Key Information
What is facial fat transfer?
As we age, volume loss in the cheeks and other areas can create a hollowed or sunken appearance, making the face look more tired. In a facial fat transfer, fat is gently removed from areas like the thighs or stomach through liposuction, then carefully processed and re-injected to enhance volume in the cheeks, smooth out fine lines, fill sunken areas, and improve overall skin quality.
Using your own natural fat in this procedure helps achieve softer, more organic-looking results that can last for years. Approximately 50 to 70 percent of the transferred fat cells integrate successfully after the procedure, offering a long-lasting improvement – especially in comparison to dermal fillers, with less swelling related and other complications.
This minimally invasive approach means a shorter recovery time, making it an appealing option for those looking for rejuvenation without a lengthy downtime. For those seeking a fuller transformation, facial fat transfer can be combined with other treatments like a facelift or blepharoplasty as part of the ‘blepharoplasty plus’ package. In these cases, the added volume can enhance the effects of a lower eyelid lift by addressing the underlying volume loss that often contributes to under-eye bags, creating a beautifully harmonious result.
What are the benefits of facial fat transfer?
Facial fat transfer is safe and effective treatment for rejuvenation, using your fat cells to enhance facial volume and reduce the appearance of ageing. Here are the primary benefits that make facial fat transfer a preferred option for those seeking natural and lasting beauty enhancements:
Safety and biocompatibilityÂ
The procedure uses autologous fat – your body’s tissue – greatly reducing the risk of allergic reactions or rejection. This biocompatibility ensures that the transferred fat cells integrate smoothly with your existing facial tissues, maintaining viability and promoting a healthy, natural enhancement.
Durability of resultsÂ
Unlike synthetic dermal fillers, which often require regular top-ups, the results of a facial fat transfer can last for years. Although some of the fat is reabsorbed once the transferred fat establishes a stable blood supply, it continues to thrive in its new location, improving facial contours and skin quality. This longevity enhances appearance and offers excellent value compared to other less permanent solutions.
Minimally invasive with dual benefitsÂ
Facial fat transfer is significantly less invasive than traditional surgical facelifts, involving only minor incisions where the fat is harvested and injected. This results in minimal scarring and a quicker recovery time. Additionally, the harvesting process helps contour and slim the donor area, often creating more flattering body proportions.
Rapid recovery and lasting confidence
The minimally invasive nature of facial fat transfer means recovery times are short, with most patients resuming normal activities within a few days. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia, and patients can usually return home the same day, enjoying a rejuvenated, youthful appearance that evolves and stabilises over time.
How is facial fat grafting treatment performed?
The facial fat transfer procedure at The Ezra Clinic involves a meticulous multi-step process, utilising cutting-edge techniques to transfer your fat to rejuvenate facial areas. This begins with the strategic harvesting of unwanted fat from donor sites such as the abdomen or thighs, using a minimally invasive form of liposuction designed to minimise discomfort, bruising, and swelling.
Before the procedure
Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions, which may include ceasing certain medications, abstaining from smoking, and making necessary arrangements for transportation and aftercare.
During the procedure
The facial fat transfer process at The Ezra Clinic involves several precise and carefully executed steps, each tailored to ensure minimal discomfort and optimal rejuvenation results:
AnaesthesiaÂ
The procedure begins with the administration of anaesthesia. Depending on the patient’s comfort and the extent of the procedure, this may involve local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience throughout the treatment.
Fat harvesting – liposculptureÂ
The Ezra Clinic uses an advanced form of liposculpture to gently extract fat from selected donor areas, commonly the abdomen or thighs. This technique minimises pain, bruising, and swelling, focusing on removing only the healthiest fat cells for transfer.
Fat purificationÂ
Once harvested, the fat is processed to isolate mesenchymal stem cells known for their regenerative properties. This purification step is crucial as it ensures that only the highest-quality fat cells are reinjected, enhancing the graft’s survival rate and the overall effectiveness of the procedure.
Fat injectionÂ
The purified fat is carefully injected into strategic facial areas requiring volume enhancement, such as the cheeks, brows, lips, and temples. This step reshapes and fills hollows around the eyes and mouth, subtly lifting and rejuvenating the facial structure.
Closing incisionsÂ
After achieving the desired augmentation and contouring, any incisions made during the fat harvesting phase are closed, usually resulting in minimal scarring due to the liposculpture technique’s minimally invasive nature. All of the incisions are usually small, at a length of about 2mm.
The entire procedure is conducted precisely and generally completed within 90 minutes. Patients may notice immediate improvements, with more pronounced results visible once the initial swelling and bruising subside within 1 to 2 weeks.
Discover how to achieve a naturally rejuvenated appearance with The Ezra Clinic’s expert facial fat transfer procedure. Book your consultation today to explore your bespoke path to enhanced beauty and confidence.
Aftercare
Adhering to the postoperative care guidelines is crucial to ensuring a smooth and swift recovery following your facial fat transfer treatment. Initially, you can expect some bruising and swelling at both the donor and recipient sites; however, advancements in surgical techniques have minimised these effects considerably. Applying ice packs and avoiding strenuous activities are recommended to help reduce swelling.
After the procedure, you may experience mild to moderate pain, usually well-managed with over-the-counter or prescription medications. It’s also expected to notice some numbness and tiny scars where incisions were made; these symptoms should diminish over time. If necessary, make-up can be applied gently to conceal any bruising.
You should arrange for someone to drive you home from the Clinic, as the effects of anaesthesia may impair your ability to drive safely. Most patients can return to work within a few days, depending on their comfort level. Still, you should avoid strenuous physical activity for at least two weeks to allow the facial tissues to heal properly.
Compression garments may be provided and should be worn consistently, except when showering, for the first two weeks to aid healing. Follow-up consultations will be scheduled to ensure you are healing as expected and to discuss any concerns you may have about the recovery process.
The results of your fat transfer can provide long-lasting enhancements to lost volume and facial contours. However, some patients may choose to undergo a minor top-up procedure in the future to maintain their youthful appearance. This is because the body naturally absorbs some transferred fat tissue over time. By diligently following the aftercare advice, you can enjoy a successful recovery and significant, enduring improvements from your fat transfer treatment.
FAQ
Should I undergo fat transfer?
Considering a fat transfer procedure is ideal if you’re seeking a natural method to enhance facial volume and smooth out wrinkles. It suits those who prefer a more organic solution over synthetic fillers. As the procedure utilises your fat, it minimises the risk of allergic reactions and ensures that the results blend seamlessly with your facial tissues.
How long does facial fat transfer last?
The results of a facial fat transfer are long-lasting, though not permanent. Over time, some of the transferred fat may be naturally absorbed by the body. Around 50 to 70% of the transferred fat cells remain, providing improvements many patients enjoy for several years before considering a touch-up procedure to maintain their youthful appearance.
Who is a good candidate for facial fat transfer?
Ideal candidates for facial fat transfer are generally close to their ideal body weight, possess good skin elasticity, and exhibit specific areas of facial volume loss due to ageing. Candidates should also be non-smokers, as smoking can impair the healing process and the survival rate of the grafted fat cells.
What scarring can you expect from fat grafting?
Scarring from fat grafting is usually minimal. Incisions made during the fat harvesting and injection phases are very small, about 1-2mm, and strategically placed in less visible areas to further reduce their noticeability. Over time, these tiny scars are likely to fade and become barely perceptible.
How soon will I see results, and are they permanent?
Initial results from a facial fat transfer can be observed almost immediately after the swelling subsides, usually within 1-2 weeks. However, the final, more stable outcomes will be visible after a few months as the body naturally absorbs some of the transferred fat. While the results are long-lasting, they are not permanent, and some patients may opt for additional treatments to maintain their appearance.
What are the risks and potential complications of facial fat transfer?
While generally safe, facial fat transfer does carry potential risks and complications, as does any surgical procedure. These may include infection, bleeding, uneven texture, or unsatisfactory results. There is also a rare risk of fat embolism. To minimise risks, it’s crucial to adhere to all preoperative and postoperative instructions provided by your surgeon.