Surgical Treatment
Facial Micro-Fat Grafting
Restore lost facial volume naturally using your own fat and its regenerative stem cells
At a glance
- Anaesthetic
- Local or general anaesthetic
- Setting
- Day case procedure
- Recovery
- 1 to 2 weeks for initial swelling to settle
- Sessions
- One or more sessions may be needed
Overview
Restore lost facial volume naturally using your own fat and its regenerative stem cells
Facial micro-fat grafting uses your own fat as a completely natural filling material to restore volume lost through ageing. Fat is gently harvested from a donor site such as the abdomen or thighs, finely processed using specialised micro-fat techniques, and then precisely injected into the face to rebuild contour and fullness.
What makes fat grafting particularly valuable is that body fat contains a reservoir of regenerative stem cells and growth factors. Patients often notice that the quality and appearance of the overlying skin also improves over time as these regenerative elements work within the tissue.
Once fully integrated, transferred fat permanently survives in its new location without migrating. More than one session may be needed to achieve the final desired result, as some of the grafted fat is naturally reabsorbed in the initial weeks. Your surgeon will plan the right number of sessions for your individual goals.
Benefits
Why patients choose this treatment
- Uses your own natural tissue, no synthetic material
- Restores volume permanently once the graft has fully taken
- Regenerative stem cells improve surrounding skin quality
- Addresses hollow cheeks, tear troughs and facial deflation
- Natural, beautiful results that move with your face
- Can be combined with facelift for complete rejuvenation
Is it right for me?
Facial micro-fat grafting suits anyone experiencing facial volume loss, hollowness around the eyes or cheeks, or deflation due to ageing or weight loss, who would like a long-lasting, completely natural result.
What to expect
Your treatment journey
- 1
Consultation
Your surgeon assesses your facial anatomy, discusses your goals and explains the harvesting, processing and injection technique, including realistic expectations for the number of sessions.
- 2
Procedure
Fat is gently harvested from the donor site, processed into micro-fat and precisely injected into the target areas of the face to sculpt and restore volume.
- 3
Recovery and follow-up
Initial swelling settles over one to two weeks; the final result becomes visible as the graft integrates, and a second session may be planned if needed.
Aftercare
Swelling and bruising at both the donor and recipient sites are expected in the first one to two weeks. Keep the treated areas clean and avoid pressure on the face during early healing. Your surgeon will advise on when it is safe to return to normal activities. Subsequent sessions, if planned, are typically carried out once the initial graft has fully settled.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
How is the fat harvested?
Fat is removed from a suitable donor site, commonly the abdomen, flanks or thighs, using a gentle liposuction technique. The volume removed is small and the area heals with minimal disruption.
Is the result permanent?
Once the grafted fat has fully integrated and the initial reabsorption phase is complete, the remaining fat survives permanently in its new location.
Why might I need more than one session?
Some of the transferred fat is naturally reabsorbed by the body in the first weeks after treatment. A second session can be used to refine or top up the result once the initial graft has settled.
How does fat grafting differ from dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers use synthetic hyaluronic acid and are temporary. Fat grafting uses your own tissue, integrates permanently and carries regenerative benefits from the stem cells present in the fat.
Can fat grafting be combined with a facelift?
Yes. The two procedures complement each other well. A facelift lifts and re-drapes descending tissue, while fat grafting simultaneously restores the volume that ageing has removed.
How much does facial fat grafting cost?
Pricing depends on the treatment plan agreed for you and is confirmed in writing at your consultation, with no obligation to proceed.
Considering Facial Micro-Fat Grafting?
Book a consultation with our specialist team to discuss whether this treatment is right for you.
Book a consultation