Medical description
Facial fat grafting, or autologous fat transfer, involves harvesting fat from an area where there is an excess, purifying it, then reinjecting it in small amounts to restore volume. With age, the face loses deep fat: the temples become hollow, the cheekbones flatten, and dark circles and folds become more pronounced. Fat grafting aims to give the face fuller, softer contours using a natural, biocompatible material. It can be performed on its own or in addition to a facelift or blepharoplasty. Part of the grafted fat is reabsorbed in the first few months, which the surgeon anticipates.
What the procedure can correct
- Hollow temples and cheeks
- Flattened or undefined cheekbones
- Hollow dark circles and tear trough
- Pronounced nasolabial folds
- Gaunt or tired-looking face
- Asymmetries in facial volume
The ideal candidate
A person in good health with loss of facial volume, who has a sufficient donor area (abdomen, hips, thighs) and a stable weight, as grafted fat follows changes in body weight. Stopping smoking is advised to help the grafts take. The surgeon assesses the areas to be treated and the amount required.
The technique
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia or sedation. The fat is harvested with fine cannulas through small incisions, then purified by centrifugation or decantation. It is then reinjected as micro-droplets, layer by layer, using blunt cannulas inserted through tiny openings, so that each graft receives a good blood supply. A compression garment may be worn over the donor area.
Your stay, step by step
- 1
Arrival and consultation
Welcome by your coordinator, examination and pre-operative consultation with the practitioner, who confirms the treatment plan.
- 2
Procedure
General, or local with sedation · 1–2 h
- 3
Monitoring in the clinic
Hospital stay: Day case or 1 night. The care team looks after your comfort and post-operative monitoring.
- 4
Check-up before departure
Follow-up visit, care, instructions and prescription before your flight home. Recommended stay: 5–7 days.
- 5
Remote follow-up
Back home, you send your photos and stay in touch with the practitioner through your patient area, for up to 12 months.
Risks and recovery
Facial swelling, sometimes marked, and bruising are usual for one to two weeks, as is aching in the donor area. Less commonly: more reabsorption than expected requiring a second session, irregularities, small nodules, asymmetry, infection or, in exceptional cases, fat embolism. Your surgeon will explain these in detail during the consultation.
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and does not replace a medical consultation. Every procedure carries risks; the indication is made by the practitioner after examination, and results vary from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
Is the result long-lasting?
The fat that has taken after the first few months behaves like living tissue and can last for a long time. It nevertheless follows natural ageing and changes in weight.
Is a single session enough?
Often yes, but part of the fat is reabsorbed and a second touch-up session may be offered to perfect the result. Your surgeon will inform you of this in advance.
How does it differ from hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a temporary injectable product, whereas fat grafting uses your own tissue and generally lasts longer. On the other hand, it requires a procedure with fat harvesting.
