Facial fat grafting, also called fat transfer, is a procedure in which fat is taken from one part of your body, usually by liposuction, and injected into the face to restore volume or improve contour. It is used for areas such as the cheeks, lips, chin, temples and under-eye hollows. Part of the transferred fat survives long term, the amount varies from person to person, and some people need more than one session. This guide explains facial fat grafting in India: how it works, which areas can be treated, recovery, risks and how long results may last. Fat grafting services are available at Newface, Chengannur, Kerala.

Also read: Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Kerala, Facial Surgery in Kerala, Genioplasty in India

What Is Facial Fat Grafting?

Facial fat grafting uses your own fat cells to add volume where it is needed. Fat is harvested from a donor area, processed, and injected in small amounts into the face. Because the fat comes from your own body, there is no allergic reaction to the material itself, although other risks apply.

Who May Consider Facial Fat Grafting?

Adults in good general health with realistic expectations may consider it for:

• Hollow cheeks or loss of facial volume with age
• Thin lips
• Under-defined features, such as the chin or temples
• Hollows or irregularities after injury or surgery

You also need enough fat in a donor area. A surgeon assesses your face, skin, medical history and goals to decide whether it suits you.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

1. Assessment: the surgeon examines your face, discusses your goals and the options, and plans the areas to be treated.

2. Harvesting fat: fat is removed from a donor area, such as the abdomen, thighs or flanks, with gentle liposuction under local or general anaesthesia.

3. Processing the fat: the harvested fat is purified, for example by spinning it, to separate the usable fat cells from fluid and other material.
4. Injection: the processed fat is injected in small amounts into the planned areas of the face, in layers.
5. Aftercare: you are given instructions for caring for the donor and treated areas, and follow-up visits are planned.

Fat Grafting and Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are injectable products that add volume for a limited time, while fat grafting uses your own tissue and needs a donor-site procedure. Each has its own risks and benefits, and which is more suitable depends on the area treated and your goals. A doctor can advise you.

How Long Do the Results Last?

Not all of the injected fat survives. Some of it is absorbed by the body in the first weeks to months, and the amount that remains varies from person to person. Because of this, the surgeon may place a little extra at first, and some people need a second session. The fat that survives usually stays, but the face continues to age, so the result does not stop the ageing process. Results are not guaranteed.

Recovery After Facial Fat Grafting

• Swelling: expect swelling in the treated area for the first few days, and it can take several weeks to settle. The final result can take about 3 months to become clear.
• Bruising: bruising and soreness can occur in the treated area and at the donor site, and can last for a couple of weeks.
• Compression garment: your surgeon may ask you to wear one over the donor area.
• Activity: many people return to normal activities within about a week, although some swelling or bruising may still be visible. Avoid strenuous activity and pressure on the treated area as advised.
• Follow-up: attend your follow-up visits so your surgeon can check healing.

Risks of Facial Fat Grafting

As with any procedure, risks include:

• Swelling, bruising and pain
• Bleeding and infection
• Lumps, uneven contour or asymmetry
• Fat that is absorbed unevenly, or fat necrosis (areas of fat that do not survive, which can form hard lumps or oil cysts)
• Overcorrection or undercorrection
• Scarring at the donor or injection sites
• Rarely, a serious complication in which fat blocks a blood vessel, which can cause skin damage or, very rarely, vision problems, which is why injection technique and the site treated matter

Your surgeon should explain these risks before you decide. Results are not guaranteed and vary from person to person.

How Chin Surgery and Fat Grafting Can Work Together

Chin surgery, such as genioplasty or a chin implant, changes the projection, shape or size of the chin bone, while fat grafting adds soft-tissue volume and contour. In some people the two are planned together, for example, a chin procedure for projection with fat grafting to soften adjacent areas. Whether you need one, both or neither depends on your facial structure and goals. Read more about genioplasty and genioplasty in Kerala.

Fat grafting is also sometimes combined with other facial procedures, such as a facelift, eyelid surgery or rhinoplasty, depending on the concern.

Tips for Recovery and Results

• Keep a stable weight: large weight changes can affect the transferred fat.
• Follow post-operative instructions: wear a compression garment if advised, and attend all follow-up visits.
• Healthy lifestyle: stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet and avoid smoking, which slows healing.

What Affects the Cost of Facial Fat Grafting in India?

The cost depends on the areas treated, how much fat is needed, the surgeon’s fees, the hospital, anaesthesia and follow-up, and whether a second session is needed. A surgeon can give you an estimate after assessing you.

Questions to Ask Before Fat Grafting

• Is fat grafting the right option for my concern, and what are the alternatives?
• How much of the fat is likely to last, and might I need another session?
• What are the risks that apply to me, including for the area being treated?
• What does recovery involve?
• What follow-up is included?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is facial fat grafting?
It is a procedure in which fat is taken from one part of your body, usually by liposuction, and injected into the face to restore volume or improve contour.

Which areas of the face can be treated?
Common areas include the cheeks, lips, chin, under-eye hollows and temples, depending on the person and the surgeon’s assessment.

How long do the results last?
Part of the injected fat survives long term, but the amount varies, and some people need more than one session. The face continues to age, and results are not guaranteed.

How many sessions will I need?
It varies. Some people are satisfied after one session, while others need a second to build up volume.

When can I return to work?
Many people resume normal activities within about a week, although mild swelling and bruising may still be visible.

What are the risks of facial fat grafting?
Risks include swelling, bruising, lumps or uneven contour, fat necrosis, infection and, rarely, a serious blood vessel blockage. Your surgeon will explain the risks before you decide.

Information provided by: Dr. Mathew P C, [QUALIFICATIONS], Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. Registration status: [REGISTERED]. [STATE MEDICAL COUNCIL / NATIONAL MEDICAL REGISTER] registration no.: [NUMBER].

This page provides general health information for education only. It is not a substitute for medical advice and does not promise or guarantee any result. Outcomes vary from person to person.

Newface, 8J4F+X7X, Hatchery Junction, Chengannur, Kerala 689122. Phone: +91 8330077198

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