What is a Fat transfer?
Dr. Ricardo Rodriguez is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing fat transfer procedures. He has performed hundreds of fat grafting surgeries for patients in Baltimore, Towson, Columbia, and the greater DMV region. Known for his surgical artistry and safety-first approach, Dr. Rodriguez carefully designs each procedure to restore volume and balance for natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Fat transfer, also called fat grafting, involves removing fat from one area of the body and injecting it into another to restore volume and enhance contours with a soft, natural appearance. This procedure works especially well in facial areas such as the cheeks, nasolabial folds, jawline, and under-eye region.
Facial fat grafting can reverse signs of aging, weight loss, or laser-related fat loss by replenishing lost volume. In addition to restoring youthful shape, the transferred fat also improves skin quality by nourishing the tissue and enhancing blood supply.
In addition to facial rejuvenation, Dr. Rodriguez applies the same fat grafting technique to enhance the breasts through breast augmentation with fat transfer and enhance lower body contours through Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery. These procedures are designed to add volume and definition using your body’s own natural tissue, all performed with the safety-focused approach that has made Dr. Rodriguez a trusted voice in fat transfer surgery.
Evolution of Fat Grafting Procedure
Plastic Surgeons have performed fat grafting for over 100 years. You can read more about the history of fat grafting here.
In the last two decades, advances in fat grafting have more the procedure even more effective. In my Baltimore practice, I frequently use fat grafting to compliment other procedures such as the Brow Lift and lower facelift. It is also used as an alternative to the full Facelift procedure.
What problems does a Facial fat transfer address?
My face looks thin and sags - how do I get a youthful, glowing look?
Fat transfer can lift your facial structure and improve skin quality. If you experience any of the following, fat transfer could benefit you:
- fat loss from weight loss medication like Ozempic or Wegovy
- fat loss from laser damage
- fine lines and wrinkles
- crows feet
- under eye bags or dark circles
- sunken cheeks
- tired look
As we age, the dermis under our skin thins out, which can leave the face looking thin and has the effect of making the skin look like it sags.
Improve the Look of Your Skin and Facial Structure
A facial fat transfer adds fat to the area beneath your skin and has the effect of restoring the face to a more youthful state. Fat injections can also enhance blood circulation in the tissues.
Address Fat Loss from Weight Loss or Laser Damage
If you have suffered fat loss from weight loss or laser damage, fat grafting is the most natural way to restore that volume.
How are fat injections different from injectable fillers like Juvederm?
Injectable facial fillers such as Juvederm only offer temporary results. The Fat Transfer procedure is permanent. In addition, the new fat can stimulate increased blood flow in your tissue.
Do fat injections last?
While some patients believe fat injections do not last, this is a misconception. After the initial swelling subsides—typically after about two weeks—you'll see a close approximation of the final results.
When performed correctly, fat injections result in a large percentage of the transferred fat cells surviving permanently.
Dr. Rodriguez is the master of facial fat grafting! Thank you.
Harry A.
How are Fat transfers performed?
Type of Anesthesia
Fat injections can be done under local or monitored IV sedation anesthesia. If you are having only one area treated, such as under the eyes, local anesthesia is often sufficient.
Surgical Technique
I exclusively use the Coleman technique, developed by Dr. Sydney Coleman in the 1980s. It includes three steps:
1) Fat Extraction
Using thin cannulas, I harvest fat from donor areas like the hip, inner or outer thigh, lower back, or lower abdomen. These areas are called the 'donor sites.'
To get the best fat graft, I believe that slender cannulas with small holes should be used for fat extraction. This is further discussed in this article about fat grafting success starting with liposuction.
2) Fat Purification
The extracted fat is processed in a centrifuge to separate viable fat cells from impurities. This process ensures that only the healthiest fat cells are used for injection.
3) Fat injection
The purified fat is then injected into the target areas on your face. Common areas include under the eyes, cheeks, nasolabial folds, chin, lips, and jawline.
When done correctly, most of the transferred fat will integrate into the surrounding tissue, resulting in a fuller, more youthful look.
I had an amazing experience and amazing results with Dr. Rodriguez and his staff. He does some of the smoothest lipo I've ever seen and did an amazing job on my procedures.
CJ M.
What are the preoperative requirements?
During your consultation, we'll discuss the liposuction areas as well as fat injection areas to determine the best surgical plan to achieve your goals.
Local Anesthesia for Small Areas
If you are treating only one area, such as under the eyes, fat transfer can be done under local anesthesia.
No medical clearance is necessary, but you must stop smoking 3-4 weeks before surgery.
Monitored IV Sedation for Larger Areas
If you opt for IV sedation, you'll need:
- Medical clearance within 30 days of surgery
- A pre-op Appt with surgeon and signed Informed Consent
- Stop smoking 3-4 weeks prior
What is Fat transfer Post-Op recovery like?
After fat transfer, you may experience some discomfort and swelling. To help ensure the fat graft is successful, you should avoid putting stress on the treated areas for at least three weeks. This is essential for the newly injected fat to graft permanently.
Tips for Recovery
- Surgical Tape or Compression: Wear this on treated areas for five days.
- Sleep Position: Sleep on your back with your head elevated for the first week.
- Avoid Pressure: Refrain from rubbing or pressing on your face for two weeks.
- Post-Op Visit: Return for a follow-up visit one week after surgery.
- Back to Work: You can return to work within 1-2 weeks.
- Exercise: Resume physical activity as tolerated after two weeks.
What are the risks and possible complications?
As with any cosmetic surgery procedure, fat transfers carry certain risks. Potential issues include:
- swelling
- irregular contours or uneven results from liposuction
- hematoma or seroma
- skin necrosis or fat necrosis
- touch up or secondary procedure to achieve desired results
- asymmetry
How much does Facial fat transfer cost?
The cost for a Facial fat transfer in 2025 varies depending on the area(s) to be injected, and the type of anesthesia used. Total cost estimates for surgeries performed in 2025 are as follows:
| Facial fat grafting (by area( | Local anesthesia | IV anesthesia |
|---|---|---|
| One area (ex: cheeks, under eyes) | $3,200 - $4,500 | $4,500 - $6,400 |
| Full face (ex: cheeks, eyes, nasolabial folds) | not applicable | $7,500 - $8,600 |
Excellent results! All that I hoped for — youthful plump back in my cheeks! Definitely the premier fat grafting doctor! His staff are very sincere, authentic and so is Dr. Rodriguez. It truly is a way to naturally restore!
RealSelf patient
Can I finance my Facial fat transfer?
Yes, financing options are available to help manage the cost of your facial fat transfer. Call us at 410-404-8100 or see our financing page for more information.
Dr. Rodriguez: Trusted Fat Transfer Surgeon in Baltimore
With over three decades of experience, Dr. Ricardo L. Rodriguez is a leader in the field of fat grafting for the face, breasts, and body. He has performed hundreds of fat transfer procedures using advanced techniques that prioritize precision, balance, and patient safety. All surgeries take place in our Quad A-accredited surgical facility, with IV sedation administered by board-certified anesthesiologists to ensure a smooth and safe experience.
<p class="A recognized leader in fat grafting safety and regenerative medicine, Dr. Rodriguez has served on national task forces including the ASPS Regenerative Medicine Task Force and the Gluteal Fat Grafting Safety Task Force, where he helped develop widely adopted safety guidelines. He is a former President and current Executive Board member of IFATS, the leading international organization focused on adipose science, and has co-led groundbreaking clinical research on adipose-derived stem cells in collaboration with Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland. As a RealSelf Medical Advisory Board member and long-time educator, Dr. Rodriguez brings both technical expertise and a deep commitment to patient safety and outcomes.Patients also value the personal care they receive before and after surgery, including direct access to Dr. Rodriguez via his personal cell phone. Fluent in English, Spanish, and French, he brings a compassionate, globally informed approach to every consultation.
Ready to explore what's possible?
BOOK A COURTESY CONSULT TODAY!
Together, we'll find the perfect approach to help you look and feel your best,
Modified on |
Board Certified Plastic Surgery, ASPS Member
NOTICE
Patients depicted in our before and after galleries have provided their written consent to display their photos online. Every patient is unique, and surgical results may vary. Please contact us if you have any questions.