Fat Transfer
Serving Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale, Bentonville, and the Northwest Arkansas area
Serving Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale, Bentonville, and the Northwest Arkansas area
Some patients want a little more softness where time or genetics left less. Others are looking to enhance their contours without implants or repeated filler appointments. Fat transfer offers a long-lasting way to restore volume and subtly refine your shape using your body’s own tissue. Dr. Spann approaches each fat transfer with a deep respect for balance and proportion, helping you feel more at home in your skin, not changed by it.
If you’ve been considering a natural approach to facial, breast, or body enhancement, we invite you to explore the possibilities in a relaxed consultation with Dr. Spann in Little Rock or Northwest Arkansas.
Uses your own fat to restore volume and improve contours
Commonly used on the face, breasts, hips, and buttocks
Biocompatible and safe, with no synthetic material
Small incisions minimize visible marks
With a stable weight, results can last for many years
Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is a surgical procedure in which fat is harvested from one area of the body, typically the abdomen, flanks, or thighs, processed for purity, and then injected into areas that need more volume or shaping. Common treatment areas include the face (to fill hollows or soften wrinkles), the breasts (to enhance size or correct asymmetry), and the body, such as the hips or buttocks.
This approach is ideal for patients seeking a more natural, implant-free method of enhancement. Since the fat comes from your own body, it feels soft and integrates smoothly with your existing tissue.
Fat transfer is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under either local or general anesthesia, depending on the areas being treated. The first step involves gentle liposuction to remove fat from donor areas. This fat is then purified using a careful process to ensure only the healthiest cells are reintroduced. Dr. Spann then meticulously reinjects the fat into the desired area using fine cannulas, sculpting smooth, natural contours that complement your overall appearance.
Dr. Spann has extensive expertise in both liposuction and facial/body aesthetics. Each fat transfer is planned with balance, proportion, and long-term results in mind.
Fat transfer is designed for natural-looking volume enhancement or restoration in key areas of the face, breasts, and body. Dr. Spann tailors each procedure to match your anatomy and goals, helping you achieve refined, harmonious contours in areas that may have lost fullness due to aging, weight changes, or genetics.
Popular facial treatment areas include:
Body treatment areas include:
Patients choose fat transfer for its natural look and feel, reduced risk of rejection, and the added bonus of body contouring through liposuction in donor areas. It’s a beautiful option for those who want to enhance their appearance without foreign materials. Results are soft, subtle, and tend to age gracefully with the rest of your body. And because fat transfer uses your own tissue, there’s no need for ongoing filler appointments or implant maintenance.
You may be a good candidate for fat transfer if you're in generally good health, have realistic expectations, and have enough fat in donor areas to achieve your goals. Fat transfer is not intended for dramatic augmentation but rather subtle shaping and refinement. It’s important to be at or near your goal weight, as weight fluctuations can affect your final outcome.
During your consultation, Dr. Spann will assess your anatomy, discuss your goals, and help determine if fat transfer or another procedure best supports the result you’re looking for.
During recovery from fat transfer, swelling and bruising are common in both the donor and injection areas and typically improve within 1 to 2 weeks. Most patients return to non-strenuous daily activities in about 7 to 10 days, with more vigorous movement and exercise gradually reintroduced over 3 to 4 weeks. While some of the transferred fat may naturally be reabsorbed by the body in the first few months, the final volume settles over time, typically within 3 to 6 months, revealing a smoother, more refined contour. Dr. Spann and our team stay closely involved throughout the healing process to ensure a smooth recovery and good results.
Results from fat transfer typically begin to stabilize within a few weeks, with final results visible around 3 to 6 months after the procedure. When maintained with a healthy lifestyle and stable weight, results can last for years, making this an excellent long-term solution for volume loss. Whether it’s a fuller cheek, a softer jawline, or more harmonious body contours, you can expect results that feel authentic and beautifully tailored to you.
With over two decades of surgical experience and a boutique, patient-centered philosophy, Dr. Spann approaches fat transfer with meticulous planning, natural artistry, and a deep respect for your individual goals. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, he combines technical expertise with thoughtful design, helping patients achieve results that feel effortless and timeless. Here, you’ll be guided with care toward what feels right for your body and your life. Schedule your consultation today to discuss your goals and learn about your options for personalized care.
This will depend on the area being treated, but in general, small to moderate amounts are used. Dr. Spann will assess your donor sites and let you know if fat transfer can safely achieve your desired outcome.
Some of the fat is naturally reabsorbed by the body, but the majority that survives becomes a permanent part of your tissue. Dr. Spann uses careful techniques to maximize long-term retention.
Yes. Fat transfer is often part of facial rejuvenation, breast enhancement, or body contouring procedures. It pairs well with facelifts, liposuction, and breast lifts to enhance overall balance and proportion.
Most patients return to non-strenuous activities in 3–5 days, though full recovery can take a few weeks depending on the areas treated. Swelling, mild bruising, or temporary sensitivity are common and typically resolve on their own.
The best choice for you depends on your goals. Fat transfer offers long-lasting results using your own tissue, with no need for maintenance or implant care. On the other hand, for facial enhancement, fillers offer a less invasive treatment option for patients wishing to avoid surgery. Fat transfer is not ideal for patients seeking dramatic augmentation in areas like the breasts. Dr. Spann will help you understand the benefits and limitations of different approaches based on your anatomy and preferences.
The cost of your surgery will vary based on its extent and any additional procedures performed. During your initial consultation, we will provide a detailed quote and discuss financing options. Little Rock Plastic Surgery offers flexible payment solutions through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit.
