What is Fat Grafting?
Fat grafting, also known as lipotransfer, is one of the most advanced methods in plastic surgery. It involves transplanting excess fat from one area of the body to another to achieve the best aesthetic results. According to recent studies, fat can be a key component for restoring a youthful appearance or regaining the skin’s elasticity that has weakened due to premature aging. It can also be used for patients who want to add volume to their face.
Aging, genetics, and weight loss are common reasons why some of us have lost the youthful contours of our faces due to a loss of fat. Autologous tissue is fully biocompatible and is the safest option compared to any other injectable material. The benefits of this procedure arise from the growth factors and the regenerative ability of stem cells.
Fat grafting can be performed, after thorough consultation and guidance from a qualified plastic surgeon, on various areas of the face. Fat is extracted from areas of the body such as the abdomen or thighs and transferred to the face to achieve the desired aesthetic result. The fat can be placed in the cheekbones, around the eyes, on the lips, the forehead, the jawline, the nasolabial folds, and any other area with irregularities or loss of volume.
Approximately 30–50% of the injected fat survives and becomes permanent in the area of interest. This is why the procedure may need to be repeated until the desired result is achieved.
Ideal Candidates for Fat Grafting – Face
- General Health Status: Must be in good general health, without serious medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications during surgery or recovery.
- Smoking: Continued smoking can negatively affect recovery and healing. Willingness to discontinue smoking before and after the procedure is vital.
- Medications: Anticoagulant medications must be discontinued for at least ten days, in consultation with the treating doctor, as well as any supplements that may affect blood clotting.
- Indications: Ideal candidates must have clear indications for the procedure, including areas of the body with excess fat available for liposuction and a loss of volume in the areas of interest for grafting.
- Realistic Expectations: Patients must have realistic expectations about the procedure, understanding that it can improve their appearance but may not achieve absolute perfection.
- Communication with the Doctor: Patients should openly discuss their medical history, expectations, and concerns, allowing the doctor to create the best treatment plan for their needs.
It is important to understand that the doctor will assess your suitability for lipotransfer based on your individual health status and needs.
Complications – Fat Grafting (Face)
Complications following a fat grafting procedure can vary depending on the patient, the area treated, and other factors. Being aware of these potential complications allows you to be well-prepared and to address any issues effectively. Some of the possible complications include:
- Infection: Infection may occur in the treated area. Careful personal hygiene and adherence to the doctor’s instructions reduce this risk.
- Bleeding: There is a small chance of bleeding during or after the procedure, especially when larger amounts of fat are used.
- General Surgical Risks: Including deep vein thrombosis, cardiac, or pulmonary complications.
- Asymmetry: In some cases, asymmetries may arise in the treated area.
- Changes in Sensation: In certain cases, the procedure may affect sensation (numbness or sensitivity) in the area treated.
- Healing: Healing may vary from patient to patient, and scarring may occur in certain cases.
It is important to discuss any possible complications with your doctor prior to the procedure and to closely follow their instructions to minimize risk and ensure a smooth recovery.
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Feel free to contact Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon Dr. Daskalakis for any questions you have about facial fat grafting or any other plastic surgery procedure you may be considering.
References
- Brucato D., et al. Complications Associated with Facial Autologous Fat Grafting: Aesthetic Surgery Journal Review (2024).
https://journals.lww.com/prsgo/fulltext/2024/01000/complications_associated_with_facial_autologous.33.aspx - Nasim S., et al. Autologous Fat Grafting for Cosmetic Temporal Augmentation: A Systematic Review (2024).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11449973/ - Ma X., et al. Quantifying Outcomes of Autologous Fat Transplantation in Facial Symmetry Improvement (2023).
https://www.jprasurg.com/article/S1748-6815(23)00501-6/fulltext
