Fat Transfer for Facial Volume Loss
Fat transfer restores facial volume using the patient's own tissue. Who is a candidate, what the procedure involves, what recovery is like, and the risks that matter.
A facelift repositions tissue. It does not replace tissue that is no longer there. Where the problem is volume loss rather than descent, fat transfer is the procedure that addresses it — using the patient’s own tissue rather than a manufactured filler.
What fat transfer is
Fat injections, also known as fat grafting or fat transfer, use the patient’s own fat to restore facial volume. Because the material is autologous, no foreign substance is introduced.
Fat transfer is versatile. It is commonly used to restore volume in the cheeks, under the eyes and the lips — the areas where hollowing and volume loss develop. It works with the body’s own tissue, which minimises the risk of allergic reaction and allows integration with the existing tissue.
There is a second effect: the fat is harvested by liposuction, which reduces volume at the donor site. Fat from the abdomen or thighs is redistributed to areas where more fullness is wanted.
Expectations matter. While many patients find the result durable, some resorption of the transferred fat is normal. More than one session is sometimes needed to reach the intended volume.
The procedure
Consultation comes first. Goals are discussed, candidacy assessed, and the facial structure examined to determine suitable donor and recipient sites.
The procedure starts with anaesthesia. Depending on the extent of treatment this may be local or general.
Fat is harvested from predetermined areas — commonly the abdomen, thighs or hips — using liposuction, through small incisions with a cannula.
The harvested fat is then purified. This step separates viable fat cells from impurities and excess fluid.
The purified fat is injected into the target areas using a fine needle. The fat is layered carefully so that it integrates with the facial tissues rather than sitting as a mass. This part of the procedure requires precision — the survival of the graft depends on each parcel of fat being small enough to establish a blood supply.
The procedure typically lasts a few hours depending on complexity and the areas being treated.
What it offers
It uses the patient’s own fat, which means reduced risk of allergic reaction or rejection compared with a manufactured filler.
It serves two purposes — restoring facial volume while reducing fat at the donor site.
Results are more durable than temporary fillers. Once the transferred fat cells establish a blood supply they can persist for years, which reduces the need for repeat treatment.
The result integrates with the surrounding tissue rather than sitting as a discrete deposit, which is why it behaves differently from filler on movement.
Who is a candidate
Fat transfer is not appropriate for everyone.
Candidates should be in good general health with realistic expectations.
A key requirement is sufficient donor fat in areas such as the abdomen, thighs or flanks. If you are very lean, there may not be enough tissue to harvest.
Skin elasticity matters. Fat transfer works best where the skin can accommodate the added volume. Where skin laxity is significant, adding volume alone will not address it and a lifting procedure may be required instead.
Non-smokers are preferred candidates, since smoking impairs circulation and affects healing and graft survival. Smokers will need to stop several weeks before and after the procedure.
Candidates should not have active skin infection or untreated medical conditions that would interfere with healing.
Previous facial surgery or treatment should be disclosed, as it affects how the graft will integrate.
Recovery
Swelling and bruising in the treated areas is expected. Cold compresses help minimise swelling during the first 48 hours.
Take it easy for the first few days. Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting. Keep the head elevated when sleeping to reduce swelling.
Monitor the injection sites for unexpected changes such as increased redness or discomfort.
Follow-up appointments allow progress to be tracked. Swelling can take several weeks to settle fully, so the result is not assessable immediately.
Risks
Infection Fat is harvested from the body and reinjected; there is a small risk of introducing bacteria during the process. Sterile technique minimises this.
Bruising and swelling Common after the procedure, typically temporary but sometimes taking time to resolve.
Fat resorption The body reabsorbs some of the injected fat over time, which can produce uneven or under-corrected results and may require additional treatment.
Fat necrosis Death of transferred fat cells can occur, producing lumps or cysts under the skin that may require further attention.
Asymmetry If the fat is not evenly distributed, one side may differ from the other. This can usually be corrected, but may require an additional procedure.
Fat embolism Rare, but serious — where fat enters the bloodstream and occludes a vessel. This requires immediate medical attention.
How we quote
Fees depend on the areas treated and the operating time required, and are set out in writing after consultation.
The procedure this relates to
Fat is harvested from one part of the body by liposuction, filtered, and reinjected where volume is needed. Because the graft is the patient's own tissue, a proportion of it is reabsorbed in the months after treatment.
Before you act on this
Everything here is general. What applies to you depends on your anatomy, your history and what you are trying to achieve, and none of that can be assessed from a page. If a question here is yours, bring it to a consultation.