Facial Fat Grafting

Facial fat grafting refers to the process of injecting small amounts of fat into the face in order to address volume loss.

Dr Jeremy Richardson will consider your facial anatomy, health, and goals when creating your personalised treatment plan.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

If you are considering having a facial fat grafting procedure, you will need to have an initial meeting with us. During this meeting, we will discuss your aesthetic concerns, expected outcomes, and overall health. This will include your medical history and any medications you are taking. Given that each patient has different needs, this information will allow us to develop an approach to treatment that suits your specific case.

Generally, suitable candidates for this procedure are non-smokers, in good physical health, and want to change their facial volume and contours. Patients who want subtle changes without the use of implants are also suitable for the procedure.

The Procedure

The procedure is performed in three stages under general anaesthesia. Dr Richardson will remove, process, and inject the fat tissue in accordance with the factors discussed in your consultation. The procedure involves:

• Fat removal: Firstly, the fat is harvested from an area of the body with more abundant fat cells, such as the thighs, stomach, or hips. This is done using liposuction.
• Processing: The fat cells are then isolated and separated from the surrounding liquid.
• Injection: Lastly, Dr Richardson will inject the fat into the chosen areas of the face to add volume.

Since each procedure is tailored to the patient, fees can vary. When outlining the final cost, we will consider factors such as hospital fees, anaesthesia, and medication.

The extent of the procedure and methods used can also impact the overall fee. We can answer further inquiries during your first appointment with us.

Aftercare

Dr Richardson will ensure you get the proper care during your recovery. It is common to have some swelling and bruising, but pain medication will help you manage any discomfort. We will guide you on how to care for your healing body at home. For example, you may need to:

• Rest and keep your upper body elevated.
• Apply ice compresses.
• Take prescribed medicine.
• Reduce physical movement.
• Advise Dr Richardson if you notice any healing issues.

Depending on the details of the surgery, you can expect the following during recovery:

• Some mild swelling and bruising for a few days
• Discomfort in both the face and donor site
• Resume work after one to two weeks
• Return to your exercise routine after three to four weeks
• Most swelling and bruising should resolve in two to three weeks

Risks and Complications

Facial fat grafting involves some level of risk. We will discuss these risks with you beforehand to ensure you are well-informed. These can include:

• Anaesthesia reactions
• Bleeding and infection
• Slow or poor healing
• Fat necrosis
• Fat embolism
• Failed grafts