Fat Grafting for Acne Scars
in Houston, TX

At Premier Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX, fat grafting for acne scars offers a natural way to soften deep, pitted scarring using your own tissue. Our award-winning surgeon, Dr. Christopher Hankins, uses your body’s fat to restore volume beneath sunken scars, smoothing the skin’s surface for a more even, refreshed appearance.

What Is Fat Grafting for Acne Scars?

Fat grafting uses your own harvested fat to fill in and lift depressed acne scars, restoring smoothness to areas that years of breakouts have left behind. Because the material comes from your body, the risk of rejection is virtually zero, and results look and feel completely natural.

Also called fat transfer, fat injection, microlipoinjection, or autologous fat grafting, this technique harvests fat from an area of the body where it’s plentiful – such as the abdomen or thighs – then processes and reintroduces it beneath scarred skin. It’s a safe, well-tolerated approach with a long track record of natural-looking results.

How It Addresses Scars

Many acne scars are “atrophic” – they sit below the surrounding skin because the tissue underneath has collapsed. Fat grafting rebuilds that lost volume from beneath, elevating depressed scars back toward the level of healthy skin. It also introduces living cells that can improve the quality and texture of the surrounding skin.

Nanofat Injection Explained

For shallow scarring and overall skin texture, harvested fat can be refined into a very small-particle preparation called nanofat, which is rich in growth factors and stem cells. This finely emulsified fat is injected into the superficial layers of the skin to target subtle irregularities, improve discoloration, and support skin quality without adding significant volume.

Preparing for Your Procedure

Thoughtful preparation sets the stage for a smooth experience and the best possible outcome.

Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a consultation, where Dr. Hankins reviews your scarring, examines your donor areas, and discusses your goals. A treatment plan is tailored to you, and you’ll receive a personalized quote before moving forward. Schedule online or by calling or texting (713) 370-4433.

Pre-Treatment Instructions

You’ll receive individualized instructions during your consultation. In general, patients are advised to:

Avoid medications and supplements that increase bleeding
Refrain from smoking
Arrange transportation and support for the day of the procedure
Plan for a short recovery window at home

How Is the Procedure Performed?

1. Fat Harvesting

The harvested fat is collected in a closed system that protects it from contamination, then meticulously purified to separate high-quality fat cells from unwanted fluids, blood, and damaged cells – maximizing the survival rate of the transferred fat.

2. Fat Processing

Using fine cannulas, Dr. Hankins precisely injects the purified fat beneath the acne scars in small, controlled amounts. This careful layering allows the fat to settle beneath depressed areas, elevating scars, smoothing irregularities, and improving overall skin texture.

3. Injection into Scars

Recovery After Fat Grafting

Recovery is generally manageable, and Dr. Hankins is known for delivering results with minimal downtime.

Immediate Post-Procedure Care

Expect some swelling and bruising at both the donor and treated areas. Rest is important in the first few days. Instructions may include wearing compression garments on the donor site and keeping your head elevated. Minimal discomfort is typically managed with prescribed medication, and our team remains available – patients can reach staff even after hours with any concerns.

Timeline and Expectations

Initial swelling usually subsides within a few days to a week
Minor swelling can persist for several weeks
Most patients return to light activities within a few days
Full return to normal activities is typically within 1–2 weeks

Because some transferred fat is naturally reabsorbed early on, your final result becomes clearer as the graft settles and stabilizes.

Expected Results and Longevity

The goal is a smoother, more even complexion that still looks unmistakably like you – never “overdone.” Some patients may need more than one session to achieve their ideal result, as a portion of transferred fat is reabsorbed before the graft fully establishes.

Duration of Results

Once the transferred fat cells establish a new blood supply and take hold, they become a living, permanent part of the treated area. While some initial reabsorption is normal, the majority of the grafted fat remains – one of the key advantages of using your own tissue over temporary synthetic options.

Combining Treatments

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers offer a temporary, non-surgical correction, while fat grafting uses your own tissue for a permanent result once the graft takes. During your consultation, Dr. Hankins can help you decide which approach – or combination – best fits your goals.

Other Procedures

Premier Plastic Surgery also offers treatments that can complement fat grafting to address different scar types and improve skin texture:

Secret™ RF microneedling – combines radiofrequency energy with microneedling to improve texture, reduce pore size, and address severe scarring
Laser acne scar treatment – Uses focused light energy to resurface the skin, stimulate new collagen growth, and reduce scar-related discoloration.
Subcision – A minimally invasive technique that releases the fibrous bands tethering a scar to underlying tissue, allowing the skin to lift and smooth out.

Am I a Good Candidate for Fat
Grafting for Acne Scars?

Fat grafting is suited to people bothered by depressed acne scarring who want an approach that avoids implants or synthetic fillers.

Ideal Patient Profile

Good candidates:

Have noticeable depressed or atrophic acne scars
Are in generally good health and near a stable weight
Have adequate donor fat at the abdomen or thighs
Meet the requirements for liposuction, including good skin elasticity
Hold realistic expectations, understanding more than one session may be needed

Dr. Hankins carefully evaluates each patient to determine whether the procedure aligns with their goals.

Contraindications

An in-person evaluation is essential. You may be a less suitable candidate if you have:

Insufficient donor fat
Unstable or fluctuating weight
Medical conditions that impair healing
Active skin infections in the treatment area

Dr. Hankins evaluates each patient as a whole – not just the scarring – and only recommends treatments in the patient’s best interest.

Benefits of Fat Grafting for Acne Scars

Patients often choose fat grafting because it improves scars while using tissue drawn from an area where they’d rather have less.

Natural Volume Restoration

Because your own living tissue does the work, the correction integrates seamlessly with your face. There’s no synthetic material to detect, no rejection concerns, and the softened contour feels supple – like your own skin, just smoother.

Improved Skin Quality

Beyond filling individual scars, transferred fat contains stem cells and growth factors that actively improve the overlying skin. Patients often report enhanced elasticity, improved tone, and a more youthful glow – a refreshed complexion that looks rejuvenated rather than simply “patched.”

Dual Benefit: Body Contouring

The fat needed for the procedure is harvested using gentle liposuction from a donor area, such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks. This means you not only achieve smoother facial skin but also benefit from a slimmer, more contoured appearance in the area where the fat was removed – a two-in-one advantage.

Cost of Fat Grafting for Acne Scars in Houston, TX

The cost of fat grafting for acne scars in Houston generally ranges from $2,500 to $8,000. Pricing varies by provider, individual anatomy, and your customized plan, so this figure is only an estimate. Request a consultation with Dr. Hankins for an accurate, personalized quote.

Factors Influencing Price

Extent of scarring and number of areas treated
Amount of fat harvested and processed
Complexity of the procedure
Number of sessions needed
Any complementary treatments

Because fat grafting offers a lasting correction, many patients view it as a long-term investment in their appearance. We offer flexible financing options, including CareCredit and Cherry financing, to help make your procedure accessible.

Choose Expertise. Choose Natural Results.

Premier Plastic Surgery is led by Dr. Christopher Hankins, an award-winning surgeon with extensive expertise and a focus on natural outcomes. Our practice prioritizes advanced techniques and personalized care to deliver safe, efficient procedures with outstanding results and minimal downtime. Dr. Hankins evaluates each patient as a whole and recommends only treatments that serve your best interest – with tailored plans, exceptional after-care, and natural-looking results that reflect your identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fat grafting for acne scars permanent?

Once the transferred fat successfully takes hold, it becomes a living part of the treated area and can offer lasting improvement.

Will I need more than one session?

Sometimes. Because a portion of the transferred fat is naturally reabsorbed, some patients may require additional sessions to achieve optimal results.

Where is the fat taken from?

Typically from areas with excess fat, such as the abdomen or inner thighs, using liposuction – which also slims the donor site.

How do I get started?

Schedule a consultation by calling or texting (713) 370-4433 or by visiting our website.

Book Your
Consultation Today!

Ready to smooth away acne scars naturally? Book your consultation with Dr. Hankins at Premier Plastic Surgery in the Houston/Pearland area.

Call or Text (713) 370-4433

Fat Grafting for Acne Scars in Houston, TX