Uses the patient’s own fat tissue to increase volume in selected facial areas. The degree of visible change varies between individuals.
May alter facial shape depending on individual anatomy. Outcomes vary.
Involves removal of small amounts of fat from a donor site and transfer to facial areas. Outcomes vary between individuals.
During your consultation, we’ll assess your medical history, discuss your expectations, and determine whether this procedure is suitable.
Common reasons people consider fat grafting include:
Seeking assessment for facial volume change associated with ageing or weight variation.
Assessment of differences between facial areas.
Preference for autologous (own tissue) transfer rather than synthetic fillers.
May be performed in conjunction with other surgical procedures where clinically appropriate.
We’ll discuss your concerns, review your health, and outline possible approaches based on clinical assessment and anatomy.
You’ll receive detailed pre-operative information to support preparation and recovery.
Performed under local or general anaesthesia, fat is carefully harvested, purified, and injected into the desired facial areas. The technique and amount of fat transferred vary based on your needs.
Swelling and bruising are common in the first 1–2 weeks. Recovery times differ between individuals. Detailed aftercare guidance and follow-up visits will monitor healing and recovery.
All surgery carries risks. A detailed discussion of risks, limitations, and alternatives will occur during consultation. Detailed risks are included in the FAQs.
Many patients resume light daily activities within one to two weeks, depending on individual healing and clinical advice.
Small incisions are required at both donor and injection sites. Scarring occurs with all surgery and varies between individuals. Incision placement depends on surgical technique and anatomy.
A proportion of transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body. Final volume and contour vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed.
If you have concerns about your outcome, a review consultation can be arranged. Healing and fat survival evolve over time, and further assessment may be required before discussing additional options.
You may need to avoid certain medications, abstain from smoking, and ensure you're healthy. We’ll provide detailed guidance.
Fat grafting to the face is a surgical procedure and, as with all surgery, carries inherent risks and potential complications. General risks include bleeding, bruising, swelling, pain, infection, delayed wound healing, and adverse reactions to local or general anaesthesia. A proportion of the transferred fat may not survive and can be reabsorbed by the body. This may result in partial loss of volume, asymmetry, contour irregularities, or the need for additional procedures to achieve the desired outcome. Fat survival is variable and cannot be guaranteed. Fat necrosis (death of fat cells) may occur and can present as firm lumps, nodules, oil cysts, tenderness, or irregular texture beneath the skin. These changes may require monitoring, further investigation, or additional treatment. Contour irregularities, uneven fullness, over- or under-correction, or dissatisfaction with aesthetic outcome may occur. Results may change over time due to ageing, weight fluctuation, or natural facial fat loss. Changes in skin or facial sensation, including numbness, tingling, altered sensitivity, or discomfort, may occur and are usually temporary but may be prolonged or permanent in rare cases. Injury to nearby structures, including blood vessels, nerves, or muscles, is uncommon but possible and may result in functional or sensory changes. Scarring may occur at both donor and injection sites and varies between individuals. Rare but serious complications can include vascular compromise, tissue injury, or fat embolism, which may lead to skin damage or other serious consequences. Results are variable and cannot be guaranteed. Individual risk depends on factors such as overall health, smoking status, facial anatomy, fat quality, surgical technique, and healing response. These risks, along with alternatives, limitations, and expected recovery, will be discussed in detail during your consultation to support informed decision-making.
If you’d like to discuss your options or find out more about a procedure, contact our team to schedule a consultation with Dr Obaidi.