Dr. Tim Neavin is internationally recognized for his expertise in facial fat transfer—a technique that restores youthful volume using your body's own fat cells. This minimally invasive procedure rejuvenates hollow cheeks, sunken temples, and deep lines for natural, long-lasting results.
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When explaining facial fat grafting to patients, Dr. Neavin uses a simple but powerful analogy:
Look at a baby's face—it's a ball of fat. Now look at someone who's 85—sunken, hollow. We're all somewhere along that spectrum. If you want to get closer to the baby, you've got to put fat in.
— Dr. Tim NeavinThis philosophy guides every fat transfer procedure Dr. Neavin performs. Rather than simply filling lines, he studies the shadows in your face—shadows indicate volume loss—and strategically restores the fat where it naturally belongs.
Fat transfer is Dr. Neavin's signature specialty—not a procedure he occasionally performs, but the focus of his advanced training and ongoing research.
During his 2007-2008 fellowship with Dr. Richard Ellenbogen, a pioneer of Beverly Hills plastic surgery, Dr. Neavin spent an entire year focused almost exclusively on facial fat grafting. "I did almost nothing but fat transfer for a year," he explains. "That's where my passion for it really developed."
Today, he lectures internationally on fat transfer techniques and serves as an instructor for the Plastic Surgery Education Network, training other surgeons in the methods he's refined over 15+ years of practice.
Hollowing temples create a "peanut head" appearance. Fat transfer restores the youthful, top-heavy facial shape.
The malar fat pad deflates with age. Strategic volume restoration creates natural lift without looking "done."
Tear trough hollows create tired, aged appearance. Fat transfer smooths the transition for a rested look.
Deep lines from nose to mouth soften with volume. Results are more natural than filler alone.
Fat creates soft, natural lip volume that ages gracefully—unlike synthetic fillers.
Pre-jowl hollows and chin deficiencies respond beautifully to fat grafting for improved facial balance.
Fat is harvested from your own body—typically the abdomen or thighs—so there's no risk of allergic reaction or rejection.
Unlike fillers that dissolve in 6-18 months, transferred fat cells that survive become permanent. Many patients enjoy results for years.
Fat is removed from an area where you don't want it (abdomen, thighs) and placed where you need it. Two improvements in one procedure.
Fat integrates with your facial tissue and feels completely natural to the touch—no lumps or firmness like some fillers.
Fat contains stem cells that can improve skin texture and quality in the treated areas over time.
While initial cost is higher than fillers, results last years rather than months—often making fat transfer more economical over time.
Fat cells that successfully integrate into the tissue are permanent. However, not all transferred fat survives—typically 50-70% remains long-term. Dr. Neavin's technique, refined over 15+ years, maximizes fat survival. Most patients maintain results for many years, though natural aging continues.
Expect swelling and bruising for 7-14 days. Most patients feel comfortable returning to non-strenuous work within a week. Final results are visible at 3-6 months once swelling fully resolves and the fat stabilizes.
Absolutely. Dr. Neavin frequently combines fat grafting with facelift surgery for comprehensive rejuvenation. The facelift addresses sagging tissue while fat transfer restores volume—addressing both aspects of facial aging.
Fillers (like Juvederm or Restylane) are synthetic products that dissolve over 6-18 months. Fat transfer uses your own tissue for permanent volume. Fat also feels more natural and can improve skin quality. However, fillers require no downtime and work well for patients wanting a "trial run" before committing to fat transfer.
Dr. Neavin typically harvests fat from the abdomen, flanks (love handles), or inner thighs—areas where most patients have a little extra. The donor site heals with minimal scarring, and many patients appreciate the mild contouring benefit.
"You can hit a home run with one session if you put the fat in the right proportions in the right areas," Dr. Neavin explains. However, some patients choose a touch-up session 6-12 months later to add more volume or refine results.
Discover if facial fat grafting is right for you. Meet with Dr. Neavin at his Beverly Hills office to discuss your goals and create a personalized treatment plan.
Call (310) 858-8811