Facial Fat Grafting in Portland, OR
Restore volume. Rejuvenate naturally. Refresh your appearance.
This advanced technique provides long-lasting, natural-looking results, making it an excellent option for anyone looking to rejuvenate their appearance without synthetic fillers or extensive surgery. In addition to volume through fat cells, fat grafts also contain stem cells and growth factors, increasing regenerative potential in the grafted tissue.
Dr. Fichadia’s approach combines artistry with technical precision, ensuring results that look balanced and harmonious with your natural features. Her calm confidence, surgical precision, and compassionate care have made her one of the most trusted plastic surgeons in the Portland area.
Call (503) 488-2344 to schedule your consultation in Portland or Lake Oswego. Together, we’ll create a result that feels uniquely yours.
Quick Links
What Is Facial Fat Grafting?
Facial fat grafting, also known as facial fat transfer, is a procedure that uses your own body fat to restore volume and contour to the face. It is ideal for addressing areas of volume loss caused by aging, weight loss, or genetics.
Common treatment areas include:
- Cheeks
- Temples
- Under-eye hollows
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
- Jawline
- Chin
Dr. Fichadia uses a gentle, precise technique to harvest fat from a donor area (typically the abdomen or thighs) using liposuction. The harvested fat is then purified and carefully injected into targeted facial areas to create smooth, natural contours.
Why Choose Dr. Hetal Fichadia?
Choosing the right surgeon is just as important as choosing the right procedure. Dr. Hetal Fichadia is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with over a decade in private practice. Her philosophy is rooted in respect, education, and individualized care.
Here’s what sets her apart:
- A surgeon who listens: Dr. Fichadia takes time to understand your story, your body, and your goals. She is your guide—not just your surgeon—through every step of the process. With a patient-first philosophy rooted in honesty, education, and genuine care, Dr. Fichadia has been consistently selected by her peers as a Portland Monthly Top Doctor every year since 2018.
- Woman-to-woman care: As one of the few female plastic surgeons in Portland with over a decade of experience, Dr. Fichadia offers a rare level of empathy and understanding, particularly for women navigating changes from pregnancy, aging, or weight fluctuations.
- Natural aesthetic: Her results are elegant and timeless. Patients appreciate her nuanced, less-is-more approach that enhances your shape without sacrificing authenticity.
- Advanced surgical techniques: She uses the most refined methods to minimize downtime, optimize fat survival, and maximize safety.
- Holistic support: Surgical care doesn’t end when the sutures are placed. Dr. Fichadia and her team offer extensive pre-op education, nutritional guidance, and long-term follow-up care.
With Dr. Fichadia, you’ll feel seen, heard, and safe every step of the way.
Benefits of Facial Fat Grafting
Dr Fichadia has used facial fat grafting for many years due to reliable, natural looking results. An added benefit of fat grafting is that it contains stem cells and growth factors that use your body’s regenerative capacity for improving skin texture. The key benefits include:
- Natural, long-lasting volume restoration
- Enhanced facial symmetry
- Softer, smoother skin texture
- No risk of allergic reaction (since it uses your own fat)
- Can be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures
- Minimally invasive with quick recovery
- Safe and biocompatible, avoiding synthetic materials
Good Candidates for Facial Fat Grafting
You may be a good candidate if:
- You are in good overall health
- You have noticeable facial volume loss
- You prefer a natural alternative to dermal fillers
- You have sufficient donor fat for the procedure
- You want a long-lasting solution without synthetic fillers
During your consultation, Dr. Fichadia will assess your facial anatomy, skin quality, and goals to determine if facial fat grafting is the best option for you.
How Does Facial Fat Grafting Work?
The procedure begins with gentle liposuction to collect fat from a donor site. This fat is then processed to purify and isolate the most viable fat cells. Dr. Fichadia then meticulously injects this purified fat into the targeted facial areas, using advanced techniques to ensure smooth, natural contours.
Dr. Fichadia carefully customizes the injection process, sculpting each area for balanced, symmetrical, and natural-looking results. Her method minimizes trauma to the surrounding tissue, promoting optimal fat survival and a quicker, more comfortable recovery.
Hetal Fichadia MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Portland, OR







What to Expect During Facial Fat Grafting
- The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia with light sedation or general anesthesia.
- Dr. Fichadia will use gentle liposuction to harvest fat from a donor area (abdomen, thighs, or flanks).
- The harvested fat is carefully purified to ensure only the healthiest fat cells are used.
- These purified fat cells are then injected into the targeted facial areas using microcannulas for precise contouring.
Recovery After Facial Fat Grafting
Most patients experience mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness at both the donor site and the treated areas. These side effects generally subside within 1-2 weeks. Dr. Fichadia will provide detailed aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery.
- Initial swelling may last 1-2 weeks.
- Bruising typically resolves within 1 week.
- Some minor asymmetry may occur as swelling subsides.
- Final results become visible over 2-3 months as the fat settles.
- Follow-up visits will ensure optimal healing and results.
How Much Does Facial Fat Grafting Cost in Portland?
The cost of facial fat grafting varies based on the extent of treatment, need for anesthesia, the number of areas addressed, and whether it is combined with other procedures. During your consultation, Dr. Fichadia will provide a personalized quote and discuss available financing options.
Schedule Your Facial Fat Grafting Consultation Today
Rejuvenate your appearance with the natural, long-lasting benefits of facial fat grafting. Dr. Hetal Fichadia is a double board-certified plastic surgeon serving patients in Portland, Lake Oswego, Tigard, Beaverton, and beyond. She and our team look forward to hearing from you!
Call (503) 488-2344 or contact us through our online form to schedule your consultation today.
Facial Fat Transfer Portland, OR - FAQs
Will all the injected fat survive?
Not all the injected fat will survive, but Dr. Fichadia uses advanced techniques to maximize fat retention. Most patients retain around 50-70% of the injected fat.
Can I combine facial fat grafting with other procedures?
Yes, facial fat grafting can be combined with procedures like facelifts, eyelid surgery, or chemical peel for comprehensive rejuvenation.
Is facial fat grafting safe?
Yes, when using the correct technique and equipment, it is a safe procedure. There is no risk of allergic reaction as it uses your own fat. Dr. Fichadia performs this procedure with meticulous technique to ensure safety and natural results.
How long do the results last?
Results are generally long-lasting. While some of the injected fat may be absorbed by the body over time, the remaining fat is permanent.
Are there any risks with facial fat grafting?
As with any procedure, there are minor risks such as infection, bruising, or uneven results. Dr. Fichadia’s experience and advanced techniques help minimize these risks.
How many sessions of facial fat grafting are needed?
Most patients achieve their desired results with a single session. However, depending on your goals and how much fat is retained after healing, a second session may be recommended.
Will I have scars from facial fat grafting?
The incisions used for fat harvesting are tiny and typically heal with minimal, concealable scars. Dr. Fichadia uses advanced techniques to ensure optimal healing.
Is there a risk of fat moving after it is injected?
No, once the fat integrates with the surrounding tissues, it becomes a stable, natural part of your facial contours. Dr. Fichadia’s meticulous technique ensures precise placement and lasting results.
Can facial fat grafting help with acne scars?
Yes, facial fat grafting can improve the appearance of acne scars by adding volume to depressed areas and promoting skin rejuvenation through the stem cells and growth factors in fat cells.
How should I sleep after facial fat grafting?
It is best to sleep on your back with your head elevated for the first week after the procedure. This reduces swelling and protects the treated areas.
Will my face look overfilled after the procedure?
There may be some initial swelling, which can make the face appear fuller temporarily. This is normal and subsides within a few weeks. Dr Fichadia does not overcorrect for facial fat grafting as we would like to avoid an overfilled look.
Can I use makeup after facial fat grafting?
You can typically use makeup after one week, once the injection sites have healed. Dr. Fichadia will provide specific aftercare instructions.
Is facial fat grafting better than dermal fillers?
Facial fat grafting offers longer-lasting results because the fat becomes a natural part of your facial tissue. Dermal fillers are temporary but provide a non-surgical option for volume restoration.