as a complement to other techniques, depending on your anatomy and goals.

Brazilian butt lift (BBL)

Fat transfer is widely known for its role in Brazilian butt lifts (BBL), where fat is transferred to the buttocks to enhance shape and proportion.

A plan tailored to you

The best use of fat transfer depends on your anatomy, how much donor fat is available, and what outcome you're aiming for. We'll walk through options and what's realistic in your consultation.

Important note

Every procedure has benefits and limitations, and not everyone is a candidate for fat transfer in every area. Your surgeon will guide you toward the safest plan that aligns with your goals.