Facial Fat Grafting

Facial Fat Grafting: Using the latest micro and nano fat grafting technologies, allow our team to address facial issues using your body’s own fat!

What is facial fat grafting?

Facial fat grafting is the process of utilising a person’s own fat, to add volume to the face. If you have concerns about injecting synthetic substances into the face such as hyaluronic acid fillers,  and have excess fat in another part of your body, you may be an ideal candidate for this procedure. 

This method of adding volume to the face provides a natural appearance and texture, which many individuals appreciate. As opposed to Hyaluronic Acid fillers, fat is a living tissue that is transplanted from other areas of the body into the face and relies on establishing a new blood supply to the fat cells. This means that instead of needing frequent injections every 6-18 months, the fat acts as a more permanent filler material. 

Dr. Honeybrook uses the latest micro and nano fat grafting technology and techniques to provide individualised and optimised outcomes to individuals undergoing autologous facial fat grafting.

What can be treated with facial fat grafting?

Facial fat grafting can effectively address multiple aesthetic concerns, including:

• Facial fat loss resulting in a flattened or square appearance to the face 
• Hollowing beneath the eyes 
• Temples that have become hollow 
• Thin lips that could be improved with volume 
• Lines and wrinkles that can be smoothed out
• Hollowing in the upper eyelid (“A-Frame”), caused by traditional surgery or aging 
• A desire to enhance a weak jawline, with or without neck contouring 
• Acne or scars
• Deep or shallow wrinkles that are unresponsive to neurotoxin treatment 

This procedure involves utilising your own fat to add volume to specific areas of your face, resulting in a natural and long-lasting enhancement. Many individuals choose facial fat grafting to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation in combination with a deep plane facelift or eyelid surgery, as it can effectively target various cosmetic issues.

How is facial fat grafting performed?

The process of facial fat grafting involves the extraction of excess fat from a different part of the body, typically the abdomen or thighs through gentle liposuction.

After gathering the fat, Dr. Honeybrook will prepare the fat using specialised instrumentation and carefully inject it into the targeted areas to attain the desired volume. Facial fat grafting can be a standalone treatment or combined with other procedures such as lower eyelid surgery or facelift surgery.

Recovery after facial fat grafting

After facial fat grafting, it is typical to experience swelling and bruising at both the donor and treated areas for approximately one week. Unlike dermal fillers, the effects of facial fat grafting gradually emerge and may take up to six months to become noticeable. However, the outcomes of facial fat grafting are more long-lasting than those of dermal fillers, often lasting 5-7 years or even longer. 

Keep in mind that some of the grafted fat may not survive in its new surroundings, necessitating multiple treatments to achieve the desired results. Studies have shown approximately 20-40% of the fat transferred will not find a blood supply and therefore Dr. Honeybrook will slightly overcorrect the treatment areas taking this into consideration. 

Who are good candidates for fat grafting?

The most suitable candidates for this procedure are individuals who:

• Have sufficient excess fat in another part of their body 
• Desire to augment their face with added volume 
• Are generally in good health and do not smoke 
• Prefer using natural fillers to augment their facial features 
• Are undergoing other facial plastic surgery procedures such as a facelift or eyelid surgery
• Have realistic expectations regarding the potential outcomes of facial fat grafting

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risk. These risks will be discussed with you in detail during the consultation. For further information on risks please refer to the patient resources section of the website.