This website contains imagery that is only suitable for audiences 18+. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
This website contains imagery that is only suitable for audiences 18+. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
Autologous fat transfer (fat grafting) involves harvesting fat from one part of the patient’s body and reinjecting it into another area, such as the face or chin, to add volume to address volume deficiency in selected patients. A consultation is required to determine suitability, discuss alternatives (including implants or fillers), and explain variability in fat survival (“take”), scarring, recovery, and risks.
The procedure involves liposuction to harvest fat from a donor area, processing the fat, and then injecting it into the planned facial region. Not all transferred fat survives; fat retention varies between individuals and sometimes more than one session is required. Small scars from liposuction and injection points are permanent.
Potential benefits depend on anatomy, skin quality and the extent of treatment. They may include:
– Volume change in selected areas using your own tissue (results vary).
– Potential contour change in targeted facial regions where clinically appropriate (varies).
– May be combined with other procedures in selected cases.
No result can be guaranteed. Fat survival is variable and cannot be guaranteed.
A suitable candidate is typically an adult who:
– Has a suitable donor fat area and a volume/contour concern identified on assessment.
– Is medically fit for surgery and recovery.
– Understands variability in fat survival and scarring.
You May Be a Good Candidate If
You may be a good candidate if you:
– You accept that fat retention is variable and cannot be guaranteed.
– You have realistic expectations about symmetry and contour.
– You can follow aftercare and attend follow‑up.
This procedure/treatment may not be appropriate if you:
– Uncontrolled medical conditions increasing risk.
– Expectation of a guaranteed or permanent volume result without variability.
– Active infection in donor or recipient areas.
Technique selection is individual and based on your anatomy, goals and safety considerations. Options may include:
– Donor site selection: tailored to anatomy and safety considerations.
– Conservative layering technique: fat is placed in small amounts to support survival (approach varies).
– Staged treatment (selected cases): a second session may be considered if additional volume is desired.
Your clinician/surgeon will explain the recommended approach and expected trade‑offs during consultation.
Anesthesia
Commonly performed under general anaesthesia, or local with sedation depending on extent.
You will receive individual instructions. Common requirements may include:
– Medication and supplement review, including anything that can increase bleeding risk (as advised).
– Nicotine cessation for the recommended period before and after treatment/surgery (if applicable).
– Planning time off work, transport, and at-home support (where relevant).
– Fasting instructions prior to anaesthesia (if applicable).
– Pre-operative assessments/tests as advised by your treating team.
Return to Work: often 1–2 weeks depending on bruising and extent.
Return to Exercise: strenuous activity typically restricted for several weeks; timing varies.
Assessing outcome: often assessed over 3–6 months due to swelling and fat survival variability.
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
