Facial Fat Transfer

A facial fat transfer is a cosmetic treatment that uses unwanted body fat to replenish facial volume. Also known as fat grafting, this anti-ageing procedure extracts fat from areas you wish to slim down, cleanses and purifies it to a refined texture, and then places the fat into strategic areas of the face. Patients have been turning to this treatment for many years because it allows them to evade signs of ageing without implants or short-lived dermal fillers. 

The exemplary staff of Harley Surgery is here to help patients turn back the clock and restore a youthful appearance. Over the years, Dr Riccardo Frati has performed countless surgeries for patients in the London, Manchester, Highgate, and Birmingham areas that rejuvenate their appearance and self-esteem. Interested patients are encouraged to call our office for an appointment. To get started, give us a ring at +44 20 3633 2619 (London), +44 16 1327 2139 (Manchester), +44 20 3633 2619 (Highgate), or +44 20 3633 2619 (Birmingham). 

About

The mere idea of reusing one’s fat and transferring it to another is not novel. Surgeons have been using fat to correct congenital irregularities and trauma wounds since 1893. ^[1] Since then, more pleasant and consistent methods have been developed, but it wasn’t until 1987 that Dr Sydney Coleman pioneered the effective improvements that have shaped how fat transfer procedures are performed today. His technique employed a simple three-step process: low-pressure suctioning of stubborn fat, centrifugation to clean the fat, and administering the fat via injection. ^[1] Known as the Coleman technique, this method has offered patients more satisfying and consistent results. Harley Surgery is pleased to provide patients with two highly effective fat removal processes. They include:

1. Traditional liposuction: A thin cannula is inserted beneath the skin and guided a gentle back and forth motion to dislodge fat obstinate fat cells before removing them with suction power.
2. Syringe Aspiration: For patients only desiring subtle improvements or who only require a small amount of fat, Dr Frati can extract the necessary amount of fat using a specialized cannula. This can be performed quickly and doesn’t require the recovery time that follows a liposuction procedure.

The exact technique used for your surgery will depend on your unique circumstance. But in the end, either method will provide a better contour for your face and body.

Benefits

Facial fat transfer patients allow patients to address two problems in a straightforward procedure. Patients can count on this treatment to help them ditch signs of ageing and troublesome fat. In one session, patients will:

• Soften wrinkles, fine lines, and recessed areas
• Volumunise cheeks, lips, and other areas
• Enjoy a younger-looking facial appearance with a streamlined process
• Be able to choose which area(s) of the body to slim down
• Receive long-lasting results than similar injectable treatment
• Have a lower chance of developing an allergic reaction

Ideal Candidates for Facial Fat Transfer

A facial fat transfer allows healthy men and women to fight the volume loss that accompanies ageing. It has helped patients make comprehensive improvements to their faces and body. But before these benefits can be enjoyed, an informative meeting with Dr Frati is needed. The discussion will help you understand if this treatment is suitable for you. 

Eligible Facial Fat Transfer Patients

• Do not have concerning health conditions that would impede surgery
• Are at or near a stable BMI 
• Have an ample amount of fat stored in the donor area
• Informed about the kind of benefits a fat transfer can provide 
• Willing to make youthful revisions to your face with a minimally invasive treatment

Personal Consultation with Dr Frati

Dr Riccardo Frati is one of the leading cosmetic surgeons in England, known for his innovative medical contributions and surgical techniques. He is widely known in Britain and has appeared on top-rated shows such as ITV This Morning and 10 Years Younger to lend his enormous knowledge and experience on various cosmetic surgeries.  

To achieve your optimal body aesthetic, call +44 20 3633 2619 (London), +44 16 1327 2139 (Manchester), +44 20 3633 2619 (Highgate), or +44 20 3633 2619 (Birmingham). to set up a consultation.

Preparation

Dr Frati and our medical staff will explain what you need to do between now and your surgery date. Patients electing a fat transfer treatment will be told to:

• Stop smoking nicotine products (including e-cigarettes) to ensure the proper blood flow for a smooth recovery. 
• Pause certain medicines such as NSAIDs, pain relievers, and vitamins.
• Be sure to pick up post-operative prescriptions from your local chemist.
• Arrange to be picked up from our surgical office after your treatment.
• Follow any instructions on fasting.

Procedure

Relaxing general or local anaesthesia will be given before treatment. Once the treatment area is desensitised, Dr Frati will inject tumescent fluid. This liquid – a mixture of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine will enhance your comfort and make fat extraction easier. Then, Dr Frati will make a careful incision in the pre-selected area(s) of the body so he can insert a thin cannula to remove fat. Depending on your treatment plan, he may remove anywhere from 120 mL–200ML of fat. ^[2] Next, the extracted fat will go through a centrifugation process where the fat will be spun repeatedly at 3400 rpm for three minutes to septate healthy fat cells from unnecessary liquids. ^[1] Finally, the newly purified fat is prepared in a medical-grade syringe and injected into strategic areas of the face. 

Recovery

The residual effects of anaesthesia will protect you from post-surgical effects for a few hours after surgery. After that, you will experience mild soreness, swelling, and discolouration in the treatment areas. You can curtail these signs in the days that follow by taking the medications we’ve ordered and following other aftercare instructions. If liposuction has been used to harvest fat, Dr Frati may ask that you keep wearing the compression garment until he permits you to remove it. Please also resist the temptation of touching your face because it may affect your results. You will see your symptoms improve progressively to the point where you can continue light movements and return to work. However, high-impact activities such as exercise should wait 4-6 weeks.

Results

You will experience a long-lasting, youthful visage once your post-surgical symptoms are gone. Now, you will see volumised cheeks, fuller lips, and smooth skin. Patients committed to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle will see their results last for years.

Be sure to show off your results when they become visible. Showcase your results for everyone to see by tagging us on Instagram.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

At your consultation, you will have the chance to explore several options to rejuvenate your facial skin. Dr Frati may explain the benefits of these other helpful treatments:

Facelift

For consistent results, patients can turn to a facelift to reduce signs of ageing. It involves removing excess skin and fat from the face. Additionally, the remaining skin on the face is pulled taut and sutured closed to give patients a noticeable youthful facial complexion.

FaceTite

FaceTite is a minimally invasive facial rejuvenation that combines radiofrequency energy with conventional liposuction to produce youthful facial contours. Radiofrequency waves heat and melt fat cells during treatment so Dr Frati can extract them with a cannula. The result is firmer, toned, and younger-looking skin.

Injectable Fillers

Injectable fillers gradually reduce minor to moderate wrinkles, lines, and grooves. Filler such as Botox, Juvederm, or Restylane is injected subdermally to fill in recessed areas caused by ageing.

Cost of a Facial Fat Transfer in England 

Fat transfer is a highly customised treatment that removes fat from designed areas. Consequently, your individualised price may be different from other patients. You’ll discuss this concern more in-depth at your consultation. You can also call our office to relieve a preliminary quote. 

FAQ

How much fat will be removed during my fat transfer treatment?

Dr Frati will develop a personalised contouring plan based on your needs. He will take a customised amount of fat to provide favourable contours for the face and donor sites.

How long will my facial fat transfer results last?

Results are typically long-lasting and can be enjoyed for years, provided no significant weight changes exist. Following post-operative instructions and maintaining a stable weight will ensure you enjoy your beautiful results for years to come.

Should I get a fat transfer, a FaceTite, or a dermal injectable?

All are excellent choices in reducing signs of ageing. However, the one used for your unique concerns will depend on several factors. Those who want to enjoy long-term goals of a youthful countenance and a toned-down body will find rewarding results with a fat transfer. However, patients who prefer to avoid surgery can turn to two other treatments that produce similar results. A FaceTite treatment refines your facial contours by utilising radiofrequency energy to heat underlying fat and suction it out with liposuction. Conversely, dermal fillers are great for those who want to emphasise facial beauty with an affordable option. A consultation with a highly knowledgeable plastic surgeon will determine which treatment is right for you.

References

1. Simonacci F, Bertozzi N, Grieco MP, Grignaffini E, Raposio E. Procedure, applications, and outcomes of autologous fat grafting. Annals of Medicine and Surgery. 2017;20:49-60. doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2017.06.059
2. Buckingham E. Fat Transfer Techniques: General Concepts. Facial Plastic Surgery. 2015;31(01):022-028. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1544249