Facial fat transfer, also called fat grafting, is a procedure that uses your own body fat to restore volume and rejuvenate the face. Fat is harvested from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, purified and strategically injected into areas of the face that have lost volume due to aging, weight loss or natural contours.

Facial fat transfer can:

• Restore volume to sunken cheeks or temples
• Fill under-eye hollows and tear troughs
• Smooth nasolabial folds and marionette lines
• Enhance lips or chin contours
• Improve overall facial symmetry and youthful appearance
• Complement other facial procedures like facelift or rhinoplasty for a more harmonious look

You may be a good candidate for facial fat transfer if you:

• Are in good overall health and have sufficient donor fat in areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks
• Have realistic expectations about the amount of volume that can be restored
• Want a natural rejuvenation using your own tissue rather than synthetic fillers
• Are prepared to follow post-operative care instructions for optimal fat survival and results

• Fat is harvested using liposuction from a donor area, then processed and purified.
• The purified fat is carefully injected into the face in layers to achieve smooth, natural volume.
• The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia.
• Facial fat transfer can be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures for overall harmony.
• The procedure generally takes 2–3 hours, depending on the areas treated.

Potential risks include:

• welling, bruising, or mild discomfort at donor and recipient sites
• Infection or bleeding
• Uneven or asymmetrical fat placement
• Partial absorption of fat, which may require touch-up treatments
• Rare complications related to anaesthesia

Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon ensures precise placement, optimal fat survival, and natural-looking results.

• First week: Swelling and bruising are common at both donor and recipient sites; patients should follow activity restrictions and care instructions.
• Week 2: Most swelling begins to subside; normal activities can resume.
• Weeks 3–4: Facial contours settle as residual swelling fades.
• Month 2 and beyond: Final results are visible, with lasting facial volume and a rejuvenated appearance.

Facial fat transfer is a safe and effective way to restore volume and rejuvenate the face using your own tissue. It can enhance cheeks, temples, lips, and under-eye areas while providing natural, long-lasting results. Even when combined with other facial procedures, fat transfer contributes to a harmonious, youthful, and refreshed facial appearance.