06/08/2026
One of the biggest misconceptions about facial aging is thinking it’s only about loose skin.
As we age, we also lose:
• facial fat
• collagen
• structural support
• skin elasticity
That’s why fat transfer has become such an important part of facial rejuvenation. ✨
But here are 5 things patients should understand before surgery:
1. Not all transferred fat survives
After fat is transferred, the body has to create a new blood supply to nourish those fat cells. The fat that successfully establishes blood flow survives long term, while the rest is naturally reabsorbed by the body.
This is one reason Dr. Pennington incorporates hyperbaric oxygen therapy into recovery protocols for many patients. Increased oxygen delivery may help support healing and improve survival of the transferred fat during the early recovery phase. 🫧
2. Overfilling can create unnatural results
Some people assume more fat is always better. But aggressive overfilling can leave patients looking puffy or heavy if too much survives. Natural results usually come from conservative placement, balance, and restraint.
3. Fat does more than add volume
Fat contains stem cells and regenerative properties that may help improve skin quality, tissue health, and healing support over time.
This is also why Dr. Pennington often likes pairing fat grafting with laser resurfacing treatments to address both facial structure and skin quality together. 🤍
4. Technique matters tremendously
How the fat is harvested, processed, and injected can dramatically influence long-term survival and results.
Small technical details make a major difference in creating natural-looking outcomes.
5. The goal should never be to look “done”
The best fat grafting restores subtle support and softness while still looking completely natural to the patient.
Natural facial rejuvenation is rarely about dramatically changing the face.
The best results usually come from restoring:
• structure
• balance
• support
• softness
• skin quality
When performed thoughtfully and conservatively, fat grafting can help patients look refreshed, healthy, and naturally rejuvenated, not overfilled or overdone. ✨