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

    Excellent4.8254 reviews
 4.8
 Excellent254 reviews
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   Ruby Kelly 
 September 13, 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. I wouldn’t trust
  
 
      
   Daniella Bella 
 September 13, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had Lipo 360 and a Skinny BBL this summer, and I am so happy with my results. I was always extremely nervous about going under the knife, but I really wanted to do something that would help boost my self-confidence. Dr. T and his entire team were truly amazing throughout the whole process. I am naturally pretty skinny, so I was always worried about whether this procedure would work well for my body type, but I honestly wish I had done it sooner. I am currently about five weeks post-op, and I am already so pleased with how everything is turning out. My results continue to improve as I heal, and I’m excited to see the final outcome. I’m very grateful to Dr. T and his team for making me feel comfortable and confident throughout the experience.
  
 
      
   Stephanie Sanchez 
 September 9, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. carol’s the absolute best! very fast and great at what she does. My go to for any botox or filler!
  
 
      
   Roberta Livingston 
 September 6, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
Tom is amazing!! Caring and knowledgeable very, very excellent experience.
  
 
      
   Kim Jones 
 September 2, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been seeing Carol for 10 + years She’s the best and has a perfect eye for what’s needed and what is not. I’ve always trusted her completely and highly recommend!
  
 
      
   Mary S 
 August 29, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful service, everyone is knowledgable and friendly. Dr. Rachel is fabulous and quadruple board certified. I would not trust any other company.
  
 
      
   Laura Rosenhauer 
 August 28, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Carol is the best in the business! She is professional, kind, and incredibly attentive throughout my experience. She took the time to understand my concerns and made sure I felt comfortable. I love my results! I truly appreciated her expertise and attention to detail. I highly recommend Carol!
  
 
      
   Angel 
 August 28, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nurse Carol always does an outstanding job no matter the procedure. She literally has light hands and you barely feel a thing. She brightens my day whenever I have an appointment with her. Very kind, professional and very knowledgeable. I have never had anyone as thorough as her. She communicates with me before and after all appointments and reaches out to ensure I safely drive there sooner due to the weather conditions. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I cannot say enough wonderful things about Nurse Carol Donohue. After four years as her client, I can genuinely say that the trust, care, and relationship we have built over the years means so much to me. Carol has always been incredibly easy to communicate with and accommodating with my schedule. She consistently goes above and beyond for her clients—even coming in early before her shift to make sure she can see me when needed. That level of dedication and care does not go unnoticed. What I appreciate most about Carol is her integrity. She doesn’t simply recommend a cosmetic procedure because she can perform it. She takes the time to honestly tell me what would be beneficial, what may be unnecessary, and what she believes is best for me. My health, well-being, and safety have always come first, and that has given me an incredible amount of confidence and trust in her. Carol is knowledgeable, professional, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. She explains everything in detail, makes sure I understand every step of the process, and always makes me feel comfortable and cared for. She values her clients as people, not just appointments. Beyond her professionalism, Carol’s kindness has touched me personally. There have been days when I walked into her office feeling at my lowest, and simply being met with her warmth, compassion, and kindness helped me leave feeling a little more confident and a lot better than when I arrived. That is something I will never forget. Thank you, Nurse Carol Donohue, for four wonderful years of professionalism, honesty, compassion, and exceptional care. I am incredibly grateful for the client-and-nurse relationship we have built, and I look forward to many more years to come. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a provider who combines expertise with integrity and truly cares about the people she serves.
  
 
      
   Julie Rosenhauer 
 August 28, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been getting Botox from Carol for several years now, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience! She is incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and professional, and she always takes the time to make sure I feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. I truly trust her expertise and appreciate how carefully she listens to what I want while providing honest, thoughtful recommendations. My results have always looked natural and beautiful, which is exactly what I’m looking for. I highly recommend her to anyone considering Botox or looking for someone skilled, trustworthy, and genuinely caring!
  
 
      
   Diana T 
 August 26, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Carol was great! She made the experience comfortable and pain-free while also being efficient. Would definitely return!

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