Facial Fat Transfer
In Sydney, New South Wales
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Facial Fat Transfer in Sydney
As we age, both men and women can experience a loss of fat volume in the face.
However, each person is unique and such a change around the midface can affect individuals differently, and can lead to hollowing of the cheeks and loose skin around the mid-face and chin area. This can also occur after significant weight loss.
Another option is fat grafting, which uses your own fat to add volume to areas of the face. Dr Joseph Rizk performs fat transfer procedures in Sydney and can help you find out if facial fat transfer is suitable for you. He and his team will discuss your goals, the risks and the recovery with you.
What is facial fat transfer surgery?
The goal of facial fat transfer is to create a natural-looking shape that suits your facial structure. This is done by harvesting donor fat from other parts of your body — usually from the stomach or thighs — and transferring that fat to the face.
Fat is commonly transferred to the mid-face to add volume where it has been lost. Changes from fat contouring become clearer as swelling settles over the following weeks.
Am I a candidate for facial fat transfer surgery?
Suitable candidates for Sydney facial fat grafting treatments are people who are otherwise in overall good health. They don't have any serious medical conditions that can make surgery or recovery difficult like heart problems, diabetes, or any infection. Also, good candidates are non-smokers and generally have healthy skin with good elasticity and resilience. Perhaps you've lost a large amount of weight recently, but you're now at a stable weight where you plan to stay.
If you are in good mental health and have realistic expectations for your surgery, you may be a suitable candidate. Dr Rizk advocates the National Law and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) guidelines that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Benefits of facial fat grafting procedures
Face contouring surgery — also known as "fat grafting" or "fat transfer" — to the face is less invasive than a full facelift, although it adds volume rather than lifting loose skin. The fat is harvested and injected through small incisions, which usually leave small scars. Because facial fat transfer uses your own tissue, a reaction to foreign material is not expected, but not all of the transferred fat survives.
The fat being moved is already a part of your body, this procedure just moves it from one area with excess to another area that doesn't have enough. Facial fat grafting may help with changes to the face that can follow ageing or significant weight loss, including:
- •Loss of volume in the cheeks
- •A hollow appearance of the mid-face
- •Facial features that appear more prominent due to volume loss
Every procedure Dr Rizk performs is planned around the needs of each patient, and he will address any concerns or questions you have along the way. Results vary between individuals.
Facial fat transfer surgery procedure
How it works is that some fat is first grafted from your abdomen or thighs. Dr Rizk will consult with you to find the parts of your body with sufficient excess fat that can be used as a "donor" site and then you will select one together.
Usually, only a small amount of fat is needed, so removing it is unlikely to make a detrimental impact on the donor area. Once the fat is removed from your body by syringe, it's then injected into the areas of your face that you want to augment. Dr Rizk will advise which type of anaesthetic is appropriate for the areas being treated.
He will use the syringe to inject the transplanted fat into the desired areas, often utilizing multiple injection sites to ensure the fat is evenly distributed over the region. This helps achieve a more even, natural-looking result. After all of the injections have been made, Dr Rizk will then apply medication and light bandages to protect the treated areas. Depending on the anaesthetic used, you may feel groggy or disoriented after your procedure.
Facial Fat Grafting Procedure
Dr Rizk explains more about the facial fat grafting procedure in this short video:
Double Bay, Sydney
Book a consultation with Dr Rizk
Every patient receives a personalised treatment plan tailored to their goals. Consultations are available in person at Double Bay or virtually. Cosmetic surgery requires a GP referral, at least two consultations with Dr Rizk (at least one in person) and a cooling-off period of at least seven days before surgery is booked.
Your recovery from facial fat transfer surgery
You'll usually be able to go home the same day as your fat transfer face grafting procedure. You can expect there to be some swelling and bruising in the treated areas, and they may be sore or tender for a few days.
Allow a week or two for the swelling and discoloration to completely subside, and make sure to protect the skin on your face from stress and exposure to sunlight. Before you go home after your surgery, Dr Rizk will provide you with any prescriptions necessary along with instructions to properly care for your face and donor site.
During your recovery, you may notice some minor changes in your appearance. This is normal, as it reflects the settling of the transplanted tissue and the adjustment of your facial skin to its new shape. Also, sometimes re-grafting is needed.
After the first treatment, a percentage of the grafted fat will undergo reabsorption, which sometimes necessitates additional procedures. Often your surgeon will initially inject a larger quantity than needed in anticipation of losing some volume over time.
Dr Rizk will also schedule any follow-up visits as needed to check on your recovery process. Because of the unique nature of your body, know that your results may vary depending on your skin condition. In the meantime, make sure to follow his instructions for aftercare very closely to support healing.
Risks and possible complications
All surgery carries risks. Dr Rizk will discuss the risks that apply to you at your consultation.
Possible risks of facial fat transfer include:
- •Bruising, swelling and bleeding
- •Infection
- •Reabsorption of some of the transferred fat, which may mean further treatment is needed
- •Fat necrosis (death of fat cells), which can cause firm lumps or oil cysts
- •Contour irregularities, lumpiness and asymmetry
- •Over- or under-correction of volume
- •Scarring and contour irregularities at the donor (harvest) site
- •Changes in sensation
- •Rarely, injection of fat into a blood vessel, which can cause serious complications including skin damage, stroke or loss of vision
- •Risks of anaesthesia
- •Need for further procedures
Results vary between individuals and further surgery may sometimes be needed.
Your facial fat transfer surgery results
The result becomes clearer once the swelling and discolouration have faded. Because some of the transferred fat is reabsorbed, it can take several months for the final result to become apparent.
Results vary between individuals and further fat transfer may sometimes be needed. Keep in mind that ongoing care of your face is critical to maintaining your results. You should continue your skincare and sun protection habits, and work diligently to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Learn more about facial fat transfer surgery procedures in Sydney with a consultation with Dr Joseph Rizk
If you are concerned about volume loss in your face, Dr Rizk can discuss whether fat grafting is suitable for you. Contact our Sydney plastic surgery clinic for more information. You can do so by filling out the consultation form on this page, or you can give us a call on 1300 707 007, Monday – Friday, 9.00 am – 5.00 pm.
Request a consultation
Dr Joseph Rizk (MED0001186612) aims to make sure that each patient is heard, respected, and treated well. His approach is to give you the accurate medical information you need to make informed decisions about your course of treatment, including its risks and recovery.
Double Bay
Suite 301, Level 3
451 New South Head Road
Double Bay NSW 2028
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Book a Consultation OnlineCosmetic surgery requires a GP referral, at least two consultations with Dr Rizk (at least one in person) and a cooling-off period of at least seven days before surgery is booked.
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