A Surgeon's Approach to Natural Facial Volume

Dr. Mark Sofonio, MD, FACS, is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has spent his career restoring facial shape with a careful eye for balance. He offers dermaClae at Sofonio Aesthetics for patients who want to replace lost volume with tissue that looks and feels like natural fat. dermaClae treatments are performed by Jon Poling, P.A., a National Trainer for dermaClae. Every treatment at his Rancho Mirage clinic is planned around your facial anatomy and goals.

What Is dermaClae?

dermaClae is a structural adipose (fat) tissue product made by Tiger Aesthetics. It is the facial counterpart to alloClae™, the company's donor fat product for breast and body contouring. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons describes dermaClae as a donor fat-based product with a smaller particle size suited to the face.

The tissue platform behind dermaClae is sterilized and processed to keep fat's natural three-dimensional honeycomb structure and supportive extracellular matrix, according to Tiger Aesthetics. That structure is what gives the treatment area immediate volume. 

To compare, dermaClae differs from the two most familiar volume treatments in a few key ways:

  • Hyaluronic acid fillers: These are smooth gels. dermaClae uses donor fat tissue that mimics the fat already found in the face.
  • Traditional fat grafting: This requires liposuction to harvest your own fat first. dermaClae skips the harvest entirely.

Benefits of dermaClae

dermaClae offers several advantages for patients with facial volume loss:

  • Restores fullness in the cheeks, temples, and midface where fat has thinned
  • Provides a soft, natural feel similar to your own fat
  • Requires no liposuction, incisions, or fat harvesting
  • Works for patients who have little body fat to spare
  • Adds immediate volume at the treatment site
  • Involves far less downtime than surgical fat transfer

Are You a Candidate for dermaClae?

Healthy adults noticing facial hollowing from aging or weight changes are often good candidates for dermaClae. Patients who have lost facial fullness after significant weight loss, including weight loss with GLP-1 medications, may also benefit. 

You may need to wait or consider another option if you have any of the following:

  • An active skin infection or inflammation in the treatment area
  • A bleeding disorder or current blood thinner use
  • An autoimmune condition or a history of reactions to tissue-based products
  • Current pregnancy or nursing

Why Choose Sofonio Aesthetics for dermaClae in Palm Springs?

Dr. Sofonio brings a surgeon's understanding of facial structure to every injectable treatment at Sofonio Aesthetics. He is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and completed advanced aesthetic training at the Connell Aesthetic Surgery Institute. He also served nearly a decade as Section Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Eisenhower Medical Center.

That surgical background matters with a fat-based treatment. Knowing where facial fat pads sit and how they shift with age helps Dr. Sofonio place dermaClae for balanced, natural-looking results.

His patient care has earned recognition from Southern California Super Doctors® and multiple Best of Desert awards.

What to Expect Before, During, and After dermaClae

Consultation and Cost of dermaClae

Your visit begins with a facial assessment at our Rancho Mirage clinic. Dr. Sofonio will review where volume has been lost, discuss your goals, and explain whether dermaClae, a filler, or another option fits best. Cost depends on how much product is needed and how many areas are treated. Please contact us for current pricing.

The dermaClae Treatment Experience

dermaClae is performed in-office. After we cleanse and numb the treatment area, Jon Poling, P.A., places the tissue in small amounts through a fine needle or cannula. Most sessions take about 45–60 minutes, and no general anesthesia is required.

dermaClae Recovery and Results

Volume is visible right after treatment. Mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness are common for several days. Final contours become clearer as swelling fades over the following weeks. Jon will discuss whether a follow-up session may help you reach your goals.

dermaClae FAQs

Is dermaClae Made From My Own Fat?

No. dermaClae uses donor fat tissue that has been processed and sterilized, so no liposuction or fat harvest is needed. That makes it an option for patients who do not have enough fat to spare for traditional grafting.

How Is dermaClae Different From alloClae?

Both products come from Tiger Aesthetics and use donor fat tissue. alloClae is designed for breast and body contouring, while dermaClae uses a smaller particle size made for the face and hands.

How Long Do dermaClae Results Last?

dermaClae is a newer treatment, so long-term data is still emerging. Dr. Sofonio will explain what to expect based on your treatment areas and the latest available evidence.

Is dermaClae Safe?

According to Tiger Aesthetics, its donor fat tissue is terminally sterilized and processed to reduce free oil and DNA content. Those steps are meant to lower the risk of oil cysts and immune reactions. Being treated by an experienced provider, such as National dermaClae Trainer Jon Poling, P.A., adds another layer of safety.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of dermaClae?

Common side effects include temporary swelling, bruising, tenderness, and redness at the injection sites. Less often, patients may notice lumps or uneven areas, and infection is possible with any injection. Share your full medical history with our team before treatment.

Schedule dermaClae at Sofonio Aesthetics in Rancho Mirage

Ready to restore natural-looking facial volume? Schedule a consultation or call (760) 388-6677. Patients seeking dermaClae in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and La Quinta visit our Rancho Mirage clinic for Dr. Sofonio's surgical expertise and personalized care.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.

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