La Jolla & San Diego, CA

Fat Transfer

A portrait of an East Asian woman with dark hair pulled back, touching both sides of her face, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression.

San Diego Fat Transfer Specialist

Unwanted fat can be removed from the abdominal, thigh or hip areas. After cleaning and purifying the fat cells they can be grafted into facial areas deficient in volume. When artistically sculpted throughout the face, fat transfer creates a fuller, healthier, more youthful look. Because this fat is harvested from your own body, it is naturally incorporated into the face producing long-lasting results.

With so many plastic surgeons in San Diego, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Dr. Kolstad is a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon who focuses exclusively on the face and neck rather than breast or body procedures. By dedicating his practice entirely to facial rejuvenation, Dr. Kolstad is able to create a facelift tailored to your anatomy, features, and aesthetic goals.

Non-Surgical Fat Transfer

Nonsurgical fat transfer can safely be performed in the office under local anesthesia. A small amount (10-15 mLs) of adipose tissue is liposuctioned from the outer or inner thigh or abdomen. The fat cells are then centrifuged and purified in preparation for grafting.

Fat transfer is most commonly used to add volume throughout the cheeks, nasolabial folds, marionette lines and temples.

WHAT AREAS ARE COMMONLY TREATED WITH FAT TRANSFER?

*Individual Results May Vary

The youthful cheek is shaped like a heart, projecting furthest at the cheekbone and tapering as it descends towards the lips. As we age we lose fat in our cheeks and throughout the face. This leads to a deflated appearance, most evident in the midface. The cheek contour begins to resemble a “double bubble” with a projecting cheek bone transitioning into a depression and then another projection lower in the face.

*Individual Results May Vary

Fat transfer is a natural, long-lasting solution for restoring youthful facial volume and improving contour. Using your body’s own fat, this treatment can soften dark circles under the eyes, enhance sagging or deflated cheeks, and create smoother, more refreshed facial features without relying on synthetic fillers. Because the transferred fat comes from your own body, results often look and feel more natural while reducing the need for repeated filler treatments over time.

Dr. Kolstad’s analytic approach distinguishes him from his colleagues. He believes in a customized approach that is specific to your facial features and your goals. Dr. Kolstad understands that there is as much artistry as science in facial rejuvenation. He has spent years dedicating his career to rejuvenation of the face and neck. Rather than performing facial, breast and body procedures, Dr. Kolstad’s practice is fully dedicated to facial plastic surgery.

Dr. Kolstad learned his technique from one of the best Facial Plastic Surgeons in the world. He spent an entire year in New York working exclusively with one of the world’s premier Facial Plastic Surgeons.

Dr Kolstad has extensive experience in a variety of techniques and will tailor your surgery to meet your specific goals. You will have the final say in determining if this is the right procedure for you.

What is the Difference Between Fat Transfer and Radiesse, Restylane, Juvederm & Perlane?

Facial fat transfer before and after showing restored volume and smoother facial contours in San Diego, California

What is the Difference Between Fat Transfer and Sculptra?

Sculptra is a biostimulator used to restore volume throughout the entire face. Rather then treating specific folds, Sculptra is placed throughout the cheeks, jawline, and temples. Sculptra is a long-lasting volumizer lasting up to 3 years. Many people will require 4-9 vials of Sculptra to achieve the desired results waiting 4 to 6 weeks between treatments.

Fat transfer can also restore volume throughout the entire face. Facial fat transfer is used throughout the cheeks, jawline, and temples. Lipotransfer is considered a natural volumizer and the results can be achieved over a single session.

Your Fat Transfer Journey with Dr. Kolstad

Customize your Fat Transfer!

Dr. Kolstad will mark on the face where he believes the lipografts will best achieve the desired result. Using a mirror you can confirm the markings are where you would like the volume restored.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Fat Transfer

It will take about 60 to 90 minutes for Dr. Kolstad to artistically distribute the fat grafts. Throughout the grafting process Dr. Kolstad will take several pauses allowing you to view the results in the mirror. Your input will help guide Dr. Kolstad to the appropriate stopping point. By allowing patients to view the real-time results and contribute feedback Dr. Kolstad achieves a high rate of satisfaction and minimizes the risk of adding too much volume.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From a Fat Transfer Procedure?

Most people take about 3 days off of work to recover. By the third day the majority of the swelling has resolved and any residual bruising can be camouflaged with make-up

Fat Transfer FAQ’s

Trusted by Patients

5.0
  • Quote

    Highly recommend!

    Dr. Kolstad has such a strong attention to detail and truly listens to what you want. He makes sure you feel comfortable and cared for throughout the entire process. His professionalism and calm demeanor really put me at ease, and I trust his expertise completely. Highly recommend!

  • Quote

    Dr. Kolstad is an amazing doctor!

    Dr. Kolstad is an amazing doctor! I had two hair transplant surgeries over a span of 12 months with him, 4,800 grafts. I saw a number of other hair transplant surgeons in the area, and Dr. Kolstad’s prices are very reasonable. The outcome was exceptional, I am so happy with my new look! The scheduling of pre- and post-op visits was easy and his staff are excellent. Highly recommend!

  • Quote

    Dr. Kolstad is so incredibly talented

    Been coming here for years for filler and Botox. Dr Kolstad is so incredibly talented with his work and keeping a natural look to enhance the beauty you already have! He’s so thorough and communicates with such intent and everyone who works here is so amazing and kind! 10/10

  • Quote

    Dr.Kolstad is a blessing

    Dr.Kolstad is a blessing to patients who are looking for a facial rejuvenation and natural beauty changes. He has state of the art with all the latest technology in house operation theatre which is emergency equipped bringing costs to patients lower. The office is immaculately hygienic. Dr K and his staff – Jaina, Saranya and Janice are the entire team is top notch, so caring that I didn’t miss a family member. His facial plastic surgery skills are exquisite. He has amazing bed side manners. Very caring and considerate , putting patient care first. I highly recommend him for any facial plastic surgery without breaking your bank along with top notch care. He is the perfect package.

  • Quote

    Dr. Kolstad is truly gifted

    I absolutely love Dr. Kolstads office! I’ve been going here for a few years now for lip filler and Botox. Everyone here is so welcoming and incredibly smart! Dr. Kolstad is truly gifted at what he does all while making sure you still maintain a natural look! Thank you to the team for an amazing experience!

Crafting Confidence Starts Here.

Contact Us Photo Gallery