What Is Fat Grafting (& Can It Help with Ozempic Face)? I Asked a Plastic Surgeon

Over the summer, we took a deep dive into “Ozempic Face,” a phenomenon that occurs when quick, significant weight loss leads to a hollowness mainly found along the eyes, the cheek area and the temples, creating a more skeletal and aged appearance. It’s called Ozempic Face because some folks who use Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs for weight loss experience it (but do note that this hollowed appearance can be the result of rapid weight loss not brought on by medications). Facial fillers are often used to combat Ozempic Face, but if you’re in search of a more permanent solution, it might be worth considering fat grafting. I reached out to double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Gabriel Chiu to learn more.

Dr. Gabriel Chiu, D.O., is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and founder of Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery. Dr. Chiu has completed medical school, an internship, a residency, a position as Chief Resident and a fellowship. He was also given the position of Chief during his fellowship in plastic surgery.

So first, what is fat grafting? Dr. Chiu tells me, “Also known as fat transfer, fat grafting is a surgical procedure where fat is removed from one area and grafted into another area of the same body. In removing fat from an area of excess and placing it in an area that lacks soft tissue volume, a surgeon can correct or improve a cosmetic defect, electively augment an area that a patient feels is deficient or rejuvenate an area that shows signs of volume loss and aging. As for whether it’s an effective treatment for Ozempic Face, Dr. Chiu says, “Yes, fat grafting is ideal in helping to restore unwanted loss of volume to the face and body after rapid weight loss, whether from GLP-1 drugs or bariatric surgery.”

Fat grafting, per Dr. Chiu, can restore volume to the face, improve skin texture and tone and address signs of aging. Additionally, it can be used to reduce wrinkles, hollow areas and dark circles under the eyes, as well as improve cheek contours and chin projection. In terms of the fat harvesting, he says, “For the body, fat transfer can reshape and augment the butt, change the contours and silhouette of the whole body, reshape and increase volume to the breasts and improve the results after reconstruction from trauma or cancer.”

A typical fat grafting procedure goes like this: In preparation for a fat transfer, fat is harvested from an area—or areas—of excess in a similar fashion to liposuction (but in this case, the tissue is collected in a sterile container). Dr. Chiu continues, “It is then separated from the fluid that was collected with it. Depending on a surgeon’s particular technique, the fat is processed and placed into syringes. The fat is then injected into the target tissues for the desired results.”

He explains that there are advantages to choosing fat grafting over other choices like implants and fillers, saying, “The biggest advantages of fat transfer are that the results are permanent, and the results are very natural.” He adds, though, that fat grafting, “Does involve specific post-operative care for the fat to survive and incorporate into the tissues for best results, which may not be ideal for all patients.”

Finally, let’s talk risks. Per Dr. Chiu, fat grafting is relatively safe, with most risks being minor. “There are the common risks that are involved with any surgical procedure, such as bleeding, bruising, infection, scarring and seroma,” he says, adding “Specific risks include fat embolism, fat necrosis, uneven results and the possibility of more surgery.”