Over time, the face changes: the skin becomes less firm, tissues sag, and the volume of soft tissue gradually decreases. These changes contribute to an older appearance.
In the past, treatment relied mainly on surgical procedures and the use of injectable dermal fillers to replenish lost volume. Permanent artificial materials can cause complications and are avoided today.
The modern approach offers a more natural solution: the use of our own fat (autologous fat transfer). Fat is collected from areas such as the abdomen or thighs via gentle liposuction and, after specialized processing, is reinjected into the face to restore volume and contour.
The method is safe, offering natural results and longer duration. A disadvantage of this method is that not all transplanted fat cells survive the process, and a slight loss of volume is observed during the first 6 weeks before the condition stabilizes. In some cases, a second session may be required. However, the fat cells that do survive offer long-lasting results.
Consultation Session
During the initial consultation session, a detailed evaluation of the facial condition is performed, and aesthetic goals are discussed. The surgeon obtains a full medical history and examines whether fat transfer is the appropriate option for restoring facial volume.
The available treatment options are presented, and the surgical procedure, potential outcomes, as well as potential risks are explained in detail. In some cases, fat transfer can be combined with other aesthetic procedures for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Procedure
Facial fat transfer is performed in two main stages. First, fat is harvested from an area of the body via gentle liposuction. For this purpose, very small incisions are made through which a thin cannula is inserted to aspirate the fatty tissue.
The most common donor sites are the abdomen, thighs, and back. The harvested fat is carefully processed and prepared. It is then injected into the face using specialized microcannulas. The placement is done gradually and in multiple layers, creating small fat grafts that allow for better integration of the cells into the tissues.
A percentage of the fat cells will be naturally reabsorbed by the body. Typically, about 60–80% of the cells survive long-term, providing a stable result.
Anesthesia & Length of Stay
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia or in combination with sedation. In cases where more extensive liposuction is required, general anesthesia may be used.
It is an outpatient procedure, and the patient returns home on the same day.
Associated Risks in Facial Fat Transfer
Facial fat transfer is generally considered a safe procedure when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon. As with any medical practice, certain mild and usually transient side effects may occur.
The most common include: swelling, bruising, temporary numbness in the treated areas, and mild discomfort at the donor sites.
These symptoms usually subside within the first few weeks after the surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
After the procedure, it is normal to experience swelling or minor bruising both on the face and in the areas from which the fat was harvested.
Most of the swelling subsides within the first two weeks. Although improvement is visible relatively soon, the final result is typically evaluated after about three months, once the surviving fat cells have fully stabilized.
The incisions made for the liposuction are very small and are typically placed in discreet locations on the body. In most cases, the scars become virtually unnoticeable after full healing.
Most patients return to light daily activities the very next day. The recovery time depends primarily on the donor sites from which the fat was harvested.
It is recommended to avoid strenuous physical exercise for about two to three weeks to allow proper tissue healing.
Not all fat cells survive after the transplantation. During the first few weeks, a slight reduction in volume is typically observed until the result stabilizes.
In some cases, a second fat transfer session may be required after about six months, especially if additional volume is desired or if a higher percentage of fat than expected is reabsorbed.