Facial fat transfer, or fat grafting, is an increasingly popular cosmetic surgery technique which is highly effective at rejuvenating the upper face.
As we age, areas like the temples, cheeks, forehead, and around the eyes may lose volume, leading to a tired face or sunken appearance.
This blog will delve into the specifics of how facial fat transfer can revitalise the upper face and facial skin, enhancing both its aesthetics and your self-confidence.
How Facial Fat Transfer Surgery Addresses Upper Facial Rejuvenation
Autologous fat grafting begins with liposuction, where your plastic surgeon removes fat cells from the donor area.
The harvested fat is then processed to ensure only healthy, living fat cells are chosen. The surgeon carefully injects these cells into the upper face, targeting areas that have lost volume.
The facial fat grafting procedure not only restores the youthful contour but also improves skin texture and quality, making it an ideal choice for skin rejuvenation while addressing sunken cheeks, tear troughs, or hollow temples.
Areas That Benefit Most from Facial Fat Transfer
Facial fat transfer can significantly rejuvenate specific areas of the upper face, including:
- Cheeks: By restoring volume and fat pads to sunken cheeks, facial ageing can be reduced by creating a more youthful and rounded appearance.
- Temples and Forehead: Adding fat and facial volume to these areas helps to reduce hollowness and create a smoother, more balanced contour.
- Around the Eyes: Eye fat transfer to the upper eyelids, brow and tear trough areas can also benefit, reducing the appearance of tiredness and creating a refreshed look. Your surgeon may recommend fat transfer to the eye area during a blepharoplasty to enhance the results.
- Lips: Fat injection to the lip area can improve both shape and volume. Keep in mind that the lips don’t retain adipose tissue as well as other areas so the enhancement tends to be subtle.
Expected Results for Upper Facial Fat Transfer
Patients typically notice a rejuvenated appearance immediate following treatment, with further improvement as any swelling subsides over the next week.
You can expect 20-30% of your fat grafts to survive. The natural fat integrates with existing tissue, offering a soft, natural look and improved skin quality that hyaluronic acid dermal fillers may not achieve.
Patients often report enhanced facial features, including a fuller brow and reduced wrinkles, providing a harmonious balance to the upper face.
Recovery Process for Upper Facial Fat Grafting Procedure
Recovery after facial fat transfer primarily involves managing bruising and swelling, particularly around the injection sites.
You may also experience some pain, swelling and bruising in your fat donor areas, such as flanks and thighs, abdomen or other areas of the body. Pain is usually minimal and can be managed with over-the-counter medication.
You may be advised to avoid strenuous activities for a week to facilitate healing. It’s common to experience slight swelling in the cheeks and around the eyes, but this typically resolves within two weeks.
Proper aftercare, including following your surgeon’s instructions, is crucial for optimal healing and results.
Risks and Complications Related to Upper Facial Fat Transfer
While facial fat transfer is generally safe, certain risks pertain specifically to the upper face. For instance, complications such as migration of fat or unevenness may affect areas like the cheeks and forehead.
It’s essential to choose an experienced surgeon to minimise these risks. They will evaluate your facial structure and discuss potential concerns related your face procedure during the consultation.
Cost of Facial Fat Transfer for the Upper Face
The cost of facial fat transfer varies depending the complexity of the procedure, and whether other treatments, such as a neck lift or facelift are performed.
In London, you can expect costs to reflect the expertise of your Harley Clinic surgeon at our London location. After your initial consultation, your surgeon will provide a detailed breakdown of the fat transfer cost, allowing you to understand what to expect financially.
Ideal Candidates for Upper Facial Fat Grafting
Ideal candidates for facial fat transfer are typically those experiencing volume loss in the upper face due to ageing or weight loss. Patients with excess fat deposits in areas such as the stomach or thighs are also suitable, as this provides the necessary fat for grafting.
