Fat transfer to the face involves taking fat (in a similar way to liposuction) from other areas of your body e.g. thighs, hips and transferring it to your face. It must be in a very fine form, sometimes almost liquid before being placed in your face. The amount transferred is small compared to other areas of the body that fat is transferred to but it must be placed in a precise way. This is partly to ensure that the final appearance is good and partly to optimise survival of the transferred fat.
Fat transfer can restore facial volume lost with ageing or weight loss and improve facial contours. Very fine (nano fat) is also used to improve facial skin quality and appearance.
Anaesthetic
General
Procedure Length
90 minute
Facility Stay
Day Case
Cost
From £5,270
Downtime
Light exercise can resume after 4-6 weeks
Available at Purity Bridge
Yes
Anaesthetic
General
Procedure Length
90 minute
Facility Stay
Day Case
Cost
From £5,270
Downtime
Light exercise can resume after 4-6 weeks
Available at Purity Bridge
Yes
Facial fat transfer can restore volume that has been lost through ageing, helping to create a softer, more youthful appearance. It is commonly used to improve hollow cheeks, sunken temples, under-eye hollows and facial contours.
One of the advantages of fat transfer is that it uses your own tissue rather than a synthetic filler. Many patients appreciate the natural look and feel that can be achieved. At Purity Bridge in Tunbridge Wells, Marc Pacifico and Nora Nugent carefully assess facial proportions to create results that look refreshed rather than overdone.
The procedure usually takes between one and three hours depending on the areas being treated and the amount of fat required.
Fat is first harvested from another area of the body using gentle liposuction techniques before being processed and carefully injected into the face. Most patients return home on the same day.
Swelling and bruising are common during the first one to two weeks following treatment. The degree of recovery varies depending on the amount of fat transferred and the areas treated.
Many patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities after around one to two weeks, although subtle improvements continue to develop over several months.
As with any procedure, there are risks including infection, bleeding, swelling, bruising and uneven fat survival. Not all transferred fat will permanently survive, and occasionally additional treatment may be required.
Your surgeon will discuss all potential risks and benefits during your consultation.
Facial fat transfer may be suitable if you have experienced age-related volume loss or would prefer a treatment that uses your own tissue rather than dermal fillers.
The best candidates are generally healthy individuals with realistic expectations and enough donor fat available for transfer.
Some of the transferred fat naturally absorbs during the healing process, but the fat that successfully establishes a blood supply can remain long term.
Many patients enjoy lasting improvement for years, although the natural ageing process will continue.
No. It is normal for a percentage of the transferred fat to be reabsorbed by the body during the first few months after treatment.
Your surgeon takes this into account when planning the procedure and may slightly overcorrect certain areas to compensate for expected fat loss.
Yes. Fat transfer is often combined with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery or skin rejuvenation treatments to provide more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Your surgeon will discuss whether combining procedures is appropriate for your individual goals.
