Fat transfer to the face – natural rejuvenation with your own fat

What are the benefits of fat grafting?

Fat grafting is a good alternative to fillers when there has been significant volume loss in the face. As we age, we lose volume in several areas and the skin becomes looser, which makes it look tired and worn out and, over time, sag a little. Modern facelift techniques recognize the importance of analyzing facial volume and adding volume where it is lacking. In many cases, the loss of volume is greater than the sagging of the skin, and excellent results can be achieved by filling in the upper part of the face, which can stretch and lift the skin. This can also be combined with laser treatments. "Facelift without surgery" is one of our signature treatments after performing laser treatments for skin tightening and fat grafting for volume loss on many patients, and very good results are achieved with very little downtime. There are also no visible scars. Fat also contains stem cells that revitalize the skin, giving it more radiance and making you look fresher and more alert. 

Before and after photos after fat transfer to the face

Unfortunately, we are not allowed to show pictures online for informational purposes, but during a consultation you can see before and after pictures of patients who have given their consent for this.

How is the procedure performed?

In a fat transfer, fat is liposuctioned from an area where you want to remove fat and then transplanted and inserted, much like fillers, very precisely into the areas where volume is lacking. The fat is circulated where it was originally found, but where it is inserted, new blood vessels must grow into it in order for it to be circulated, and in this context, some of the fat disappears again. This makes it somewhat more unpredictable than fillers, and sometimes the procedure has to be repeated or fillers added afterwards if more volume is desired. You agree with the surgeon in advance whether to overfill slightly or not. A secondary fat transfer ("touch up") usually costs half the price of the first procedure, but this is something you can discuss with the surgeon, and most people only need one fat transfer. It is also not a good idea to look overfilled. This is a procedure that has a high satisfaction rate and does a lot to make you look healthier and more alert. 

The fat is taken from your own body using special cannulas under local anesthesia andsedation. You will feel a small prick at the injection site, but after that, patients experience little to no discomfort. The fat is treated in a special way before being injected with a cannula into the desired area. A prerequisite for performing this operation is that you have areas where fat can be extracted and transferred to the desired area. The amount of fat extracted depends on the volume of the area you want to correct. In most cases, relatively small amounts of fat are involved. It is advantageous to take fat from an area that needs correction during the same session, for example, combining liposuction of the abdomen, thighs, or inner knees with correction of the face and lips. The fat usually integrates (grows) well into the recipient area. You should expect the body to absorb (suck in) about 30% of the fat in the first few months (slightly less in the face), so you fill a little more than you need (overcorrect) to compensate for this. Minor irregularities may therefore occur after surgery, which can be corrected within the warranty period.

The procedure can be performed under sedation or local anesthesia. Many prefer the latter, as with filler treatment, they can see with a hand mirror and be involved in the decision-making process. Others want the surgeon to decide after going through in advance where and how the volume will be placed and are nervous and do not want to feel anything, in which case it is easier to sleep during the procedure. 

Your lifestyle is important

Smoking, stress, exposure to sunlight, moderate to severe obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor diet are some of the factors that not only accelerate aging and increase the risk of complications, but also reduce the likelihood of achieving a cosmetically successful result. Some people are concerned about what happens if they gain or lose weight. If your weight remains stable, the results will also remain stable, but if you gain or lose a lot of weight, this may change the results. Most people have relatively stable weight, but if this is a problem, filler treatments with Restylane, for example, may sometimes be a better alternative. 

Individual assessment

During the consultation, your wishes and needs will be thoroughly assessed with regard to the overall picture and the area from which the fat will be taken. If there is an indication for other procedures, it will be assessed whether these should be performed at the same time or in a separate operation. In a standard fat transfer, you will have small scars of approximately 1-2 mm where the cannulas are inserted to inject the fat. To achieve optimal results and avoid complications, it is recommended that you maintain as normal a weight as possible and comply with the conditions mentioned above as far as possible.

What should I consider after a fat transfer to the face?

You may experience some swelling during the first two weeks, but this will return to normal after 3-4 weeks. It is important to eat healthily and not smoke to ensure the best possible healing.

What is included in the price?

The price you pay for an operation includes all follow-up checks you would need after an operation. We are available to all our patients and want them to have the safest experience throughout the entire process.