Facial Fat Transfer
In Chicago & Glenview, IL

Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa in Chicago & Glenview, IL is led by Dr. John D. Rachel, MD, FACS, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is quadruple board-certified.

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Medically reviewed for accuracy.

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Fat Grafting

What Is Fat Grafting?
Before & After Facial Fat Grafting
Fat Grafting compared with Dermal Fillers
Fat Grafting is an effective method for adding volume in these areas
How is a Fat Transfer Procedure Performed?
What is the Cost of Fat Grafting?
Schedule a Consultation
Why Choose Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa
Fat Grafting FAQs
Chicago Aesthetics Reviews & Testimonials

What is
Fat Grafting?

Fat grafting is a surgical procedure that uses fat harvested from one area of the body to enhance the size and shape of another area of the body. This surgical body contouring procedure can be used to add a subtle amount of volume to the face or to add large amounts of volume to the buttocks to enhance the overall appearance of a person’s figure. At Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa, we offer fat grafting in Chicago.

What Is
Fat Grafting?

Fat grafting is a very popular, minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that harvests fat from one part of your body to be used as filler material in another part of the body. You can use your own fat to enhance and refine face and body contours and add fullness or curves.

For the face, fat works similarly to dermal fillers (such as Juvederm, Restylane, etc.) to plump lips and cheeks, smooth wrinkles, and fill hollows and folds. The results may be much longer lasting than some fillers. Fat grafting is an excellent way to decrease unwanted fat in one area of the body and enhance volume and shape in another during the same operation. The procedure is performed without major incisions and leaves minimal postoperative scars.

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Before & After
Facial Fat Transfer Results

Experience the difference for yourself—our before & after gallery showcases thousands of successful surgeries and satisfied patients. It’s no surprise that Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa surgeons are recognized among the top cosmetic plastic surgeons in Chicago, Illinois. See why so many trust us for their transformations.

facial fat transfer before and after photo by chicago aesthetics surgery & med spa in chicago, il

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Fat Grafting
compared with dermal fillers:

Fat is a natural, living filler
Fat grafting will not cause an allergic reaction
Fat grafting is safe and cost-effective
Fat can be more permanent than manufactured fillers
Most patients have abundant stores of fat available
Grafted fat can become permanent living tissue

Happy 50s middle aged woman model touching face skin looking in mirror reflection.

an attractive middle aged woman smiling at the camera wearing a skirt and v-neck sweater and a necklace

Fat Grafting is an
effective method for adding volume in these areas:

Eyes: to correct hollows under the eye and fill the “tear trough”
Face: Temple, cheek, forehead wrinkles, around the mouth, lips, laugh lines, jowls, jawline, and chin
Scars: to fill depression from acne, trauma, or surgery
Hands: to fill wrinkles and depression on the backs of hands due to aging
Buttocks: to give a more pronounced, and rounded appearance
Liposuction: to fill defects from overly aggressive liposuction procedures

How is a
fat transfer procedure performed?

Fat is harvested from one part of your body, washed and purified, and then carefully reinjected with specially designed instruments into the areas that need augmentation. It may be necessary to repeat the fat grafting procedure several times to achieve the desired result. Fat grafting can be explained as a three-stage process: (1) harvesting (2) purification and transfer and (3) placement.

Harvesting: The area selected for fat removal will be injected with a local anesthetic. Dr. Rachel will then create a small incision in the area for fat removal and, using a sterile technique, insert a cannula connected to a syringe to carefully extract fat (liposuction).

Purification and transfer: Once enough fat is obtained from the donor area, the fat will be processed to prepare the fat cells for transfer to small syringes that will be used for fat injection.

Placement: The area designated to receive the graft will then be prepared. The fat is then transferred to the site with the use of specialized instruments to an appropriate degree of augmentation. This process is repeated until the desired correction has been achieved.

Your fat grafting in Chicago will be performed in Dr. John D. Rachel’s surgery center located on North Shore.

What is the
Cost of Fat Grafting?

The cost of your fat grafting in Chicago can be discussed during your consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John Rachel. The price of your fat grafting will be based on the amount of fat that needs to be harvested and the amount of work required to attain your desired results. Our team can also go over the financing options available to you.

Contact Us
Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in fat grafting and would like to know if you are a good candidate for the procedure, constant Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa today to schedule your cosmetic surgery consultation with Dr. John D. Rachel, a Quadruple Board-certified cosmetic surgeon. Dr. Rachel will go over the details of the procedure and answer any questions you may have about fat grafting in Chicago.

Why Choose
Dr. Rachel

You want a clear recommendation, realistic expectations, and results that still look like you. At Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa in Chicago and Glenview, we start with an anatomy-led plan based on your goals. We’ll tell you what we think will work, what won’t, and why. We explain your options in plain language, including what we would not recommend, so you can feel confident with your decision.

Dr. John D. Rachel, MD, FACS is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He is quadruple board-certified in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, and the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery. He completed residency training in Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery at Wayne State/Detroit Medical Center and a Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at the Beeson Cosmetic Surgery Institute. He has been in practice since 2001, is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), and has published peer-reviewed research in facial plastic surgery and skin rejuvenation.

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Dr. Rachel and his team at Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa in Chicago and Glenview

Frequently Asked Questions
Facial Fat Grafting

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Am I a good candidate for Fat Grafting Surgery?

Fat Grafting Surgery is an ideal procedure for those who want to improve facial aging and restore volume to the face or add volume to areas of the body. It is important that patients are in good general health, do not have circulation problems, and are realistic in their expectations.

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What type of anesthesia is used during Fat Grafting surgery?

Fat Grafting Surgery can be performed under local or IV anesthesia.

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How long does the fat last?

Some of the fat will be naturally absorbed by the body during the first 1-2 months after it is injected, but the fat that survives generally continues to exist just like other living tissue in the body. A small amount of fat may continue to resorb over the next six months, but this is not generally noticeable. Repeat injections with stored fat is commonly performed 2-3 times within the first year.

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How long will my Fat Grafting results last?

Although the natural aging process cannot be put on hold, Fat Grafting Surgery is known to provide patients with long-term results. Patients who practice a healthy diet and skin care regimen and refrain from habits such as smoking can benefit the most with a long-lasting outcome.

Chicago Aesthetics
Reviews & Testimonials

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   Sam 
 October 2, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Alison and Tom are the best. They have a tailored approach and explain what and why they recommend treatments. I’m so excited to be working with them as I head into my bridal era - I know I will look my best with their help. 100000/10 recommend to everyone but especially brides 😃
  
 
      
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 September 22, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. New update: I had a wonderful experience with Carol. She was professional, knowledgeable and paid attention to every detail to clearly explain my skin concerns. I’ll definitely be coming back!

The moment I walked into the clinic I felt a happy, welcomed and professional setting. I had my Sofwave treatment with Alison Falada, Master Esthetician and Laser Specialist. She was nothing short of amazing! She was personable, knowledgeable, skilled and detailed throughout the entire experience. She took the time to thoroughly explain the entire process, addressed all of my my questions and concerns. Alison is an expert and provided great quality service! I love my results and can't wait to book my next appointment with her!
  
 
      
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 September 20, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Carol has been doing my Botox for the last few years. She is kind, easy to talk to, makes herself available and approachable! Always feel at ease when I come see her and she does great work, goes by so fast, we are always done before I even know it. Highly recommend visiting her.
  
 
      
   Anika Tylek 
 September 19, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tom's kindness and incredible knowledge make it easy for me to trust him with my procedures. I cannot recommend him enough! I've had a great experience with him and will absolutely continue seeing him!
  
 
      
   Ruby Kelly 
 September 18, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been seeing Carol for Botox for over two years, and she is absolutely amazing! I trust her completely with my face. She always takes the time to listen to what I want and makes sure my results look natural and beautiful—she never overdoes it. I especially appreciate how honest she is; she will tell you when you don’t need something rather than trying to sell you more treatments.

Carol truly cares about her patients and always makes me feel comfortable, welcomed, and at home. She is professional, knowledgeable, gentle, and incredibly attentive. I always leave feeling confident and happy with my results. It’s hard to find someone you can trust this much, and I’m so grateful I found Carol.
  
 
      
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 September 18, 2026
 
 
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 September 17, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a great experience with Stephanie for my HydraFacial. She was super knowledgeable and taught me how to maintain that healthy, youthful skin I'm working so hard to hold onto. She made this experience comfortable, professional and genuinely enjoyable. Thank you Stephanie!
  
 
      
   Carol Sanchez 
 September 17, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an amazing experience with my Moxi laser treatment with Stephanie! She was incredibly knowledgeable and made me feel comfortable from start to finish. She thoroughly explained what to expect before, during, and after the procedure and gave me clear, detailed instructions for caring for my skin at home. I truly felt cared for throughout the entire experience and am so excited to see my results! I highly recommend Stephanie to anyone considering Moxi or any other service.
  
 
      
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 September 15, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Just got laser hair removal with Stephanie for the first time, and I had such a great experience. The process was super fast and easy, and Stephanie was great. Looking forward to my next appointment!
  
 
      
   Marim_93 
 September 15, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My experience at Chicago Aesthetics has always been positive. I am so grateful to Stephanie for her guidance and expertise on my treatment plan over the past year. She was thoughtful in her approach to treating my hyperpigmentation and acne and always informed me on what was going on during each treatment and why we were doing it. I wouldn’t go to anyone else and highly highly recommend her! Also, the ladies at the front desk are always so kind and make the booking process and check in/check out process go smoothly.

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