Fat Transfer
- Loss of facial volume occurs due to atrophy of fat planes resulting in a gaunt, tired appearance.
Fat Transfer can improve facial volume with enhanced fat survival rates
- Also known as 'liposculpture' or 'stem cell transfer'.
Uses of Fat Transfer
- Enhances results of lower lid blepharoplasty.
- Improves skin quality with stem cell injections.
- Reconstructive surgery for lost eye socket volume.
Procedure Details
- Involves transferring fat from thighs or abdomen to the face.
- Uses advanced techniques to minimize pain, bruising, and swelling.
- Performed under local or general anaesthetic; results visible immediately but optimal after 1-2 weeks.
Aftercare Advice:
- Arrange for a ride home; avoid driving.
- Bruising and swelling expected; reduce swelling with ice packs.
- Mild numbness and small scars may be present.
- Avoid strenuous exercise; return to work in a few days.
- Follow all aftercare instructions for best results.
Risks:
- Bruising, swelling, infection, inflammation
- Overcorrection due to the transfer of excess fat or increase in body fat
- Undercorrection due to transfer of an insufficient volume of fat or excessive resorption of grafted fat
- Contour irregularities
- Deformity at the donor site due to excessive or unequal fat harvesting or violation of a zone of adherence
- Blindness/Stroke due to artery occlusion
- Fat embolism
Benefits
- Safer with low risk of infection or rejection.
- Minimally invasive, under local anaesthetic.
- Natural results using own fat; minimal pain and scarring.
- Quick recovery and long-lasting youthful appearance.
Faq
Facial fat transfer is a procedure where fat is gently removed from an area such as the thighs or abdomen, purified, and reinjected into the face to restore lost volume, soften lines, and improve contours. It uses your own tissue, giving natural, long-lasting results.
It may be suitable if you want natural volume restoration and prefer an autologous option instead of synthetic fillers. It is especially helpful for hollow cheeks, under-eye volume loss, or overall facial deflation.
The results are long-lasting but not fully permanent. Typically 50–70% of the transferred fat survives, providing improvement that can last many years. A future touch-up can be performed if desired.
Ideal candidates:
- Are close to their ideal body weight
- Have areas of facial volume loss
- Have good skin elasticity
- Are non-smokers or able to stop smoking pre- and post-procedure
- Have realistic expectations
- Early results appear once swelling settles—usually 1–2 weeks.
- Final results take a few months as fat stabilises.
- Results are long-lasting but not permanent because some fat is absorbed over time.
Potential risks include:
- Bruising, swelling
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Asymmetry or irregular texture
- Under- or over-correction
- Very rare risk of fat embolism
Following all pre- and post-operative instructions reduces risks significantly.
Discomfort is generally mild. Anaesthesia prevents pain during the procedure, and post-operative soreness is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.