Fat transfer is a natural way to add volume to your face
As we grow older the volume in our face starts to decrease, causing wrinkles and hollowness to form in regions that were previously plump. This loss of volume can increase the appearance of age, even, in extreme cases, resulting in a “skeletal” appearance.
Fat Transfer Surgery is an ideal treatment for patients who have lost volume in their face due to stress, age or weight loss. Our doctors were amongst the first to begin practising this procedure and have perfected the technique to ensure you achieve your desired result.
Fat transfer requires the harvesting of fat from somewhere on the body, commonly taken from the love handles (hips), outer thighs or tummy, (usually from an area you normally find it hard to lose from).
Fat transfer from our Sydney doctors can help you revolumise your face
Harvested fat is processed to remove water and free oils, and then placed accurately into recipient tissue using microcannulas.
We utilise the most up-to-date techniques to ensure your results last as long as possible. The length of your results will be affected both by the area being treated as well as the technique being used. In the lower face area and the cheeks, fat transfer results have been known to remain visible for up to three years and occasionally even longer! Refraining from smoking is one of the very best steps you can take to ensure the longevity of your results.
This is a low-risk procedure that thousands of people undergo every year. That said, like every surgical procedure, fat transfer does carry some degree of risk. All potential risks and the steps that we take to minimise them will be discussed with you in detail during your consultation.
Fat Transfer Frequently Asked Questions
Fat transfer requires the removal of fat from somewhere on the body, commonly taken from the love handles (hips), outer thighs or tummy, (usually from an area you normally find it hard to lose from). The amount is usually 25-30mls, which is enough for the first procedure and your top-up (if required). It is removed as a thin layer over an area approximately the size of your hand so you will not be left with any visible ‘indent’ or ‘hole.’ After the fat is prepared, a small amount, (3-10 mls) is injected into the areas to be treated.
The recovery time after a fat transfer is variable. We advise you to expect swelling for at least 24hrs, however some swelling can take up to 7 days or longer to resolve. You may have some slight bruising on the face, and you will have bruising from the donor site, which can be uncomfortable.
There is no bandaging required. Patients are advised to sleep on their back for the first couple of days to allow the fat to settle. The area will feel hard and tender for a few days, but this will generally resolve itself over the next 7 – 14 days.
Although thousands of people undergo fat transfer treatments each year and experience no major complications, all surgical cosmetic procedures do carry some degree of risk. It is important you are well informed of these risks when considering a fat transfer.
The discussion of potential risks and complications is one of the most important aspects of patient consultation. During your consultation, we will discuss these potential complications with you, listen to your questions, and offer recommendations on how to minimise your chance of risk.
New techniques have resulted in long lasting results of fat transfer.
The two factors to consider in ensuring long lasting results are: Where the fat is being transferred to, and also the technique being used. When used in the cheek area or lower face the volume can last up to 3 years or longer in some cases. A second application can be required as some initial volume will be lost in the following months.
It is important to understand that smoking will possibly reduce the longevity of the fat transfer.
Yes, you may transfer fat to most areas of the body to improve its contour or any other irregularities. Another common area for fat transfer is to the hands and elbows, which are a tell-tale sign of your age. The fat transfer will smooth and soften ageing lines and veins. It is also used for patients who have had liposculpture with an inexperienced doctor and may have dents on their abdomen or legs. We can use fat transfer to correct this.
When there is a significant loss in volume to the face, fat transfer is a cost effective and relatively simple procedure able to rectify this. It has the benefit of being able to access as much volume as is required and because it is the patient’s own tissue, there will never be issues of sensitivities or allergic reactions. This is also an important issue for those opposed to ‘foreign substances’ such as fillers, in their bodies.
A Fat Transfer procedure starts at $4,500.
Fat transfer is ideal because it uses your body’s own fat to plump up areas that need it. This means that there is less of a chance of allergic reaction or sensitivity issues because there are no foreign substances being introduced into your body. The results are also more natural looking and long-lasting though this treatment is not without its own set of cons. Fat transfer is time consuming due to the need to harvest fat from other areas of the body. It is also more expensive than temporary injections, so it is up to you to decide if this is the right treatment for you.
If you would like to know more about fat transfer or to request a consultation at ICCM in Sydney, please contact us today.
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.
