Facial Fat Grafting

Facial fat grafting refers to the process of injecting small amounts of fat into the face in order to enhance the facial features. This creates an overall fuller, more youthful appearance and reduces signs of ageing.

Facial fat grafting can be an ideal option for people who are seeking to improve their facial contours without synthetic fillers. Dr Jeremy Richardson will take your facial anatomy, health, and goals into account when creating your personalised treatment plan.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

If you are thinking about having a facial fat grafting procedure, you will need to have an initial meeting with us to clarify whether you are suitable. During this meeting, we will discuss your aesthetic concerns, ideal outcomes, as well as your 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, ideal patients for this procedure are non-smokers, in good physical health, and wish to enhance their facial volume and contours. They are also people who are seeking a subtle and natural facial enhancement in order to appear more youthful. If you are unsure whether you are a good candidate, we can clarify this during a private discussion about your health and goals.

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, in preparation to be injected.
• Injection: Lastly, Dr Richardson will inject the fat into the chosen areas of the face to produce the desired fullness. The fat will be administered at a depth that achieves optimal facial rejuvenation results.

Cost of Facial Fat Grafting

Since each procedure is tailored to the patient, fees can vary. We will consider a number of factors when outlining the final cost, such as the hospital fees, anaesthesia, and medication.

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

Aftercare

Afterwards, Dr Richardson will ensure you get the right care during your recovery. It is common to have some swelling and bruising, but pain medication will help you manage any discomfort. We will give you guidance 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 your 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

Although most patients see great results, every procedure 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