Facial Fat Transfer offers a unique approach to rejuvenating your appearance. Unlike more invasive cosmetic surgeries, this technique utilises your own body’s resources to enhance facial features.
It’s a process where fat is taken from one part of your body and carefully injected into areas of the face. This method is favoured for its natural results and compatibility with the body, as it involves your own fat cells.
But why opt for Facial Fat Transfer? As you age, your face naturally loses volume, leading to a more tired or aged appearance. This procedure helps in restoring that lost volume, giving your face a more refreshed and revitalised look.
Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anthony MacQuillan regularly performs Fat Transfer to the Face, also known as Fat Grafting and Autologous Fat Injection.
A few Hours
General
1 Night
4 to 6 weeks
It can take 3 months for visible improvements to fully appear.
What is Facial Fat Transfer?
Facial Fat Transfer, also known as Fat Grafting or Autologous Fat Injection, is a cosmetic procedure designed to rejuvenate the facial appearance. The process involves three main steps: harvesting, purification, and injection.
First, fat is harvested from your body, usually from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, using Liposuction. This fat is then purified to isolate the healthy fat cells. Finally, these cells are carefully injected into specific areas of the face.
The beauty of Facial Fat Transfer lies in its versatility. It can be used to add volume to cheeks, smooth out wrinkles, or even enhance lips.
It’s a bespoke procedure, tailored to address your specific concerns and aesthetic goals. The fact that it uses your own fat reduces the risk of allergic reactions or rejection, a significant advantage over synthetic fillers.
This procedure is particularly well-suited for those who prefer a more natural approach to facial rejuvenation. Since it uses your own tissue, the results tend to blend seamlessly with your facial structure, providing a more natural-looking enhancement.
Moreover, it can offer long-lasting results, unlike some other cosmetic treatments that require regular touch-ups.
Benefits of the Facial Fat Transfer Procedure
Facial Fat Transfer comes with a range of benefits that make it an attractive option for those seeking facial rejuvenation. Here are some advantages:
- Natural Results: Since the procedure uses your own fat, the results are typically natural-looking. It restores volume and smooths out wrinkles in a way that simply enhances your natural facial structure.
- Long-Lasting Effects: Unlike temporary fillers, the results of facial fat transfer can last for several years. The transferred fat integrates with the existing facial tissues, leading to enduring improvements.
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure is less invasive than Traditional Facelifts. Facial Fat Transfer involves tiny incisions and minimal disturbance to the body, which appeals to those wary of more invasive surgeries.
- Reduced Risk of Allergic Reactions: Since your own fat is used, the risk of allergic reactions is significantly lower compared to synthetic fillers.
- Dual Benefit: The procedure provides a dual benefit – not only does it enhance your face, but it also slims down the area where the fat was harvested.
- Quick Recovery: Recovery from a facial fat transfer is generally quicker and less painful than from more invasive surgical procedures.
- Improved Skin Quality: Some patients report an improvement in skin texture and tone following the procedure, likely due to the stem cells present in fat.
- Customisable: The procedure can be tailored to meet your specific aesthetic goals, whether it’s enhancing cheek volume, smoothing out lines, or subtly reshaping facial contours.
Who Needs a Facial Fat Transfer
- Ageing Effects: Facial Fat Transfer can be useful for individuals experiencing age-related volume loss in the face, resulting in hollow cheeks, sunken under-eyes, or sagging skin.
- Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Facial Fat Transfer can be an option for those looking to address wrinkles, fine lines, and creases by restoring lost volume.
- Facial Asymmetry: People with facial asymmetry or uneven contours may benefit from fat transfer to create a more balanced and harmonious appearance.
- Acne Scarring: Fat transfer can help improve the appearance of acne scars and other types of facial scars by filling in depressions and irregularities.
- Sunken Temples: Hollow temples can make a person look older. Fat transfer can plump up sunken temples and rejuvenate the upper face.
- Nasolabial Folds: Deep lines that run from the nose to the mouth, known as nasolabial folds, can be softened with fat transfer.
- Under-Eye Hollows: Fat transfer can address under-eye hollows, reducing the appearance of dark circles and creating a more rested look.
How is Facial Fat Transfer Performed?
The Facial Fat Transfer procedure is a meticulous process that involves several steps:
- Consultation and Planning: Initially, you’ll have a detailed consultation with Anthony. He will assess your facial structure, discuss your goals, and plan the areas for fat removal and injection.
- Harvesting Fat: The procedure begins with harvesting fat from a donor site on your body. This can be done under local anaesthesia. Common areas for fat removal include the abdomen, thighs, or hips.
- Purification Process: Once the fat is harvested, it undergoes a purification process. This step is crucial as it separates the healthy, viable fat cells from the other components.
- Injection into the Face: The purified fat is then carefully injected into specific areas of your face. This is done with precision to sculpt and enhance your facial features according to the planned outcome.
- Immediate Post-Procedure Care: After the procedure, you’ll likely experience some swelling and bruising. Anthony will provide instructions on how to care for both the donor site and the injection sites.
- Follow-Up: Anthony will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and the settling of the fat.
The entire process can take a few hours, depending on the extent of the areas being treated. It’s a blend of artistic skill and medical expertise, tailored to each individual’s facial structure and aesthetic goals.
Recovery after the Facial Fat Transfer Procedure
Recovery following a Facial Fat Transfer varies from person to person, but here’s a general overview:
- Immediate Aftermath: Expect some swelling and bruising in both the donor and recipient areas. This is normal and subsides within a few weeks.
- Rest and Care: You should rest for the first few days post-procedure. Avoid strenuous activities and follow your Anthony’s instructions regarding face and skin care.
- Return to Normal Activities: You can return to work and normal activities within a week or two. However, it’s important to avoid any activity that might cause trauma to the face.
- Long-Term Care: Protecting your skin from the sun and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help prolong the results of the procedure.
- Final Results: It may take a few months for the final results to be fully apparent, as it takes time for the transferred fat to integrate with the existing facial tissues.
The recovery phase is crucial for the success of the procedure, so following Anthony’s advice and attending follow-up appointments is important.
How Much Is Fat Transfer to the Face in the UK?
The cost of Fat Transfer to the Face in the UK can vary depending on several factors, including the specific areas of the face being treated, the amount of fat to be harvested and transferred, the surgeon’s experience and expertise and any additional services or procedures included in the treatment plan.
To obtain an accurate price quote for Fat Transfer to the Face tailored to your needs, it’s recommended to schedule a consultation with Anthony. During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your facial anatomy, discuss your goals and expectations, and provide you with a personalised treatment plan, including a detailed cost breakdown.
FAQs
Find out more about your surgical journey
Can Facial Fat Transfer be combined with other cosmetic procedures?
Yes, Facial Fat Transfer can often be combined with other cosmetic procedures such as a Facelift, Eyelid surgery, or laser treatments. This combination can enhance the overall rejuvenation effect. It’s important to discuss your goals with Anthony, who can advise on the best combination of procedures for your needs.
How long before I can see the final results of my Facial Fat Transfer?
While you’ll see immediate changes after the procedure, the final results can take several months to become fully apparent. This is due to the time required for the transferred fat to establish a blood supply and integrate with the facial tissues. Typically, patients see the final outcome within 3 to 6 months.
Will I need to repeat the Facial Fat Transfer procedure in the future?
The longevity of Facial Fat Transfer results can vary. While the procedure offers long-lasting effects, it may not be permanent. Factors like ageing, lifestyle, and changes in weight can influence the duration of the results. Some patients choose to have touch-up treatments in the future to maintain their desired appearance.
Is there an ideal age for undergoing Facial Fat Transfer?
There’s no specific ‘ideal’ age for a Facial Fat Transfer. Candidates range from their 30s to their 60s, but the suitability depends more on individual concerns like facial volume loss rather than age alone. A consultation with Anthony can help determine if the procedure is right for you at your current age.
Can Facial Fat Transfer help with acne scars or other facial scars?
Facial Fat Transfer can sometimes help improve the appearance of certain types of scars, including some acne scars. The procedure can add volume beneath the skin, which may help to smooth out indented scars. It’s important to have realistic expectations and understand that it may not be effective for all types of scars.
What are the Risks of Fat Transfer to the Face
Like any medical procedure, Facial Fat Transfer comes with potential risks and complications. These include:
- Swelling and Bruising: Common and usually temporary.
- Infection: Although rare, there’s a risk of infection at the injection or donor sites.
- Irregularities: There might be asymmetry or lumps in the treated area.
- Overcorrection or Undercorrection: The amount of fat that ‘takes’ can vary, leading to uneven results.
- Fat Resorption: Some of the transferred fat may not survive, which can affect the final outcome.
- Scarring: There may be small scars at the site of fat removal or injection.
Discuss these risks with Anthony to understand how they apply to your specific case and what measures will be taken to minimise them.
Medical References about Facial Fat Transfer
- Autologous Fat Grafting for Facial Rejuvenation – NCBI
- Facial Fat Grafting (FFG): Worth the Risk? A Systematic Review of Complications and Critical Appraisal – NCBI
- Facial Fat Grafting – Medscape
- Facial Rejuvenation: Serial Fat Graft Transfer – Science Direct
- Techniques in Facial Fat Grafting – Oxford Academic
Reviews
Patient satisfaction is the top priority for Anthony. You can find how patients feel about his work below.
Elderly lady – Tremendous boost to my morale
I had a deep plane face lift with fat augmentation to lose my facial and deep mandible “ misery” lines .The result has been more than I hoped for and a tremendous boost to my morale. Thank goodness I chose Anthony MacQuillan, who is not only a top class surgeon but also the most lovely and kindest man. I think that most patients are a little apprehensive at the first consultation but Anthony was so easy to talk with and I never felt rushed or unclear about anything.
The operation went smoothly with no pain and the aftercare has been brilliant. ( extra thanks to Michelle who was so supportive and reassuring)
Superb surgeon and amazing result.
I was frightened of doing it but I am so glad I did
I had a deep plane facelift, neck lift and fat taken from my stomach and put into my face to give it volume again. Anthony and his assistant Lucy were amazing and really kept me calm during and after the procedure. Thank you so much, I are delighted with what you have done.
Amazing experience, absolutely thrilled with my results
Underwent lower face and neck lift with fat transfer in September 2018 under the care of Anthony MacQuillan I am thrilled with the results! My face looks natural and not ‘over done’ Anthony MacQuillan is a thoroughly nice young man and an excellent surgeon. He is approachable and friendly whilst remaining professional at all times and I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending him. The care I received from start to finish has been first class. I was given realistic advice and my expectations were fully met. The procedure was relatively painless and the results are well worth a few days of discomfort! The follow up appointments are regular and help is always at the end of the telephone should there be any concerns – thankfully I had none, but I was very reassured knowing that I could have contacted someone had I needed to. I have had a very positive experience with Anthony MacQuillan and will look forward to using his services again.
Why Choose Anthony MacQuillan for Your Facial Procedure
Anthony’s dedication to artistry, precision, and individualised care ensures that your facial procedure will be tailored to meet your unique needs and aesthetic goals. Our clinic combines the latest surgical techniques with a compassionate approach to patient care, ensuring a supportive and reassuring experience from consultation through recovery.
To learn more about how our facial procedures can help you achieve the look you desire, or to schedule a consultation with Anthony, please contact us today.
