San Francisco
2299 Post St. Suite 207
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 530-5335
Los Angeles
1317 5th St #300
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 751-5886
Facial fat transfer is a procedure that uses your own fat to add volume and contour in selected areas of the face. For many patients, gender-affirming facial fat transfer can be a meaningful way to refine facial volume with their own tissue and feel more comfortable in how their features are expressed. This procedure is often incorporated as part of a broader facial feminizing or masculinizing strategy, but it can also be performed as a focused, standalone procedure.
View Before & After Photos
What Is Facial Fat Transfer?
Facial fat transfer, or fat grafting, is a procedure that takes fat from one area of the body (the donor site) and adds it to the face. It is most commonly used to add structure and fullness to the cheeks, lips, temples, or forehead.
The process begins with liposuction to collect fat from areas such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. The fat is then purified, prepared for transfer, and carefully injected into targeted areas of the face. This approach allows for subtle, natural-looking changes that integrate with your existing facial structure.
-
We lead with your goals and make decisions—together.
Your plan starts with what matters most to you, such as function, sensation, privacy, recovery realities, and your day-to-day life.
-
We give honest recommendations.
We'll be transparent about what a technique can and can't reliably do for your anatomy and priorities, and we'll explain why we're recommending a particular approach.
-
We treat the whole person.
We don't reduce care to a single concern or body area. We look at your goals, your comfort, and what's safest and most supportive for you overall.
-
We prioritize privacy, dignity, and emotionally safe care.
We understand that many patients come in with complex past healthcare experiences and strive to create an environment where you always feel respected, welcomed, and seen at every step.
-
We're built for gender-affirming care.
Gender-affirming surgery isn't a side offering at Align—it's our life's work.
-
We evolve with the community.
Care and language change over time. We are dedicated to staying current, listening, and adapting.
Who Might Consider Facial Fat Transfer?
Facial fat transfer may be a meaningful option for transgender, nonbinary, and other gender-diverse patients seeking changes in their facial volume or contour. Many of our patients consider this procedure to restore balance or refine areas where volume shapes how their features are seen and experienced.
Because facial fat transfer is often used as part of a larger treatment strategy, candidacy depends not just on the procedure itself but also on the availability of donor fat and how the procedure fits with the rest of your facial plan.
Some surgeons "offer" gender-affirming surgery among many other services. For Align, it's the center of our life's work. Our 6 board-certified surgeons have committed themselves wholly to gender-affirming care and research. This means we aren't just helping patients reach their embodiment goals; we are helping to make their care better—better understood, better supported, and performed in the best way possible. Meet the specialists behind the transformations.
What Is Recovery Like After Facial Fat Transfer?
Recovery after facial fat transfer depends on the donor area, the treated facial areas, and whether the procedure is performed alone or in combination with other procedures. Most patients should expect swelling, bruising, activity restrictions, and healing at both the facial treatment areas and the donor site.
How Much Does Facial Fat Transfer Cost in San Francisco and Los Angeles?
If you prefer to pay out of pocket, we will give you a personalized quote based on your surgical plan, which may include fat transfer and other complementary procedures.
Gender affirming care, including facial fat transfer, is often covered by insurance. If you are using insurance, we will guide you through the authorization process and what to expect.
Travel planning can involve a lot of moving parts, especially when you're coordinating around surgery. If you're coming to Align from outside the Bay Area or Los Angeles, we have resources specifically for you.
Risks and Considerations
As with any procedure, facial fat transfer carries risks, such as bleeding, infection, bruising, swelling, healing concerns, and changes in how the volume settles over time. We’ll talk through what this may look like for you so you can plan with confidence.
Not all of the transferred fat will survive long term, and some changes in volume can happen as healing progresses or weight changes. In some cases, patients may need a follow-up treatment to reach or maintain their desired result.
Facial Fat Transfer FAQ
Where can transferred fat be placed in the face?
Transferred fat may be placed in areas such as the cheeks, lips, temples, and forehead. Your surgeon will help you understand which areas make sense to address based on your anatomy and treatment goals.
Is facial fat transfer used in both facial feminizing and facial masculinizing surgery?
Yes. Facial fat transfer may be used in both facial feminizing and facial masculinizing surgery, depending on how volume placement supports your overall facial strategy.
How is facial fat transfer different from fillers?
Facial fat transfer uses your own fat (autologous fat) rather than a synthetic filler. It may also offer longer-lasting volume than dermal fillers, although fat survival can vary.
When To See a Facial Fat Transfer Specialist in San Francisco and Los Angeles
We recommend booking a consultation if you’re considering changes to facial volume or contour and want guidance on whether facial fat transfer fits into your broader facial plan. We can also help you explore which areas may benefit from added volume and how fat transfer compares with other options for facial contouring.
Explore Your Facial Fat Transfer Options
When you’re ready, we’re here to help. Request an in-person or virtual consultation using the online form or call Align Surgical Associates to get started. We are proud to offer facial fat transfer for San Francisco and Los Angeles patients, as well as individuals traveling from outside of California.
San Francisco Office: (415) 530-5335
Los Angeles Office: (310) 751-5886
