Facial Fat Transfer
In Chicago and 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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Facial Fat Transfer

What Is Facial Fat Transfer?
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Before & After Facial Fat Grafting
What Happens During Facial Fat Grafting?
Recovery and Results
What Can Facial Fat Transfer Improve?
Facial Fat Transfer or Dermal Fillers?
How Much Does Facial Fat Transfer Cost?
Why Choose Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa?
Facial Fat Transfer FAQs
Discuss Facial Fat Transfer With Dr. Rachel
Chicago Aesthetics Reviews & Testimonials

You may notice that your cheeks look flatter or that shadows beneath your eyes have become more pronounced. These changes can happen gradually as the face loses volume. At Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa, Dr. John D. Rachel offers facial fat transfer in Chicago and Glenview, IL, to restore fullness in areas that concern you while keeping your features recognizable.

What Is
Facial Fat Transfer?

Facial fat transfer, also called facial fat grafting, uses fat collected from another area of your body to add volume to the face. Dr. Rachel removes a small amount through liposuction, prepares it, and places it in the areas being treated. Because some of the transferred fat is absorbed during healing, the amount of fullness that remains varies from person to person.

Who Is a
Good Candidate?

Facial fat grafting may be an option if lost volume is your main concern, you have enough fat available for transfer, and you are in good general health. During your consultation, Dr. Rachel will examine your facial structure and possible fat harvesting sites. He will also discuss the degree of change you want and whether fat transfer is likely to meet that goal.

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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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What Happens
During Facial Fat Grafting?

Dr. Rachel selects a harvesting site based on your anatomy and the amount of fat needed. He collects the fat through a small incision, prepares it for transfer, and places it in the planned facial areas. The procedure may be performed with local anesthesia or IV sedation, depending on your treatment plan.

The placement is planned around your overall facial contours. Adding too much volume to one hollow could look out of balance with the surrounding features, so Dr. Rachel will discuss where he recommends treatment and why.

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

Recovery and
Results

Expect some swelling and bruising in the face, along with discomfort where the fat was collected. We will give you instructions for caring for both areas and explain when you can return to your usual activities. Your face may look fuller at first because of swelling, so the early appearance is not the settled result.

Some transferred fat will be absorbed as you heal. Fat that establishes a blood supply can provide lasting fullness, although retention varies and another treatment may be helpful for some patients. Our before-and-after gallery can give you a sense of the changes treatment may achieve, keeping in mind that individual results differ.

What Can
Facial Fat Transfer Improve?

Dr. Rachel may use facial fat transfer to add fullness to flattened cheeks, hollow temples, or selected areas beneath the eyes. It can also soften certain facial depressions. The areas treated depend on your anatomy and where added volume would address your concern.

Fat transfer does not tighten loose skin. If sagging is a larger concern than volume loss, Dr. Rachel may discuss whether a facelift would better address it.

Facial Fat Transfer
or Dermal Fillers?

Both options can add facial volume. Dermal fillers are injected without collecting fat from another area of the body. They may suit someone who wants to treat a smaller area or prefers a nonsurgical option.

Facial fat transfer involves treatment and recovery at both the face and the harvesting site. It may appeal to you if you prefer to use your own tissue and are considering a longer-lasting approach to volume loss. Dr. Rachel can explain the practical differences based on the areas you want to address.

How Much Does
Facial Fat Transfer Cost?

The cost depends on the areas treated, the amount of fat collected and transferred, and the details of your procedure. After your consultation, we can provide an estimate for your plan and discuss our financing options.

Why Choose
Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa?

Dr. John D. Rachel, MD, FACS, is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with four board certifications. His training includes a residency in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery and a fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. That background informs how he evaluates facial structure and plans where added volume may be useful.

At our Chicago and Glenview practice, your consultation begins with the change you want to see. Dr. Rachel will assess whether fat grafting addresses that concern, explain what fat retention means for your result, and discuss the recovery involved before you decide how to proceed.

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

Facial Fat Transfer
FAQs

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How long do facial fat transfer results last?

Some transferred fat is absorbed during healing, while fat that remains can provide long-lasting volume. Your appearance will still change over time with aging and weight changes.

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Will I need more than one procedure?

You might. Because the amount of fat retained varies, Dr. Rachel may recommend waiting until your result has settled before deciding whether another transfer would be useful.

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Can facial fat grafting replace a facelift?

Fat grafting adds volume, while a facelift addresses loose, sagging tissue. If you have both concerns, Dr. Rachel can discuss which procedure, or combination of procedures, fits your goals.

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Where is the fat taken from?

The harvesting site depends on where you have enough fat to collect safely. Dr. Rachel will assess your options and explain what to expect at that site during recovery.

Discuss Facial
Fat Transfer With Dr. Rachel

If you are considering facial fat transfer in Chicago or Glenview, IL, a consultation can help you decide whether it suits your goals. Contact Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa to meet with Dr. Rachel, discuss the areas that concern you, and get a treatment recommendation.

Chicago Aesthetics
Reviews & Testimonials

    Excellent4.8267 reviews
 4.8
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   Sara Glover 
 October 24, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I visited Carol for treatment on my forehead using dysport. Carol was kind & quick, making sure my experience was comfortable! It was my first time receiving any form of injectables & Carol was able to ease my mind by answering all of my questions with patience & pure knowledge! Carol has years of experience & im so grateful she was my injector! I recommend everyone be treated by Carol for injectables!
  
 
      
   Nathaly Acuna 
 October 21, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone from the Doctors to staff, are amazingly professional and so sweet! Dr. Rachael’s knowledge and bedside manner make you feel so comfortable and at ease. I can’t recommend them enough!
  
 
      
   Monica Correa 
 October 19, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really liked how the staff treated me. Everyone was very kind and professional, and they made me feel comfortable and well cared for throughout the entire experience.
  
 
      
   Barbara Kuczma 
 October 14, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. John Rachel and his staff were wonderful to me. Made sure I was comfortable and kept me informed on everything they were going to do before, during and after my procedure.
I will highly recommend Dr. John Rachel and his wonderful staff.

Thank You,
Barbara Kuczma
  
 
      
   Stamata “Tami” Georgas 
 October 8, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Exceptional Talent, Timeless Results, and Unmatched Expertise!

When it comes to aesthetics, excellence is everything, and I can confidently say that Carol is truly in a league of her own.

Her expertise, artistry, and meticulous attention to detail are simply unparalleled. She has an extraordinary ability to enhance natural beauty while maintaining elegance, balance, and sophistication. Her results are consistently flawless, refreshed, and beautifully understated — the true definition of timeless beauty.

What makes Carol exceptional is not only her remarkable skill but also her integrity, professionalism, and genuine dedication to her clients. She understands that the finest aesthetic work is never obvious; it is effortlessly beautiful.

Two decades of loyalty speak for themselves. I trust her implicitly and would never consider putting my face in anyone else’s hands.

She is the epitome of excellence in aesthetic medicine, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. An absolute five-star experience, every single time!
  
 
      
   Danielle 
 October 7, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. **⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Review**

Stephanie was amazing! She did my laser hair removal treatment and made the entire experience so comfortable and easy. She was professional, knowledgeable, and took the time to answer all of my questions, which really put me at ease. The service was efficient, and I could tell she genuinely cared about providing great results and excellent customer care. I’m so happy with my experience and will definitely be coming back for future treatments. Highly recommend Stephanie to anyone considering laser hair removal!
  
 
      
   TG 
 October 7, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been coming to Carol for over 20 years, and that longevity truly speaks for itself. I continue to see her because she is incredibly educated, highly skilled, and genuinely listens to what you want and need.

She takes the time to understand your goals and creates a plan that enhances your natural features in a way that feels authentic and balanced. Her work is beautiful,  and refined. The results are always natural and confidence boosting.

Beyond her talent, I trust her completely. After two decades, I can confidently say she is consistent, professional, and truly cares about her patients.

If you're looking for perfection, Carol is definitely the person you should see! Highly recommended!
  
 
      
   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 😃
  
 
      
   Neha Patel 
 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!
  
 
      
   Chris C 
 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.

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At Chicago Aesthetic Surgery & Med Spa, we know that your goals are personal and your concerns are unique. View our complete guide to the most common concerns we treat and the solutions that deliver safe, natural-looking results.

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