Volume loss is one of the hallmarks of facial aging,

but it can be treated with the expert application of your own purified fat.

Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Nicholas Karter specializes in autologous fat grafting in Wethersfield, Connecticut, to replenish volume and enhance your facial contours. Compared to traditional fillers, this long-lasting approach provides subtle, natural-looking results that stand the test of time.

What Is Facial Fat Grafting?

Fat grafting, or facial fat transfer, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that improves facial volume and contours by harvesting one’s own fat—typically from the abdomen, flanks, or outer thighs.

Here’s how this straightforward process works under Dr. Karter’s expert care:

  • The purified fat is reinjected into targeted areas to subtly enhance volume.
  • Dr. Karter makes a small (2mm) incision at the fat donor site and uses a microcannula to gently extract unwanted fat.
  • The fat is then processed to remove impurities.

Dr. Karter uses the most advanced harvesting techniques to enhance the quality and uniformity of the injected fat. Using a closed system during the fat purification process minimizes the contamination risk while maximizing fat quality for better retention and natural-looking, long-lasting results.

Why Choose Fat Grafting?

Naturally youthful results – Using your own purified fat to restore facial volume creates results that look and feel more natural than synthetic fillers.

Long-lasting rejuvenation – Unlike temporary dermal fillers, autologous fat grafting offers lasting improvements; the transferred fat integrates with your facial tissues for enduring volume and rejuvenation.

Enhanced healing and integration – This method minimizes the risk of allergic reactions or rejection, leading to a smoother, more seamless healing process.

Harmonious results – Fat grafting restores youthful fullness in areas such as the cheeks, under the eyes, temples, and jawline, complementing other facial procedures for a balanced, harmonious look.

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Dr. Nicholas Karter

Meet Dr. Nicholas Karter

Dr. Karter is fellowship-trained, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon known for his exceptional results and patient-first philosophy. Learn what sets him apart below:

  • Voted "Best Plastic Surgeon in Hartford"
  • 15 Years of Facial Plastic Surgeon Experience
  • Certified by 2 Prestigious Medical Boards
  • Completed an Elite AAFPRS Fellowship
  • 4.8 Average Rating on Google
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Dr. Nicholas Karter credentials logos including Facial Plastic Surgery, Facial Plastic Surgeon Board Certified, ABOHNS, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and The Aesthetic Society
Facial Plastic Surgery logo Facial Plastic Surgeon Board Certified logo ABOHNS logo American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery logo UConn School of Medicine Facial Plastic Surgery logo Facial Plastic Surgeon Board Certified logo ABOHNS logo American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery logo UConn School of Medicine

From Consultation to Confidence: Your Personalized Surgical Experience

From your first conversation with our team to your one-on-one time with Dr. Karter, we provide a concierge-level experience tailored to your needs.

Complimentary Phone Consultation

Start with a free one-on-one call with Erin, our patient care coordinator. She’ll listen to your concerns, discuss treatment options, and go over important details like technique, recovery, and cost considerations. If we feel like the right fit for you, she will schedule your in-person consultation with Dr. Karter.

Comprehensive In-Person Consultation

During your visit, Dr. Karter will examine your facial anatomy and explore your surgical options in-depth. He will walk you through the details of a deep plane facelift, discuss what to expect after surgery, and create a customized plan based on your goals.

Simple & Seamless Scheduling

When you are ready to move forward, we will coordinate every detail with the surgical center and anesthesia team. We recommend bringing your calendar to your appointment so you can choose your ideal date. A fully refundable 20% deposit is all that is needed to secure your surgery.

Presurgical Preparation & Support

We make sure that you are 100% prepared for your procedure. You will receive a comprehensive recovery kit with everything you need for postoperative care, have presurgical photos taken, and review all necessary consent forms and instructions.

Comprehensive Postoperative Care

We see patients several times throughout their recovery to ensure optimal healing and results. As part of our commitment to exceptional postsurgical care, we also provide laser resurfacing treatments to refine incision lines and support smoother scar healing.

Direct Access to Dr. Karter

Dr. Karter is personally invested in your experience and results. As part of his commitment to your comfort and well-being, he provides you with his personal cell phone number so you always have a direct line to your surgeon when you need it.

Your Fat Grafting Recovery

While fat grafting requires very little downtime, Dr. Karter and his team provide detailed postoperative instructions to guide you through the healing process:

  • Minimal downtime – Most patients need only 5 to 7 days of rest before returning to work and daily activities.
  • Comfortable recovery – Apart from some mild soreness, bruising, and swelling, you can expect a comfortable recovery. Most patients manage discomfort with over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and ibuprofen alone.
  • Extensive follow-ups – Dr. Karter sees you 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year after your fat transfer procedure to closely monitor your progress and ensure optimal healing and results.

While you will notice improvement immediately after fat grafting, the final results gradually emerge as swelling subsides.

A Reputation Built on Results

Dr. Karter is very personable, knowledgeable, friendly, and professional. Great experience with great results!
I had a great experience with Dr. Karter for my Botox treatment. I was very nervous but he made me feel completely at ease. He explained everything to me in great detail and even offered multiple products...
I don't even know where to begin. Dr. Karter along with Erin, the Patient Care Coordinator have changed my life. I have always been self conscious of my eyelids and under eyes for as long as I can remember....
Incredible Surgeon and Wonderful Experience I highly recommend Dr. Karter. Not only is he an incredible surgeon but my experience with all his office staff has been wonderful. I am just under 3 months...

Complementary Procedures

While it may be performed as a stand-alone procedure, fat grafting is often combined with other surgeries to enhance your youthful look. These include:

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Fat Grafting FAQ

How much does facial fat grafting cost in CT?

The cost of facial fat grafting varies per individual. After discussing your concerns and goals, we’ll give you an initial quote during your free phone consultation. We also accept financing through CareCredit® and can help you plan for your investment in long-lasting facial rejuvenation.


Should you choose fat grafting or dermal fillers?

While autologous fat grafting can target the same areas as dermal fillers, the effects of fat grafting are longer-lasting. While fillers must be repeated every 6 to 12 months, the effects of fat grafting typically last for many years.


Does facial fat grafting require incisions?

Yes. An incision is necessary to insert the thin microcannula into the fat donor site. However, it is only 2mm, so it is more of a “needle poke” than a “true incision.”


What are the risks of fat grafting?

Fat grafting carries less risk than other, more invasive facial plastic surgery procedures. The biggest potential risk is that the injected fat gets reabsorbed about 20% of the time. In this case, we use dermal fillers for additional volume enhancement.


How long do facial fat grafting results last?

Facial fat transfer results last many years as the transferred fat cells seamlessly integrate with your existing facial tissues. However, your facial features are still subject to the effects of gravity and natural facial aging. Practicing a good skincare regimen and avoiding sun exposure help preserve your youthful appearance.

Request Your Complimentary Consultation

If you’re ready to explore your facial rejuvenation options with a top facial plastic surgeon in Connecticut, we invite you to request a consultation online or call Karter Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery at (860) 775-5595 to get started today.

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