Fat transfer

The phrases fat transfer and lipo filling are synonymous and are used interchangeably when performing this type of surgery in all areas of the human body. They describe the moving of fat from one fat rich area of the body to another, which is lacking in it.

As we get older we tend to lose fullness from our face; the cheek area being the most susceptible for such loss of volume. This loss varies between individuals and can make us look gaunt and tired looking.

The fat transferred has to acquire blood supply in the recipient area for it to survive. The fat retained when moved from one site in the body to another is usually 50-60% of the volume transferred. Hence it takes more than one treatment to achieve the desired outcome, in the majority of patients 2-3 treatments.

However, in the face due to its rich blood supply the fat retained will be more in the region 80-90%. As a result the number of treatments to achieve the desired outcome are less; and often 1-2 episodes are suffice to obtain the wanted cosmetic look.

Fat transfer could be used as a sole procedure in filling the face where volume is lacking; however, it is often used in conjunction with a facelift and in so doing it achieves a more enhancing and rejuvenated look to the face.

The procedure of fat transfer to the face can be carried out under either a local or general anaesthetic and often as a day case. The number of small entry sites to introduce the fat in the face will depend on the areas needing treatment. The residual scarring from this is often minimal and settles very well in the majority of patients.

The fat donor sites could be the flanks, the tummy, or the thighs. The donor site recovery is usually 2-3 weeks and the face recovery following this surgery, mainly from swelling and some bruising, is 2-4 weeks. A liposuction garment will be worn in the donor site for a period of 4-6 weeks.

For further information or questions please contact us.