Facial Fat Grafting

Facial fat grafting involves the transfer of a patient’s own fat tissue, which may help restore facial volume

What is Facial Fat Grafting?

Facial fat grafting is a procedure that involves transferring a person’s own fat to different areas of the face. For individuals seeking alternatives to synthetic fillers, this procedure may be an option if they have available fat in another part of their body.

This technique is used to add volume to the face using a person’s own tissue. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, fat is a living tissue that is transplanted from one area of the body to the face and relies on establishing a blood supply. As a result, some of the transferred fat may integrate into the area over time and a study reported that fat grafting can result in volume enhancement lasting 5 years or greater in some cases (Lam & Glasgold, 2018).

Dr. Honeybrook utilises micro and nano fat grafting techniques, tailoring the approach to each individual. The most appropriate method will be discussed during consultation based on individual factors.

Individuals may consider this procedure for concerns such as:

• Changes in facial volume over time
• Hollowing beneath the eyes (i.e. tear trough deformity)
• Reduced volume in the temples
• Thin lips where additional volume is desired
• Prominent facial lines and creases
• Changes in the upper eyelid area due to previous surgery or aging
• Seeking to modify jawline contours, with or without neck procedures
• Concave scars, including those from acne
• Lines or creases that do not respond to other treatments

This procedure involves using a person’s own fat to add volume to specific areas of the face. Many individuals explore facial fat grafting as part of a deep plane facelift or eyelid surgery, as it can be used to address multiple areas at once.

How is Facial Fat Grafting Performed?

Facial fat grafting involves the transfer of a person’s own fat to specific areas of the face. Fat is typically taken from another area of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, using a liposuction technique.

Once collected, the fat is processed using specialised methods before being carefully injected into the targeted areas. The goal is to add volume in a way that aligns with the individual’s facial structure. Facial fat grafting may be performed on its own or in combination with other procedures, such as lower eyelid surgery or facelift surgery, depending on the individual’s treatment plan.

Recovery After Facial Fat Grafting

Following facial fat grafting, it is common to experience swelling and bruising in both the donor and treated areas for approximately one week. Unlike dermal fillers, the effects of facial fat grafting develop gradually, and changes may continue for several months.

The longevity of fat grafting outcomes varies among individuals. Some studies suggest that a portion of the transferred fat may not integrate into the area over time. As a result, additional treatments may be considered to achieve the desired volume. Research indicates that approximately 20-40% of the fat transferred may not establish a blood supply. In some cases, practitioners may account for this when determining the amount of fat used during treatment.

Who May Consider Fat Grafting?

Individuals who may be suitable candidates for this procedure often:

• Have available fat in another part of their body that can be used for transfer
• Are seeking to add volume to specific areas of the face
• Are in good general health and do not smoke
• Prefer using their own fat rather than synthetic fillers
• Are considering fat grafting in combination with other facial procedures, such as a facelift or eyelid surgery
• Have a clear understanding of the potential outcomes of facial fat grafting