Facial fat grafting

Fat is taken from another part of the body by liposuction (for example the abdomen or thighs), processed, and injected into the face to restore volume in areas such as the cheeks, temples or forehead. Some of the fat is reabsorbed in the first months, so more than one session is often needed.

Adults who want longer-lasting facial volume using their own tissue, have enough donor fat, and accept that results are less predictable than off-the-shelf fillers.

Under local or general anesthesia, fat is removed through small cuts with a thin tube. It is processed to separate blood and fluid, then injected into the face in small amounts.

Bruising and swelling at both sites can last a few weeks, and many people take a couple of weeks off work. Final results can take up to 6 months as some fat is reabsorbed.

• Significant bruising, prolonged swelling, numbness and small scars
• Irregularities, lumps, asymmetry, fat necrosis or cysts that may need correction
• Unpredictable fat survival, since some fat is reabsorbed
• Rare but severe: fat entering a blood vessel (embolism), which has caused blindness, stroke and death; the glabella (between the brows) and the temples are the most often reported sites
• Bleeding under the skin (haematoma) or infection

• Arrange for someone to take you home after the procedure
• Expect bruising and swelling for a few weeks and plan time off
• Contact the surgeon for increasing swelling, redness or pain
• Seek emergency care for sudden vision changes, severe headache or weakness