Treatments · Skin Rejuvenation
Non-Surgical Facelift with Facial Fat Transfer in San Antonio
Restore lost volume with your own fat, harvested with BeautiFill under local anesthesia, and refine the skin with Opus Plasma or RF tightening. No incisions, no general anesthesia.
Medically reviewed by Francisco Cardona, MD, board-certified physician
Technique
Facial fat transfer
Anesthesia
Local
Filler used
Your own fat
Downtime
About 1–2 weeks
Overview
What is a non-surgical facelift?
As we age, the face loses fat in the cheeks, temples, under the eyes and around the mouth. That volume loss, more than loose skin, is often what makes a face look tired, hollow or older.
In a non-surgical facelift, Dr. Cardona gently harvests a small amount of your own fat with the BeautiFill laser, purifies it, and places it in tiny amounts where volume has been lost. Because it is your own tissue, the result looks and feels natural. When needed, we pair it with Opus Plasma or Secret RF to tighten and resurface the skin.
What it addresses
- Hollow cheeks and temples
- Deep smile lines and marionette lines
- Under-eye hollows
- Thin lips and loss of facial fullness
- A tired or gaunt appearance
- Loose, crepey skin (with Opus or RF)
Who it’s for
- Adults with facial volume loss
- Patients who want a natural result without surgery
- People who prefer their own tissue to synthetic products
- Patients who want to avoid general anesthesia
What to Expect
Your treatment, step by step
01
Your Evaluation
We start with an Alma IQ skin analysis and a full facial assessment to map where volume has been lost.
02
Your Procedure
Under local anesthesia, fat is harvested with BeautiFill, purified and placed with fine cannulas. Opus Plasma or RF can be added the same day.
03
Results & Follow-Up
Swelling and bruising settle over one to two weeks. The fat that remains after a few months is long-lasting.
The Technology
Alma BeautiFill
A 1470 nm laser-assisted system that gently harvests fat while keeping it viable, so it can be transferred to restore facial volume.
Real Results
Before & after
Vita Nova patients, shared with their written permission. Individual results vary.
In the Treatment Room
Planning your non-surgical facelift
Dr. Cardona maps each treatment area during your evaluation so volume is restored where your face needs it most.
Is this really non-surgical?
There are no incisions to cut or lift the skin and no general anesthesia. Fat is harvested and placed through tiny openings under local anesthesia.
How long do fat transfer results last?
Some transferred fat is naturally reabsorbed in the first few months. The fat that survives is long-lasting and ages with you.
Where does the fat come from?
Usually the abdomen, flanks or thighs, wherever you have a little extra to spare.
How much downtime should I expect?
Most patients have swelling and some bruising for one to two weeks. Many return to work within a week.
Will I look overdone?
Our goal is a refreshed, natural look. Fat is placed conservatively, and a touch-up can be done later if needed.
Can it be combined with skin tightening?
Yes. Opus Plasma or Secret RF can be added to improve skin texture and laxity.
Do you use dermal fillers?
No. We restore volume with your own fat rather than synthetic fillers.
How much does a non-surgical facelift cost?
Pricing depends on the areas treated and whether skin tightening is added. We give you a clear quote at your evaluation. CareCredit financing is available.
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Begin Here
Your plan starts with an evaluation
Find out whether a non-surgical facelift with fat transfer is right for you.
Individual results vary. Results are not guaranteed. This page is for general education and is not medical advice.