Philadelphia, PA

Structural Fat Grafting

Anchored in vitality

Introduction to Structural Fat Grafting

Faces tend to lose volume naturally as we age. So, our cheeks might appear flatter, the under-eye area may appear hollow, and our overall facial contours can seem less defined.

At Evan Jones, MD, in Bala Cynwyd, PA, we welcome patients from the Main Line and the greater Philadelphia area seeking thoughtful, artful aesthetic treatments tailored to enhance their natural beauty.

A portrait of a woman with short dark hair and a clear complexion, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression. She has her hands gently framing her face, highlighting her cheekbones and smooth skin against a soft, tan background. - Structural fat grafting in Los Angeles, CA

What is Structural Fat Grafting?

Structural fat grafting is a surgical procedure in which fat is harvested from one area of the body, processed, and then carefully injected into targeted areas of the face to restore volume and improve contour. Common donor sites include the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. Once purified, the fat is strategically placed in areas that need enhancement.

Structural fat grafting can address multiple concerns, including volume loss in the cheeks, hollows beneath the eyes, flat or sunken temples, and diminished jawline definition.

Who Are the Best Candidates For Structural Fat Grafting?

The ideal candidate for structural fat grafting is an adult in good overall health who wishes to restore facial volume and improve contour. Candidates typically have areas of hollowing, flattening, or diminished definition in the cheeks, under-eye area, temples, or jawline.

Patients should have sufficient donor fat available for harvest, although even small amounts are often adequate. Good skin quality is important because healthy, elastic skin helps achieve smooth, natural-looking results.

Structural fat grafting is intended to enhance natural features rather than create dramatic changes. Patients who value subtle, long-lasting refinement over temporary, noticeable enhancement are often the most satisfied.

During consultation, Dr. Jones evaluates facial structure, skin condition, and patient goals to determine the most appropriate approach.

What Are the Benefits of Structural Fat Grafting?

One of the primary benefits of structural fat grafting is the restoration of youthful facial volume. As the face ages, fat naturally diminishes, resulting in hollow areas and less-defined contours. Fat grafting replenishes these areas, creating a more balanced and rejuvenated appearance.

Since structural fat grafting uses your own fat, the results integrate seamlessly with existing tissues, producing a look that feels and appears natural.

Structural fat grafting also has longevity. While some initial reabsorption of fat may occur, most of the transferred fat establishes a permanent blood supply and becomes a lasting part of the treated area. This allows patients to achieve long-term results that may continue to improve as the tissues settle.

Additionally, the procedure can subtly improve skin quality. Some studies suggest that fat grafting may stimulate collagen production, improving skin texture and elasticity over the treated areas.

A male clinician in a blue suit and a female patient in a black sweater and jeans walk together down a brightly lit medical office hallway while engaged in conversation. - first step in Los Angeles, CA

What’s the First Step?

The first step toward structural fat grafting is a thorough consultation with Dr. Evan Jones at his Philadelphia-area office. During this time, you’ll be able to discuss your areas of concern, desired outcomes, and any questions about the procedure.

Dr. Jones examines the face in detail, evaluating volume loss, skin quality, and overall facial proportions. He will explain to you how fat is harvested, processed, and placed to achieve your desired results.

What to Expect on the Day of Structural Fat Grafting Surgery

Structural fat grafting is done under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Your donor area will first be prepared, and fat is carefully harvested using a small, gentle liposuction technique to preserve cell viability.

Once harvested, the will be fat purified and prepared for placement. Dr. Jones then injects the fat into targeted areas of the face using fine cannulas. The fat is layered strategically to restore volume, enhance contour, and create smooth transitions that maintain natural facial proportions.

A surgeon in blue scrubs, a surgical mask, and a lighted headlamp stands in an operating room giving a double thumbs-up.- Facelift in Los Angeles, CA
A white marble wall, vertical

Structural Fat Grafting Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Structural Fat Grafting Care

Patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and tenderness in both the donor and recipient sites. These symptoms typically improve within one to two weeks.

Most of Dr. Jones’ patients can resume normal activities within several days, although exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for a couple of weeks to support optimal healing and fat survival.

It is normal for some of the transferred fat to be gradually reabsorbed in the first few months. Once the fat establishes a blood supply, the remaining volume becomes permanent, providing lasting improvement.

How Much Does Structural Fat Grafting Cost in Philadelphia, PA?

The cost of structural fat grafting in Philadelphia, PA, varies based on the number of areas treated, the required anesthesia, and individual patient factors. Because the procedure is customized, pricing is determined on a case-by-case basis.

During the consultation, Dr. Jones provides a detailed estimate reflecting the patient’s individualized treatment plan.

Why Choose Dr. Jones?

Dr. Evan Jones is an otolaryngologist and fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with advanced expertise in facial surgery. His educational background includes graduating with distinction from the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State University with a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, followed by medical training at Temple University School of Medicine. He completed surgical residency at Baylor College of Medicine and a highly sought-after, advanced fellowship with the president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.

This depth of training allows Dr. Jones to approach structural fat grafting surgery with a sophisticated understanding of facial anatomy, function, and long-term aging. His philosophy emphasizes patient-specific care and balanced results, ensuring that aesthetic improvement never compromises expression or identity. Patients in the Main Line, Bala Cynwyd, and Philadelphia choose Dr. Jones for his thoughtful approach, technical precision, and commitment to achieving natural, refined, and enduring results.

A surgeon in dark scrubs ties a blue surgical cap behind his head while standing in a dimly lit operating room under bright surgical lights. - Procedure in Los Angeles, CA

Structural Fat Grafting FAQ’S