How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Facial fat grafting is typically a one-and-done procedure, which is one of the things patients love most about it. You’ll come in for your initial consultation, and after your surgery, we’ll schedule follow-ups to monitor your healing and results. In some cases, a small touch-up may be recommended if your body absorbs more of the transferred fat than expected, but for many people, that first treatment delivers the full rejuvenation they’re looking for.

How Long Until I See Results?

You’ll start to see a difference immediately, but the final result takes patience. Initially, there may be swelling or bruising that can slightly distort the look of your face; that’s totally normal. Within a few weeks, as your body begins to settle and the swelling fades, your new contours become more visible. However, the true beauty of facial fat grafting reveals itself over time. The fat that survives (usually around 50–70%) becomes a permanent part of your facial structure, giving you results that continue to improve and soften for several months.

Can I Combine Facial Fat Grafting With Other Procedures?

Absolutely, and in many cases, that’s where the magic really happens—facial fat grafting pairs beautifully with non-surgical treatments that complement and enhance the final look. For example, skin tightening procedures like radiofrequency or laser-based treatments can help firm the underlying structure, while your newly restored volume brings softness and shape back to your features. CoolSculpting can subtly contour other areas of the body, creating a more balanced overall aesthetic. For a polished, put-together glow, treatments like microblading or light chemical peels can refine your appearance with minimal downtime.

What Are the Risks Associated With Facial Fat Grafting?

Every surgical procedure carries risks, and it’s essential to understand them before proceeding. With facial fat grafting, potential complications may include swelling, bruising, infection, or uneven volume retention. There’s also a chance that not all the transferred fat will survive—your body may absorb a portion of it over time, which is why we often slightly overfill the area during treatment. The good news is that the risks are significantly reduced when performed by experienced plastic surgeons, such as Dr. Carney and Dr. Carney III.

Virginia Beach

Facial Fat Grafting

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Introduction

Introduction to Facial Fat Grafting

There’s a moment when you catch your reflection and wonder when the fullness disappeared. The roundness in your cheeks, the softness under your eyes, the vibrance that once made your face feel… like you. It’s not just about aging. It’s about identity. Confidence. Feeling at home in your own skin.

Facial fat grafting is a powerful, natural way to restore what time or weight loss may have taken. By using your body’s fat, this treatment rejuvenates facial volume where needed most, leaving you looking refreshed, not “done.”

At The Carney Center in Virginia Beach, Dr. Martin Carney and Dr. Martin Carney III combine decades of surgical expertise with a deep understanding of facial aesthetics. Their approach is personal, artistic, and rooted in trust, allowing patients in Virginia Beach and Newport News to feel confident in the mirror again.

What is Facial Fat Grafting?

Facial fat grafting, also known as autologous fat transfer, is a surgical technique that uses your body’s fat to restore volume and contour to the face. During this procedure, a small amount of fat is harvested from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, purified, and then injected into areas of the face that have lost volume due to aging, including the cheeks, temples, under the eyes, or jawline.

What makes this treatment so special is its dual benefit: it removes fat from areas you don’t want it, and uses it to rejuvenate your face naturally. Since the fat comes from your own body, the results are soft, long-lasting, and incredibly natural-looking; no synthetic fillers, no “overdone” appearance.

What Are the Benefits of Facial Fat Grafting?

Facial fat grafting offers a range of emotional and physical benefits that go beyond what’s skin-deep. Some of the key benefits include:

Restores volume to hollow areas like the cheeks, under-eyes, and temples
Smooths fine lines and softens deep creases, particularly around the mouth and nasolabial folds
Improves facial contour and symmetry for a refreshed and balanced look
Uses your own fat, eliminating the risk of allergic reaction or rejection
Provides long-lasting results, often much longer than traditional dermal fillers
Boosts self-confidence with natural, subtle rejuvenation that still feels like you

This isn’t about changing your face, it’s about bringing it back to life, on your terms.

Who Are the Best Candidates For Facial Fat Grafting?

You may be a good candidate for facial fat grafting if you’ve noticed volume loss, sagging, or hollowness that makes you look tired, worn down, or older than you are. Ideal patients are in overall good health, have realistic expectations, and are looking for a more natural, long-term alternative to dermal fillers. You should also have enough available fat on your body to harvest from, though it doesn’t require much.

The best way to determine if it’s right for you’s to meet with our experienced surgeons, Dr. Martin Carney and Dr. Martin Carney III, for a consultation in either Virginia Beach or Newport News, Virginia. They’ll walk you through your options and help you decide if this is the right path for you.

What’s the
first step?

Getting facial fat grafting done starts with a personalized consultation at The Carney Center in either Virginia Beach or Newport News, VA. During this one-on-one appointment, you’ll sit down with either Dr. Martin Carney or Dr. Martin Carney III to talk through your concerns, goals, and what you hope to achieve. They’ll take the time to evaluate your facial structure, assess areas of volume loss, and determine whether you’re a good candidate for this procedure.

This is also your chance to ask any questions, whether you’re wondering about downtime, results, or even how your fat will be used to rejuvenate your features. The entire experience is centered around you, ensuring that you feel informed, comfortable, and empowered every step of the way.

What to Expect on the Day of Facial Fat Grafting Surgery

On the day of your surgery, you’ll arrive at The Carney Center knowing exactly what to expect. After reviewing your treatment plan, the procedure begins with gently harvesting a small amount of fat from a donor area, usually the abdomen, thighs, or flanks. The fat is then carefully purified to isolate the healthiest fat cells, which will later be used to restore volume to your face.

Once the fat is ready, Dr. Martin Carney or Dr. Martin Carney III will inject it into the areas discussed during your consultation. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation, though general anesthesia may be used depending on your needs and preferences. Once finished, you’ll be able to return home the same day to begin your recovery.

Facial Fat Grafting Recovery

Recovery from facial fat grafting is usually smooth and manageable, but it’s important to allow your body time to heal and for the transferred fat to settle properly. You can expect some initial swelling, bruising, and tenderness in both the donor site and the areas of the face that received the fat. Most of this subsides within the first couple of weeks, and many patients feel comfortable returning to work or social events within 7 to 10 days.

It’s essential to keep your head elevated, avoid strenuous activity, and follow your post-op instructions closely to ensure optimal healing. Because the body naturally absorbs a small percentage of the transferred fat, Dr. Martin Carney or Dr. Martin Carney III may slightly overfill certain areas to account for this. As the swelling fades and your face adjusts, you’ll start to see the final results take shape—subtle, soft, and beautifully natural. These results are long-lasting, especially if you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.

How Much Does Facial Fat Grafting Cost in Virginia Beach, VA?

The cost of facial fat grafting in Newport News and Virginia Beach varies depending on the number of areas being treated and the amount of fat required. Since this is a highly customized treatment, there is no flat rate. However, during your consultation, you’ll receive a transparent quote that includes the surgeon’s fees, facility fees, and any necessary anesthesia costs. Our team will guide you through your options and work with you to create a plan that aligns with your goals and budget.

Why Choose the Carney Center?

At The Carney Center, you’re not just getting a procedure, you’re stepping into a legacy of aesthetic excellence. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Martin Carney has established a reputation as one of the region’s most trusted and respected plastic surgeons, holding active memberships in both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. His son, board-eligible plastic surgeon, Dr. Martin Carney III, brings a fresh perspective, advanced training, and a deep commitment to precision, carrying forward the same patient-first philosophy that his father established.

Located in Virginia Beach and serving patients from Newport News and beyond, The Carney Center blends advanced surgical techniques with a compassionate, boutique-style experience. Every detail of your treatment is carefully designed to ensure your comfort, meet your goals, and achieve your long-term results. This is where skill meets artistry—and where patients feel seen, heard, and truly taken care of.

Facial Fat Grafting FAQ’s

It’s completely normal to wonder if a procedure like this will hurt, after all, you’re not just signing up for a refreshed look, you’re trusting someone with your face. The good news? Most patients are surprised by how manageable the discomfort is. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, so you’re comfortable throughout. Afterward, you may feel sore or tender in both the donor and injection areas, but this is usually mild and short-lived. Think of it more as a deep post-workout ache than anything sharp or overwhelming.
Facial fat grafting is typically a one-and-done procedure, which is one of the things patients love most about it. You’ll come in for your initial consultation, and after your surgery, we’ll schedule follow-ups to monitor your healing and results. In some cases, a small touch-up may be recommended if your body absorbs more of the transferred fat than expected, but for many people, that first treatment delivers the full rejuvenation they’re looking for.
You’ll start to see a difference immediately, but the final result takes patience. Initially, there may be swelling or bruising that can slightly distort the look of your face; that’s totally normal. Within a few weeks, as your body begins to settle and the swelling fades, your new contours become more visible. However, the true beauty of facial fat grafting reveals itself over time. The fat that survives (usually around 50–70%) becomes a permanent part of your facial structure, giving you results that continue to improve and soften for several months.
Absolutely, and in many cases, that’s where the magic really happens—facial fat grafting pairs beautifully with non-surgical treatments that complement and enhance the final look. For example, skin tightening procedures like radiofrequency or laser-based treatments can help firm the underlying structure, while your newly restored volume brings softness and shape back to your features. CoolSculpting can subtly contour other areas of the body, creating a more balanced overall aesthetic. For a polished, put-together glow, treatments like microblading or light chemical peels can refine your appearance with minimal downtime.
Every surgical procedure carries risks, and it’s essential to understand them before proceeding. With facial fat grafting, potential complications may include swelling, bruising, infection, or uneven volume retention. There’s also a chance that not all the transferred fat will survive—your body may absorb a portion of it over time, which is why we often slightly overfill the area during treatment. The good news is that the risks are significantly reduced when performed by experienced plastic surgeons, such as Dr. Carney and Dr. Carney III.

Patient Reviews

Outstanding Care

Received outstanding care at the Carney Center beginning at the front desk, to the nurse and especially Dr. Carney. Everyone is very professional and they are so efficient; never had to wait more than 5 minutes to be taken to a treatment room. I highly recommend this practice!!!

Patient Reviews -W.M.
Results I always wanted

I’ve had lip filler and two breast augmentations done by Dr Carney III, after seeing another surgeon. Dr Carney III was able to give me the results that I have always wanted! Dr Carney is a perfectionist, he took the time to listen and answer all of my questions no matter how repetitive they were.

Patient Reviews -H.P.
You won’t find better

I have been a patient at The Carney Center for over 25 years. You will not find a better plastic surgeon in our area. From facial rejuvenation to skin care they do it all and do it well!

Patient Reviews -R.B.
Natural Look

Dr Carney and his staff are excellent. Dr. Carney’s surgical skill creates a natural look for his patients. You look better but not overdone! Great care is taken for your comfort, and his nurses are exceptional.

Patient Reviews -C.M.

Schedule Your Consultation

Scheduling a consultation at The Carney Center is simple—just call (757) 481-4455 and let our friendly team guide you through the process, whether in Newport News or Virginia Beach.

Contact

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