0121 456 7930
Contact UsContact Us
Surgical - Face

Facial fat transfer

Prices from £3,290
Facial fat transfer or fat grafting is a surgical procedure to transfer fat from unwanted areas to the face to re-contour and restore volume to the face.
5 star reviews on Google5 star reviews on realself
Award Winning Clinic
We have received numerous awards from leading national publications
CQC Regulated
Rated 'Outstanding' for Well Led by  the Care Quality Commission in 2024
Free Consultations
Free consultations with our consultant surgeons, aesthetic doctors and skin therapists
GMC Registered Surgeons
Our consultants are all registered with the General Medical Council
Contact Us

Please call the clinic directly and talk to one of our friendly staff:

0121 456 7930
Request an email or call back
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

What is facial fat transfer?

Procedure Before/After FeesConsent Form Post-Operative Instructions Consultants Testimonials Frequently Asked Questions

Facial fat grafting, or fat transfer to the face, is a surgical technique that involves extracting fat from one area of the body, processing it, and then injecting it into the face. This natural fat helps add volume to aging facial features and simultaneously rejuvenates the skin.

As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which leads to sagging and wrinkles. Facial fat grafting is an effective way to fill in defects, improve contouring, and restore volume to sunken areas of the face. Compared to non-surgical treatments like dermal fillers, a facial fat graft provides longer-lasting results and a more organic approach, as it uses your own body's fat cells.

Around 50 to 70 percent of fat cells survive the transfer process, creating a permanent effect. In contrast, the results of dermal fillers tend to fade after six months, and there are limits to how much can be injected at once.

Facial fat grafting is a minimally invasive procedure, which means that recovery time is minimal. It can also be combined with other procedures, such as a mini facelift or blepharoplasty, to further enhance the results.

Which areas can be treated with facial fat transfer?

Facial fat grafting is a successful treatment for common signs of facial aging, such as fine lines, eye bags, frown lines, and sunken cheeks. This procedure can transform a gaunt and tired face into a fresh, plump, and rejuvenated one. It restores volume to the cheeks, lips, and eyes, resulting in a more youthful appearance.

Fat transfer to the face can target various areas of the face. It is a popular choice for restoring sunken cheeks, which is a common side effect of aging that results from the depletion of bony and fat deposits. By transferring fat to the cheeks, prominent cheekbones associated with youth can be restored. Additionally, facial fat transfer can address hollowness in the temples and forehead that results from the aging process.

A fat transfer placed under the eyebrows can lift the brows and upper eyelids, resulting in a more youthful, wide-eyed look. For older individuals, facial fat grafting can effectively restore tissue loss and reshape a pointed chin.

Facial fat transfer can be combined with other treatments and may be considered alongside liposuction to contour other body parts such as the stomach or thighs. The excess fat extracted during liposuction can be repurposed for facial fat grafting instead of being discarded.

Am I suitable for facial fat grafting?

Anyone who desires to rejuvenate their face by restoring the lost volume, in addition to enhancing contour definition.

It is also important that patients have some surplus fat that can be harvested by liposuction in order to be injected into the face.

Patients with good health and healing potential are a very good candidates for fat grafting.

Facial fat grafting procedure

Fat is harvested from other parts of the body where there is a surplus or sometimes excess amount of fat. This is particularly in the lower abdomen, flanks and thighs. The fat is then prepped and processed and injected into the facial fat compartments. The added benefit of the liposuction is by reducing the unwanted fat in certain areas.

Procedure Time

0.5 - 1 hours

Anaesthesia

Local Anaesthetic

Nights in Hospital

Daycase

Pain and Discomfort

3-7 days

Risks - Common

Bruising, swelling, temporary numbness, temporary skin irregularity

Risks - Uncommon

Infection, bad scarring, asymmetry, bleeding, permanent numbness

Follow-up Appointments

1 week, 3 months (after surgery)

Time Off Work

2 weeks

Sports and Exercise

Next day

Result

Immediate

What is Nano fat grafting?

Nano fat refers to the process that converts the harvested fat which is much larger in size to a smaller and finer form. This process also allows the release of fat stem cells, which are pivotal to skin rejuvenation. This technique provides a much refined fat that is more suited to be injected into the superficial layer of the skin.

The main advantage of nano fat is skin rejuvenation by improving tone and texture. This is particularly useful when treating fine wrinkles and areas such as the neck and around the eyes.

How much does facial fat transfer cost?

Fat Graft (small area e.g. chin, part of the face)

From £3,290

Facial Fat Grafting Recovery

The surgery is performed as a day case under local anaesthetic. It is expected to have some bruising and swelling in the first few days after surgery, especially in the areas of liposuction. This would be expected to settle after two weeks. Most patients would be able to commence their normal activities and work after two weeks. Downtime is similar if combined with a facelift procedure.

Instructions on discharge
  • The treated area will be swollen and bruised for 7-14 days depending on how large the treated area is.
  • Cold compresses can be used for short periods of time for the first few days, this will help with bruising and swelling. Do not use ice directly on the skin as it can burn, wrap it in a clean cloth first.
  • Do not press firmly or rub the affected area.
  • Clean area very gently with a mild cleanser, if the lips have been treated, lubricate lips with Vaseline.
  • Discharge with standard painkillers.
  • The donor site (where the fat was taken from) can be washed gently and then pat dry.
Dressings Clinic
  • Appointment approximately 1 week after surgery when the dressing will be changed to a lighter dressing.
  • Usually one or two dressings after this when the wound will still need to be kept dry.
Activities
  • No restrictions but avoid strenuous activities for the first 2 weeks.
  • Sleep with head slightly elevated on a few pillows for the first week and avoid bending head down.
Wound Care
  • Moisturise scar after first 3 months.
IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY PROBLEMS OR HAVE ANY QUERIES FOLLOWING YOUR SURGERY PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT THE CLINIC.

Our Award-Winning Consultant Plastic Surgeons

OPENING HOURS
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Alternate Saturdays (call for details)
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday & Holiday
Closed