Fat Transfer to Face
Add volume to your face to combat the signs of ageing such as wrinkles and hollowness with some of the best facial fat grafting doctors in Sydney at ICCM.
A fat transfer to the face can help enhance regions that have been affected by a loss of volume due to ageing or extreme weight loss. If you are suffering from a “skeletal” appearance, our fat grafting facelift is an ideal treatment to restore volume.
Stress, age or weight loss are common situations that can negatively affect your facial aesthetic image. At ICCM, our doctors have perfected the fat transfer technique, which involves the harvesting of fat from other areas of the body and then grafting this harvested fat into hollowed areas of your face. This procedure is often considered to be a ‘two-in-one’ as you can reduce and sculpt areas like the love handles, outer thighs or stomach with liposculpture while at the same time achieving a more plump and youthful face!
The ability to re-volumise your face with a fat face transfer
This is done using microcannulas and the most up-to-date techniques which creates the following benefits:
- Long-lasting results thanks to our modern procedures
- A more youthful appearance
- The two-in-one benefits of liposculpture in a problem area elsewhere on your body and improvement to your facial aesthetic
What is involved with the fat grafting facelift?
This procedure involves the removal of a small amount of fat from a particular area on the body - commonly, the hips, outer thighs or stomach. Roughly 25-30mls is removed as a thin layer, so no visible ‘indent’ is created. This fat is then prepared and injected into the facial areas that require treatment.
The longevity of results varies depending on the area being treated, but previous procedures have seen great results of up to three years or longer.
A before and after example of the fat grafting facelift procedure as performed by the experts at ICCM.
What happens during the consultation at ICCM?
The first step in any cosmetic journey with ICCM is a personal consultation during which your issues, expectations and goals are evaluated to ensure this is the right procedure for you.
The consultation process takes into account your physical and emotional health, aesthetic goals and any questions you may have. All of this is to make sure you select the right path and if for any reason, it is not the fat grafting facelift, we will find the right course of action for you.
In preparation for your initial consultation, topics to likely be discussed include:
- Any medical conditions past, and present
- Current medications
- Previous surgeries and treatments
- Body concerns and goals
- Questions about the procedure
- Associated costs
How much does facial fat grafting cost?
As there can be variations for this procedure in terms of how in-depth it can be, the cost will vary. The relevant price for your situation will be given via a no-obligation quote at your consultation after a personal assessment by the doctor.
It is a priority of ICCM to offer reasonable, realistic pricing to remain competitive and ensure the option for aesthetic improvements is available for all.
Why should I be considering ICCM for my procedure?
Dr Tony Prochazka has over 20 years of experience in cosmetic surgery and non-surgical injectable treatments and approaches every procedure with a caring attitude and attention-to-detail.
Nothing is more important than our patients’ safety and well-being, and we look to make the cosmetic journey simple for all. From the convenient location of our central Sydney clinic on Macquarie Street to the support our team offers on every step, you are in good hands at ICCM.
The treatment involves the removal of fat from other areas of the body, transferred into the face to restore volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery time is variable based on how in-depth your procedure will be, but all patients will experience swelling for at least 48 hours to around seven days in extensive cases. You will likely experience slight bruising on the face, and donor site as well.
The recovery process does not involve any bandaging, but you will be advised to sleep on your back for the first couple of days and expect the area to be tender for up to two weeks.
The first points to note are the fact that the experienced cosmetic doctors at ICCM have performed this procedure many times with positive results. Along with this, thousands of people undergo fat transfer treatments every year confirming the proven safety of the process. However, all surgical cosmetic procedures maintain a degree of risk, all aspects of which will be discussed during the patient consultation.
Yes, a similar fat transfer process can be used to improve other irregularities around the body. Targeting signs of ageing on the hands and elbows is a common request for this process. It can also be used to soften ageing lines or dents on the abdomen or legs from previous liposculpture treatments.
Before proceeding with any surgical procedure, patients should seek a second opinion from qualified healthcare practitioners.
The information on the website is for general guidance only and cannot be used as a basis to make a surgical decision, an initial consultation with our doctor is required to help patients make an informed decision before proceeding with any surgical procedure.
Risks and complications of cosmetic surgery
These risks, while concerning, are generally rare and can be mitigated through careful planning, following pre- and post-operative care instructions, and working with qualified and experienced medical practitioners, like those at ICCM. But it can still be beneficial to understand potential risks that can occur, so you can discuss these risks before proceeding with any treatment.
Scarring
Scarring is a common risk with any surgery that involves making incisions in the skin. While practitioners take care to place incisions in discreet areas and close them carefully to minimise scars, the body’s healing process varies from person to person. Some individuals may develop thicker, more noticeable scars, known as hypertrophic scars or keloids, which can be difficult to treat and may require additional procedures.
Bruising and Swelling
Bruising and swelling are common side effects of surgery as the body responds to tissue trauma. While these symptoms typically subside within a few weeks, severe bruising can cause discomfort and prolong recovery. In some cases, significant swelling might indicate underlying issues such as fluid accumulation or infection, requiring further medical attention.
Bleeding
Bleeding during surgery is controlled by the surgical team, but there is always a risk of excessive bleeding either during the procedure or postoperatively. This can lead to complications like hematomas, where blood pools under the skin, potentially requiring surgical drainage. Severe bleeding can also lead to shock, which is a medical emergency.
Infection
Infection is a risk whenever the skin is broken, as it provides a pathway for bacteria to enter the body. Surgical sites are particularly vulnerable, especially if the wound care instructions are not followed closely. Infections can range from minor skin infections to more serious, deep-tissue infections that might require antibiotics, drainage, or even additional surgery to resolve.
Pain
Pain is an expected part of recovery from any surgery, but its intensity and duration can vary. While most pain can be managed with prescribed medications, some patients may experience prolonged or severe pain, which could indicate complications such as nerve damage or infection. Chronic pain is a less common, but more serious, concern that might persist long after the typical recovery period.
Undesirable Cosmetic Outcome
An undesirable cosmetic outcome occurs when the results of the surgery do not meet the patient’s expectations, or the aesthetic goals outlined before the procedure. This could be due to asymmetry, unnatural appearance, or a failure to achieve the desired contour or shape. In some cases, additional procedures, known as revision surgeries, may be needed to correct these issues.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage is a risk in many cosmetic procedures, especially those that involve cutting near nerves. This can lead to numbness, tingling, or even loss of sensation in the affected area. While some nerve damage may be temporary and improve over time, permanent nerve injury can result in lasting changes in sensation or function.
Seroma
A seroma is a pocket of clear fluid that can build up under the skin after surgery. It often occurs when the surgical area is not fully drained, leading to swelling and discomfort. Seromas are usually treated by draining the fluid with a needle, but if left untreated, they can increase the risk of infection or contribute to poor wound healing.
Anaesthetic Complications
Anaesthetic complications can arise from both general and local anaesthesia. These risks include allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and, in rare cases, more severe reactions such as malignant hyperthermia. Patients with pre-existing health conditions or those undergoing lengthy procedures are at a higher risk. Complications can range from temporary disorientation or nausea to more serious outcomes like heart attack or stroke.
Death
Death is the most severe and rare risk associated with cosmetic surgery. It can result from complications related to anaesthesia, excessive bleeding, severe infection, or an adverse reaction during the procedure. While the overall risk is low, it underscores the importance of a thorough preoperative assessment and choosing an experienced, qualified medical practitioner to minimise risks.
The information on the website is for general guidance only and cannot be used as a basis to make a surgical decision, an initial consultation with our doctor is required to help patients make an informed decision before proceeding with any surgical procedure. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek the opinion of an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
