As you age, youthful facial suppleness, contours, and volume become depleted due to age-related fat loss and skin ageing. The mid-face is a common problem area as facial volume loss here leads to a marked groove under the eyes, flattened cheeks and the appearance of folds between the nose and mouth. For many years, patients have favoured facial fat transfers as it allows them to defy the signs of ageing without resorting to implants or temporary dermal fillers. Using fat harvested from other areas of your body with excess weight, facial fat grafting leaves you with more youthful, rounded cheek contours as well as a subtle lift to the lower face.
![Fat transfer to the face](https://www.karidis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Fat-transfer-to-the-face-1-1920x720.jpg)
Facial Fat Grafting London (Fat Transfer to the Face)
At our world-class plastic surgery clinic in London
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Experience
Surgeons with over 20 years experience
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Close contact
Open communication at all times
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Support
Your wellbeing is our priority
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Restore volume, without the need for fillers
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What is facial fat grafting?
Facial fat grafting, also known as a fat transfer, is a plastic procedure that involves harvesting a patient’s own fat from one part of their body and injecting it into the mid-face area of the face to enhance volume and rejuvenate appearance.
The process typically consists of three steps: harvesting, purification and injection. Initially, excess fat is obtained through liposuction from donor sites like the abdomen or thighs. The extracted fat then undergoes purification to remove impurities and is then meticulously injected into the mid-face area to restore lost volume.
This technique not only addresses volume loss but also promotes improved skin texture by encouraging collagen production. Facial fat grafting offers a natural and long-lasting alternative to synthetic fillers, providing patients with a personalised and rejuvenated facial aesthetic.
What are the benefits of facial fat grafting?
Facial fat grafting often presents more favourable benefits to facial fillers:
Enhanced volume: Restores lost volume, providing immediate and noticeable improvements in facial contour and fullness.
Non-invasive procedure: Facial fat grafting offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods, minimising downtime and recovery.
Natural-looking results: The use of the patient’s own fat ensures natural-looking outcomes that harmonise with their facial features and proportions.
Stimulates collagen production: The transferred fat stimulates collagen production, contributing to improved skin texture and elasticity over time.
Customisable results: The procedure allows for precise contouring and customisation, addressing individual concerns and achieving personalised aesthetic goals.
Long-lasting effects: While not entirely permanent, the results of facial fat grafting are often long-lasting, providing enduring benefits compared to some other interventions.
Dual benefits: The liposuction component of fat harvesting offers contouring in areas with excess fat.
Why choose Karidis Clinic for your fat transfer to face surgery?
When you choose to undergo a fat transfer at Karidis, you choose excellence and a personalised approach. In fact, the benefits speak for themselves:
✔ Boost your self-confidence: enjoy a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance
✔ VIP care: we look after you with five-star consultancy and aftercare
✔ A bespoke service: we understand that everyone has different aesthetic goals
✔ Peace of mind: your surgeon is the best in their field
✔ Combine treatments: access to our whole team for your convenience
![Facial Rejuvenation Procedures at Karidis Clinic](https://www.karidis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Facial-Rejuvenation-Procedures-at-Karidis-Clinic.jpg)
Facial Rejuvenation Procedures at Karidis Clinic
Quick Reference
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Duration
45 mins to 1 hour
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Driving
1 week
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Anaesthesia used
General anaesthesia
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Hospital Stay
Day case but can stay overnight if preferred
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Exercise
6 weeks
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Final Result
2 - 3 months
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Pre admission tests
Blood tests, MRSA, +/- ECG
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Addresses
Facial volume loss due to ageing
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Downtime
2 - 4 weeks
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What to expect from your procedure
Some key information for what to expect in the lead up to, and during your procedure can be found below. We ensure our patients have all the support they need but if you do have further questions these will be addressed at your initial consultation.
The consultation
Before you undergo any plastic surgery procedure at Karidis Clinic, you will have a consultation and a pre-operative assessment with your plastic surgeon. They will listen carefully to your concerns and what you expect to achieve and discuss which procedure, or combination of procedures, is appropriate.
At this stage, they will also ensure you are fully aware of the potential risks and complications inherent in that specific procedure and explain to you what you can expect immediately after surgery, throughout the recovery process, and when you will likely see the final results.
During the pre-operative assessment, the surgeon may take measurements of the area to be operated on and assess your skin tissue quality and the degree of skin laxity. The position of the incisions will also be decided upon.
A full medical history will be taken to ensure you are fit and well and can undergo surgery at this time.
After the initial consultation, there will be a two-week ‘cooling-off’ period before you can decide to proceed with surgery. You are welcome to return for further consultations with your Karidis Clinic surgeon, free of charge, if you have more questions.
Leading up to the procedure
If you make the decision to proceed with surgery, you’ll be given advice on how best to prepare for your operation, and you will have a dedicated Patient Coordinator who can answer any queries you may have.
Any pre-surgery tests can occur at the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth, a leading London private hospital where Karidis Clinic is based. The hospital has recently built a new wing including a diagnostic department with the latest X-ray, MRI, CT and ultrasound technology.
We advise patients to stop smoking as soon as possible as nicotine acts as a vasoconstrictor, which impedes the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the surgical site. This can slow down healing, increase the chance of infection and even cause tissue to die. Smoking also increases the risks of a general anaesthetic, and smokers are more likely to suffer ill effects from an anaesthetic.
You will also be advised when to discontinue taking aspirin or other blood-thinning medication in advance of your operation. You will be asked to fast six hours before surgery.
On the day
All Karidis Clinic procedures are performed at the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted and taken to your stylish and luxurious private room with its spacious ensuite bathroom.
The nursing team will take your blood pressure and relevant vitals, and you will see your Karidis Clinic surgeon, who will make the final mark-ups. Our anaesthetist will also visit you.
Clinical photography will be taken to assist in your care and to enable clinical assessments to be made. These become part of your confidential medical record. These include photographs of the operation site and any distinguishing features and will be taken pre-op and post-op.
Your procedure will be performed under a general anaesthetic, and once the surgeon has sutured the incision site, you will be taken to a specialist recovery room.
Treatment recovery
Once the hospital nursing team has ensured your recovery is complete, you will be taken to your hospital room for your overnight stay. The hospital nursing team will be on hand throughout the night, and you will be fitted with compression stockings and a compression device if required.
The following day, you will be visited by your Karidis Clinic surgeon or nurse and then discharged into the care of a friend or family member by the hospital nursing staff.
The pain and discomfort experienced after surgery are unique to the individual patient and the extent of their procedure. However, it should start to subside in the first week and should be easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers.
If necessary, you’ll be advised to wear a specially designed surgical support garment for approximately six weeks after surgery to support you during the healing process.
Depending on the nature of your job, you can usually expect to be able to return to work and normal activities between one to two weeks.
You’ll be given a comprehensive plan for the recovery process, including dates for your cast or suture removal and your check-ups with your Karidis Clinic surgeon. However, we are always on hand throughout this period, and you have access to our dedicated surgical nurse 24/7 if you have any concerns.
How much does facial fat grafting cost?
Facial fat grafting is a personalised procedure that involves removing fat from specific areas. As a result, the cost may vary for each patient and their desired outcome. Further details on the cost of this procedure will be addressed during your consultation.
FAQS FOR fat transfer to the face
Who is suitable for facial fat transfer surgery?
While fat transfer surgery is customisable, making it suitable for a wide range of people, it is best suited to individuals seeking natural facial rejuvenation, especially those with volume loss, wrinkles or asymmetry.
Candidates should be in good health and free from underlying medical conditions that could pose risks during surgery. Ideal candidates should also have an adequate amount of donor fat for harvesting.
A thorough consultation with our surgeon is essential to assess individual candidacy, expectations and aesthetic goals.
When will I see the final results after facial fat grafting surgery?
The final results of facial fat grafting surgery become more apparent as the initial swelling subsides, typically within a few weeks. However, the complete settling of the transferred fat may take several months. Initially, there might be some volume loss as the body absorbs a portion of the fat. That said, patience is crucial as the gradual integration of the grafted fat ensures natural-looking and long-lasting results.
Are the results of fat transfer to the face permanent?
The results of fat transfer to the face can last for many years, and in some cases, patients may experience results lasting a lifetime. In comparison to dermal fillers, known for subtle improvements and their yearly top-ups, fat transfer has more pronounced and long-lasting effects. Once the transferred fat cells integrate into the recipient tissues, a blood supply will be produced in the area to maintain the permanency of the grafted fat cells. That said, every fat transfer procedure involves a certain amount of fat reabsorption, meaning not all injected fat will survive.
How safe is fat transfer surgery?
Fat transfer surgery is generally considered safe when it is performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, like Mr Alex Karidis. It involves removing fat from one part of the body and injecting it into another to enhance volume or reshape features. As it uses the patient’s own fat, allergic reactions are rare. However, like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, but with proper post-operative care, fat transfers are very safe.
Is facial fat grafting painful?
Facial fat grafting is generally well-tolerated, with discomfort typically manageable through local anaesthesia or sedation. Patients often report minimal pain, and the recovery period is relatively short. While some swelling, bruising, or mild soreness may occur post-operatively, any discomfort is usually temporary and can be alleviated with prescribed pain medications. Discussing pain management options with your surgeon beforehand will ensure a more comfortable experience.
Which areas of the face can be treated with fat transfer surgery?
Fat transfer surgery offers versatile enhancement options across various facial areas, including the cheeks, nasolabial folds, lips and under-eye hollows. This procedure can restore lost volume, diminish wrinkles, and improve overall facial contour. Additionally, fat grafting is effective for refining jawlines and treating sunken temples. Its adaptability allows surgeons to enhance multiple facial features, providing natural-looking results.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR CONSIDERING PLASTIC SURGERY
Related surgeries and treatments we offer
Mr Alex Karidis performs plastic surgery aimed at rejuvenating the face, reshaping the body or enhancing the breasts. “I offer the full range of procedures because I have the breadth of training required. Having performed over 20,000 procedures over the last 25 years, our patients get the absolute maximum in terms of expertise.
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CHIN, NECK AND JAWLINE LIPOSUCTION
Our chin, neck and jawline liposuction helps to remove fat from those stubborn areas and you can combine it with facelift and neck lift surgery for optimum results.
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Neck and lower facelift
A facelift is a surgical procedure performed to improve the most visible signs of the ageing process, by eliminating excess fat, tightening the muscles beneath the skin of your face and neck, and removing any sagging skin.
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Cheek Lift and Mid Face Lift
The midface area covers the cheek area below your eyelids, just next to your nose and your nose-to-mouth lines.
Related posts and expert insights
Here at the Karidis clinic, our blog is updated regularly to provide you with the most recent trends and insights in the industry. Stay informed by reading our blog articles related to nostril reduction surgery.