Fat Grafting for the Face: Natural Volume Restoration That Lasts

Facial fat grafting is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves harvesting fat from one area of the body—commonly the abdomen, flanks, or thighs—and injecting it into areas of the face where volume has been lost.

The process typically involves three steps:

1. Fat Harvesting – Fat is gently removed using liposuction from a donor site. 
2. Purification – The extracted fat is processed and refined to isolate the healthiest fat cells. 
3. Injection – The purified fat is carefully injected into areas such as the cheeks, temples, under-eyes, nasolabial folds, jawline, or lips.
   

Because the fat comes from your own body, the risk of allergic reaction or rejection is significantly reduced.

Fat grafting is a highly versatile treatment that can address a variety of age-related concerns across multiple facial zones. It is particularly effective in:

• Cheeks: Restoring lost volume and youthful roundness. 
• Temples: Smoothing hollowing that can create a gaunt appearance. 
• Under-eye area: Reducing tear trough shadows and hollowing. 
• Nasolabial folds: Softening deep smile lines. 
• Jawline: Enhancing definition and softening jowls. 
• Lips: Adding natural fullness and definition. 
• Chin: Improving projection or balancing asymmetry. 

While dermal fillers remain a popular option for facial volume restoration, fat grafting offers several distinct advantages:

1. Long-Lasting Results

Unlike fillers that may need topping up every 6 to 12 months, fat grafting provides longer-term results, with many patients enjoying improvements for several years. While not all transferred fat survives, a significant portion becomes permanently integrated, leading to lasting enhancement.

2. Natural Look and Feel

Because the grafted material is your own fat, the results look and feel more natural than synthetic alternatives. The treated areas move and behave like the surrounding facial tissue, avoiding the risk of looking “overfilled.”

3. Dual Benefit

The procedure offers the added bonus of body contouring at the donor site—many patients appreciate a subtle slimming effect where fat is harvested.

4. No Foreign Substances

For those who prefer not to use synthetic products, fat grafting offers a fully autologous (from your own body) option.

Patients can expect a softer, more youthful appearance that doesn’t look “done.” The restored volume creates a healthier, more refreshed look, particularly in areas that have become sunken or deflated.

While some swelling and bruising is expected in the first few weeks, final results typically start to become visible after 3–6 months, once the grafted fat stabilises.

Approximately 60–80% of the injected fat typically survives, while the rest is naturally absorbed by the body. For this reason, some patients opt for a second round of grafting to refine or enhance the initial results.

Fat grafting may be suitable if you:

• Have visible volume loss in the face due to ageing or weight loss 
• Prefer a natural alternative to dermal fillers 
• Are looking for longer-lasting results 
• Have enough fat in donor areas for harvesting 
• Are in good general health and a non-smoker
  

It can be performed as a standalone procedure, or in combination with other surgeries, such as a facelift, neck lift, or blepharoplasty, to achieve even more transformative results.

At Cormac Joyce Plastic Surgery, we understand the importance of subtle, harmonious rejuvenation. Mr Joyce brings expert precision and a keen aesthetic eye to every facial fat grafting procedure, ensuring results that are both natural and long-lasting.

We’ll work with you to design a personalised treatment plan that reflects your unique facial structure, goals, and desired outcomes. With years of experience in facial rejuvenation, you can trust that you’ll be in safe, expert hands.

If you’re ready to explore how fat grafting can restore volume and revitalise your appearance, we invite you to book a consultation.