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Sometimes aging presents as hollowed cheeks, deep folds, or lips that feel a little less full. At Schoemann Plastic Surgery in Encinitas, we offer facial fat transfer as a natural way to restore volume and refresh your look. Dr. Mark Schoemann, a double board-certified plastic surgeon, uses your own fat to create results that feel soft, smooth, and uniquely yours. Patients from all over San Diego come here because they want expertise, comfort, and care that's personal.
Facial fat transfer, also called facial fat grafting, is a procedure that takes fat cells from one part of your body and carefully reintroduces them to areas of the face that have lost fullness. Think of it as borrowing a little from where you have extra (like the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks) and sculpting it into the cheeks, lips, or under-eyes.
The fat grafting procedure starts with harvesting fat using gentle liposuction. That fat is purified, removing excess fluid and dead cells, while leaving behind healthy, living fat and stem cells. These are placed in a syringe and injected into targeted treatment areas. This leaves you with a subtle lift, smoother skin texture, and natural-looking rejuvenation that comes from your own body.
Facial Fat Transfer Encinitas patients love this treatment because it does more than add volume—It improves skin quality in ways fillers can’t. With stem cells in the harvested fat, patients often notice smoother texture and more radiant skin over time.
Benefits include:
Ideal candidates are men and women who want to restore volume, soften lines, and achieve facial rejuvenation without synthetic fillers. You’ll need enough fat in a donor site to work with, and overall good health is important for safety.
During your consultation, Dr. Schoemann will review your concerns, treatment areas, and health history to make sure this procedure is a safe and effective choice for you.
Every consultation at Schoemann Plastic Surgery feels more like a conversation than a checklist. Dr. Schoemann takes time to understand not just how you want to look, but how you want to feel. He’ll walk you through the fat grafting procedure, the recovery process, and what results you can expect.
To prepare, patients may need to adjust medications, plan for downtime, and arrange for a ride home after treatment. Our team will guide you every step of the way so you feel confident going in.
The procedure is performed in our AAAASF-accredited surgical center right here in Encinitas. First, Dr. Schoemann gently harvests fat from a donor site like the thighs, abdomen, or buttocks. The fat is then purified by removing excess fluid and dead cells and prepared for injection.
Using a fine syringe, Dr. Schoemann injects the purified fat into targeted treatment areas such as the cheeks, lips, or under-eyes. Each injection is placed with artistry and care, sculpting smooth, balanced results. Depending on the extent of treatment, the procedure usually takes one to two hours.
Recovery is typically straightforward. Expect some swelling, minor discomfort, and possible bruising in both the donor site and the treatment area. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling, and Dr. Schoemann may recommend over-the-counter or prescribed medication for comfort.
Most patients return to light activity within a week. As tissues heal, avoid heavy exercise, sun exposure, and anything that might put pressure on the treated areas. Tiny liposuction sites heal with minimal scarring when cared for properly.
You’ll notice improvement almost immediately, but final results take shape over several weeks as swelling subsides and the transferred fat integrates with existing tissues. Some fat is naturally reabsorbed, but the fat that “takes” establishes a blood supply and stays for the long term.
Results can last for years, offering soft, natural-looking volume and improved skin quality. To protect your investment, maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid major weight fluctuations, and follow Dr. Schoemann’s aftercare recommendations.
Because each procedure is customized, costs can vary. Pricing depends on the amount of fat harvested, the number of treatment areas, and whether you combine facial fat transfer with other procedures like a facelift or eyelid surgery.
Costs typically include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility charges, and post-operative care. At your consultation, you’ll receive a clear breakdown so you know exactly what to expect.
Dr. Mark Schoemann is more than just a board-certified plastic surgeon—he’s a trusted aesthetic expert with deep credentials and a compassionate approach. Double board-certified and craniofacial fellowship-trained, he brings over a decade of experience and artistry to every procedure.
Our Encinitas office doesn’t feel like a clinic. Patients often say it feels more like a welcoming home. Add in our on-site AAAASF-accredited surgical center, and you have the perfect balance of comfort, safety, and privacy.
Beyond the walls of the practice, Dr. Schoemann has a heart for giving back. His volunteer work with Operation Smile—spanning India, Africa, and beyond—speaks to his commitment to doing the right thing for patients everywhere.
If you’re ready to restore volume and smooth wrinkles using your own body’s natural tissues, facial fat transfer may be right for you. Patients across San Diego, La Jolla, Del Mar, Vista, and San Marcos trust Dr. Schoemann for results that look natural and feel personal.
Call (760) 487-2520 or schedule a consultation online today.
Most patients describe the recovery as mild. Anesthesia during the procedure keeps you comfortable.
Risks are low but may include swelling, bruising, or uneven fat absorption. Choosing a board-certified surgeon minimizes them.
You’ll notice changes right away, with final results becoming visible over a few weeks as swelling fades.
Most patients are back to normal activities in about a week, though full healing takes longer.
Yes. Many patients combine fat grafting with facelifts, eyelid surgery, or dermal fillers for a more comprehensive result.
