Facial Fat Transfer to Restore Volume
This 47-year-old woman is in peak physical condition, but despite her fitness, she was deeply frustrated by the way her face had aged. Like many athletic patients, she had experienced progressive facial volume loss — particularly in the upper eyelids, temples, and cheeks — giving her a hollow, gaunt, and prematurely aged appearance.
She had seen several other providers, most of whom recommended brow lifts or blepharoplasty, assuming her tired look was due to drooping skin. However, the true issue was not sagging — it was volume loss.
Dr. Salvatore Pacella identified this immediately and recommended a far simpler and more natural approach: facial fat transfer.
Using her own fat, he performed precise microinjections to restore youthful fullness to the upper eyelids, temporal hollows, and upper cheeks, achieving a smoother, more balanced facial contour. This non-surgical rejuvenation corrected the hollow appearance and gave her a fresh, rested, and natural look — without any incisions or over-pulled features.
At follow-up, her results are subtle but striking:
- Her eyes look more open and less hollow
- Her cheeks are softly lifted and full
- Her temples and brows are beautifully supported
- Most importantly, she looks as young as she feels
This case perfectly demonstrates how volume — not laxity — is often the missing piece in facial rejuvenation for fit, lean individuals.
