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Rebuild Youthful Facial Contours

Fat grafting is a surgical technique that uses your own fat to restore volume, improve contour, and enhance facial balance in areas affected by aging, weight loss, or genetics. Fat is harvested from another part of your body, carefully processed, and precisely placed into targeted facial regions. Because the material comes from you, results look and feel natural while integrating with existing tissue. Dr. Ulm plans each treatment around your specific anatomy and goals, focusing on subtle, controlled enhancements rather than overcorrection.

Fat Grafting Overview

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What Does Fat Grafting Treat?

Facial fat grafting helps restore volume and improve balance in areas where aging, weight changes, or genetics have created hollowing or contour loss, including:

  • Sunken or hollow cheeks
  • Under-eye hollows and tear troughs
  • Temples with volume loss
  • Nasolabial folds and smile lines
  • Marionette lines
  • Thin or deflated lips
  • Overall facial asymmetry

Why Choose Dr. Jason Ulm for Fat Grafting?

Dr. Jason Ulm is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and fellowship-trained at Harvard/Massachusetts General Hospital, and he brings his advanced expertise in aesthetic surgery to every fat grafting procedure. His background in complex reconstruction and aesthetic surgery allows him to handle the delicate facial anatomy with precision, especially in cases requiring subtle volume restoration and nuanced contouring.

You can expect an unrushed, highly detailed consultation focused on understanding exactly what you want to change and what you want to preserve. Patients consistently share that their results match the goals discussed, with improvements that look natural rather than “done.” Dr. Ulm is direct, honest, and meticulous in planning, and he always prioritizes creating balanced outcomes that match your facial proportions and goals.

Words from Our Clients "It has taken me some time to find the words to describe Dr. Jason Ulm."

I cannot say enough amazing things about my breast reduction and brachioplasty with Dr. Ulm. From the very first consultation, I felt completely heard, respected, and cared for. Dr Ulm took the tim...

I cannot say enough amazing things about my breast reduction and brachioplasty with Dr. Ulm. From the very first consultation, I felt completely heard, respected, and cared for. Dr Ulm took the time to understand my goals, explain the procedures in detail, and set realistic expectations which gave me so much confidence going into surgery. Dr Ulm's precision, skill, and eye for aesthetics made all the difference , and I am so happy with the outcome.

The entire staff was also warm, professional, and supportive throughout the entire process - from pre-op to recovery. They made sure I felt safe and informed throughout the process. I would totally recommend Dr. Ulm for any plastic surgery.

This has been one of the best decisions i have ever made. Wish I had done it sooner.

Melanie

5 star rating

It has taken me some time to find the words to describe Dr. Jason Ulm. He is kind, compassionate, and incredibly talented. His super power is his unique ability to listen to your concerns and desir...

It has taken me some time to find the words to describe Dr. Jason Ulm. He is kind, compassionate, and incredibly talented. His super power is his unique ability to listen to your concerns and desires. He is skilled and perfectly delivers results that YOU want. I am amazed daily at how "perfect" my outcome is. I fully trusted him and allowed him to guide me through my process and I am so thankful I did. He nailed it and quite honestly gave me a restored confidence that I thought was unattainable. My prep, surgery, and recovery were all seamless and with very minimal pain. Dr.Ulm is hands down a master of his craft, and will always be my go to plastic surgeon!

Tabatha

5 star rating

I had lip fillers done by the doctor Jason Ulm and I loved the results! The shape is beautiful and natural, not fake or stiff at all. The doctor was very gentle and gave great advice. After the pro...

I had lip fillers done by the doctor Jason Ulm and I loved the results! The shape is beautiful and natural, not fake or stiff at all. The doctor was very gentle and gave great advice. After the procedure, my lips look fuller but still natural. I feel so much more confident!

Buddhawajana

5 star rating

Dr Ulm took the time listen and provide guidance on what to expect during and after surgery. He was recommended to me by a friend and I am so thankful to him for changing my life for the better! He...

Dr Ulm took the time listen and provide guidance on what to expect during and after surgery. He was recommended to me by a friend and I am so thankful to him for changing my life for the better! He provided me the confidence I was lacking without judgement.

Denise

5 star rating

My experience with Dr. Ulm and his staff was outstanding. Their communication was clear and supportive throughout the entire process, and the results exceeded my expectations. Truly professional, c...

My experience with Dr. Ulm and his staff was outstanding. Their communication was clear and supportive throughout the entire process, and the results exceeded my expectations. Truly professional, caring, and skilled!

Gina

5 star rating

I had the most amazing experience with Dr. Jason Ulm! He is an amazing surgeon, very professional and gave me exactly what I wanted! My breast augmentation went smoothly and my scars are almost gon...

I had the most amazing experience with Dr. Jason Ulm! He is an amazing surgeon, very professional and gave me exactly what I wanted! My breast augmentation went smoothly and my scars are almost gone after 2 months! Highly recommend!!!

Hailey

5 star rating

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Am I a Candidate for Fat Grafting?

You may be a suitable candidate for fat grafting if you have facial volume loss, hollowed areas, or contour irregularities and want natural-looking restoration using your tissue. Good candidates are generally in good health and have realistic expectations about subtle, refined improvement. Dr. Ulm determines candidacy through a detailed consultation, carefully evaluating your facial anatomy, skin quality, areas of concern, and the amount of available donor fat. He then discusses whether fat grafting alone or with other surgeries will best support your goals.

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Benefits of Fat Grafting

Facial fat grafting offers a versatile, natural approach to volume restoration and contour refinement, with benefits that extend beyond temporary correction, including:

  • Uses your own fat rather than synthetic materials
  • Creates soft, natural-looking volume
  • Improves overall facial contour and balance
  • Can enhance skin quality in treated areas
  • Long-lasting volume retention in many cases
  • Can be combined with other facial procedures
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Your Complete Fat Grafting Experience

Fat Grafting Surgery

On the day of your procedure, you arrive at our accredited surgical facility, where you receive local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the scope of treatment. Dr. Ulm harvests fat from a selected donor area, such as the abdomen or flanks, using a cannula and low-pressure technique to preserve fat cell integrity. The fat is then purified to remove excess fluid and non-viable cells, leaving only healthy tissue for transfer.

The harvested fat is then filtered and purified to separate healthy fat cells from fluid and damaged tissue. Using fine micro-cannulas, Dr. Ulm places small, precise amounts of fat into specific facial layers, gradually and evenly building volume. This technique helps improve graft survival and creates smooth, natural contours. You return home the same day.

Fat Grafting Consultation

During your consultation, you will discuss your concerns, aesthetic goals, and what changes feel most important to you. Dr. Ulm examines your facial structure, skin quality, and volume loss, and explains how fat grafting may address each concern. You will review potential donor areas, expected outcomes, and realistic limitations. You leave with a clear understanding of the plan, why it was recommended, and whether fat grafting is the right choice for you. 

Fat Grafting Recovery

You can expect swelling, bruising, and mild soreness in both the face and donor area during the first week or two. Most patients can return to non-strenuous activities within several days, while more visible swelling improves over 2 to 3 weeks. Temporary firmness may occur as the tissues settle. You should avoid strenuous exercise for approximately 2 weeks and follow all aftercare instructions closely. Dr. Ulm monitors your healing closely to support a smooth recovery. 

Fat Grafting Results

You will notice an initial increase in volume immediately after treatment, though swelling temporarily exaggerates early changes. As swelling subsides over the first several weeks, your contours become more defined. A portion of transferred fat naturally reabsorbs, while surviving cells establish a long-term blood supply. The final results are typically evident by 3 to 4 months. The fat that remains is considered permanent and ages naturally with your face. 

Possible Alternatives to Fat Grafting

While facial fat grafting offers natural, long-lasting volume restoration, it may not be ideal for every concern or patient. The amount of volume loss, degree of skin laxity, desired longevity, and overall facial structure all influence which approach will be most effective. Some individuals may benefit more from treatments that address skin tightening, structural support, or temporary correction rather than volume replacement alone.

Depending on your anatomy and goals, Dr. Ulm may discuss other options such as:

  • Dermal fillers for temporary volume restoration and contour refinement
  • Facelift for a more comprehensive, permanent facial rejuvenation
  • Neck lift for improved jawline definition and lower-face contour
  • Eyelid surgery for addressing upper or lower eyelid aging and hollowness
  • Skin resurfacing for improving texture, tone, and surface-level aging

What Is the Cost of Fat Grafting?

Cost depends on many factors, including the extent of treatment, the surgeon, facility charges, anesthesia, and location. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of facial fat grafting in the United States ranges from about $3,000 to $7,000. This range is just a general guideline: your actual price may be higher or lower based on your individualized surgical plan. For a precise, personalized quote based on your facial anatomy and treatment goals, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ulm.

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Fat Grafting Frequently Asked Questions

How long does facial fat grafting last?

The fat cells that successfully establish a blood supply become a permanent part of your facial tissue. While some of the transferred fat reabsorbs in the first few months, the remaining cells can provide long-lasting volume that ages naturally with you.

Where is the fat taken from?

Common donor areas include the abdomen, flanks, thighs, or hips. Dr. Ulm selects the donor site based on fat quality, availability, and overall body proportions, using specific fat-harvesting techniques that minimize trauma and support a healthy transfer of fat cells.

Will I have scars?

Both harvesting and injection are performed through very small access points. These typically heal as tiny, barely noticeable marks that fade over time.

What are the risks of fat grafting?

As with any surgical procedure, risks may include infection, bleeding, contour irregularities, asymmetry, fat reabsorption, or need for revision. Choosing a board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeon like Dr. Ulm can significantly reduce these risks. Dr. Ulm discusses all potential concerns openly during your consultation so you can make an informed decision.

Related Procedures

Dermal Fillers

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Facelift

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Neck Lift

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Skin Resurfacing

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