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Useful information for patients on Fat Transfer (Facial) procedures - enhancing the face and body using fat collected from another area of the body.
Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, fat injections, or lipofilling, is a procedure that uses a person’s own fat to restore or enhance volume in the face. The technique became well-established in the early 1990s and is now a predictable and commonly performed procedure.
It is often used to correct:
Fat transfer is also one of the most common techniques for lip enhancement and can be used in many other areas of the face.
The procedure involves harvesting fat through small incisions (3–5 mm) from areas such as the abdomen or inner thighs. The fat is purified (by centrifuging, filtering, or rinsing) and then carefully reinjected in small amounts, ensuring transplanted cells are surrounded by healthy tissue for optimal survival.
When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, fat transfers are considered safe and effective. However, as with all procedures, there are risks that should be discussed with your surgeon.
Fat transfer may be considered by patients who:
Before surgery, patients usually undergo:
Ensure you consider all aspects of a procedure. You can speak to your surgeon about these areas of the surgery in more detail during a consultation.
How Long Is the Procedure?
Approximately 1 hour, depending on treatment areas.
Do I Need Anesthesia?
Local anaesthesia of both donor and treatment areas; sedation or general anaesthesia may also be an optionif also having another procedure.
Is The Procedure Inpatient or Outpatient?
May be performed as either an inpatient or outpatient procedure.
Donor area: bruising, swelling, tenderness, up to 24 hours drainage of anaesthetic liquid.
Treated area: bruising, swelling (especially the lips if treated), and tenderness.
Swelling typically peaks around day 3 and then gradually subsides. Makeup can usually conceal residual bruising.
Most patients resume social activities within 7-10 days. A follow-up is usually scheduled after 1 week and again at 3 weeks. As 25-30% of transplanted fat cells may not survive, overcorrection is often planned. Final results are evaluated after 3 months, and any additional sessions may be considered.
The areas that have been treated will be rather swollen immediately after the operation, especially the lips if they have been treated. It is therefore important to use a cold pack and a compress in the first few hours to minimize the swelling.
Fat transfer provides correction of wrinkles, dents, and volume loss in areas such as the cheeks, cheekbones, and chin. Improvements in skin quality may also occur. Once the absorbed portion of fat stabilizes (20–50% may resorb), results are considered permanent.
Please note: Individual results vary from patient to patient due to varying factors such as age, skin quality, bone structure, and overall health. To understand what results you can expect, please consult with a qualified aesthetic plastic surgeon.