Face
Facial fat grafting
Facial fat grafting involves harvesting fat from one part of the patient's body to inject it into another, in this case the face. The result is a natural, rejuvenated appearance.
What is it?
Facial fat grafting, also called lipostructure or liposculpture, is a surgical technique that involves harvesting your own fat (autograft) to reinject it where it is needed. This gives the face a firmer, younger appearance, without the use of synthetic implants.
Process
Preliminary consultation
Your cosmetic surgeon will assess your overall health, discuss your aesthetic goals and determine whether you are a good candidate for facial fat grafting.
Fat harvesting
Fat is harvested from a part of the body where you have excess fat, such as the abdomen or the buttocks, by liposuction.
Fat processing
The harvested fat is then processed and purified so it can be injected into the face.
Fat injection
The processed fat is then meticulously injected into the areas of the face that need volume or correction.
Recovery
After the procedure, specific recovery instructions will be given to ensure the best possible results.
Why choose our clinic?
Proven expertise
Our cosmetic surgeons are certified and have significant experience in facial fat grafting.
Natural results
We aim to give your face a natural appearance, never over-corrected or artificial.
Individualized care
We understand that every patient is unique. That is why we create a treatment plan tailored to your aesthetic goals.
Expected results
2 hDuration of the procedure80 %Recovery after 2 weeks90 %Recovery after 6 weeks
Before / after results
Facial fat grafting: definition and the principle of autograft
Facial fat grafting, also called lipostructure or liposculpture, involves harvesting the patient's own fat to reinject it into the areas of the face that have lost volume. It is an autograft technique, with no implant or synthetic product.
A three-stage principle
Fat grafting relies on a simple principle: the fat is harvested by micro-liposuction from a donor area (often the abdomen or thighs), then purified, and finally reinjected in fine layers where volume is lacking. As it involves the patient's own tissue, the transferred fat is perfectly biocompatible.
Frequently treated areas
- The cheekbones and upper cheeks, to restore contour.
- Hollow under-eye circles and the tear trough, to soften a tired gaze.
- The temples and the outline of the face, when age-related fat loss creates a hollowed appearance.
- Folds and grooves, as a complement to other procedures depending on the project.
The goal is a natural rejuvenation of the face through the restoration of volume, not a transformation of the features. The distribution of the injections is planned according to your morphology, discussed during consultation.
The right candidate, benefits and how it unfolds
Fat grafting is intended for people whose face has lost volume over time and who have a sufficient fat donor area. The indication is assessed individually.
Benefits of the autograft
- Use of the patient's own tissue, with no foreign body.
- A natural result when properly dosed.
- The possibility of treating several areas during the same procedure.
- Simultaneous improvement of the donor area through the micro-liposuction.
How the procedure unfolds
Depending on the case, fat grafting is performed under local or general anesthesia, according to the extent of the procedure and the team's assessment. The fat is harvested using fine cannulas, treated and then reinjected with precision. The procedure lasts on average around two hours depending on the areas involved.
Good general health and realistic expectations favour a satisfying experience. Your surgeon assesses feasibility and informs you of the precautions to follow before and after the procedure.
Aftercare, results and durability
The most frequent questions concern recovery, the survival of the injected fat and how long the result lasts. The timeframes given are orders of magnitude that vary from one person to another.
The immediate aftermath
Swelling and bruising are common in the first days, both on the face and on the donor area, and gradually subside. Most people resume social life within a few days to two weeks. Precise instructions are given to support a good integration of the graft.
Graft survival
Part of the injected fat is naturally reabsorbed in the following weeks, while the fraction that develops a blood supply integrates in a lasting way. This is why the result considered stable can only be assessed after several months, once the swelling has resolved and the graft has stabilized.
Durability and possible touch-up
The fat that is durably integrated remains in place over the long term, but facial ageing continues naturally. Depending on the case, a touch-up may be considered to refine the volume. A healthy lifestyle and a stable weight help preserve the result over time.
Precautions, alternatives and preparing your project
Good preparation and a clear dialogue with your surgeon contribute to a realistic project and a natural result.
Precautions and risks
Like any procedure, fat grafting carries risks, including swelling, bruising or variable reabsorption of the fat depending on the area. These effects are generally moderate and reduced when the procedure is performed by a qualified surgeon. A stable weight at the time of the procedure favours the predictability of the result, as significant variations can affect the grafted volume.
Fat grafting or other volume techniques?
Fat grafting stands out for using the patient's own tissue, with no foreign body, and for the possibility of treating several areas. Depending on the goals, other approaches to restoring volume exist and can be discussed. The choice depends on your morphology, the availability of a donor area and your expectations, assessed during consultation.
Realistic expectations
The goal of fat grafting is a natural rejuvenation through the restoration of volume, without an over-corrected appearance. As part of the fat is reabsorbed, the result is judged after several months and a touch-up is sometimes considered. A project discussed openly, with realistic goals, is the best basis for lasting satisfaction.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of a facial fat grafting procedure?
The cost of the procedure varies depending on several factors, notably the region where you are located and your surgeon's level of experience. It is best to consult our advisors directly for an accurate estimate.
Is facial fat grafting painful?
All surgical procedures can cause some pain, but we do everything possible to minimize post-operative discomfort. In addition, the anesthesia used during the procedure ensures that you will not feel any pain during the procedure itself.
How long does the facial fat grafting procedure take?
The duration of the procedure varies, but on average a facial fat grafting procedure takes about 2 hours.
What is the recovery time after facial fat grafting?
Most patients feel well after 2 weeks, but full recovery can take up to 16 weeks.
Does the fat injected during fat grafting stay in place?
Part of the transferred fat is naturally reabsorbed by the body in the weeks following the procedure, while the fraction that develops a proper blood supply integrates in a lasting way. The result considered stable is therefore assessed after several months. Depending on the case, your surgeon may mention the possibility of a touch-up to refine the volume.
Does facial fat grafting leave scars?
Fat grafting uses fine cannulas introduced through very small incisions, both on the donor area and on the face. The entry points are minimal and the scars generally very discreet once healed. Your surgeon explains the location of the access points during the consultation.
Next step
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