Fat Transfer
To Face
What does the surgery involve?
The procedure can be carried out under local or general anaesthetic and takes about 40 minutes to perform. Fat is aspirated using fine metal cannulae of different sizes. The tiny incisions are closed with a single stitch; which is covered by a small waterproof dressing.
The fat is then injected into the area of interest with a fine needle so there is no visible scar. This process is time consuming and relies on delicate fat handling and careful reinjection.
You will feel quite bruised and swollen after the operation but this will settle over 1-2 weeks. Most patients will be able to go home the same day.
What are the risks and side effects of surgery?
Complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, no surgery is without risk and it is important that you are away of possible complications.
There will be some discomfort for the first day. Occasionally bruising may occur, but this should resolve rapidly.
Scarring
Scars are very small and hidden in a skin crease on the abdomen or thigh. They should be barely perceptible. However some people heal with thick scars and this can make them more noticeable. There will be no scars on the face, as the fat is injected with a needle.
Bruising & Swelling
This is very common and bruising may take a couple of weeks to settle.
Infection
This is rare but may require a course of antibiotics.
Fat Necrosis
If some of the fat does not gain a blood supply it will die and gradually be reabsorbed. This can sometimes leave a small lump. Massaging should resolve this but occasional a procedure to remove the thickening may be required.
Fat Loss
Of the fat that is injected, 40-70% should ‘take’ and become permanent. The remaining fat will simply melt away over the next few weeks. Should you wish further fat, then the procedure can be repeated after 12 weeks or more.
Fat Cysts
Can sometimes occur after fat transfer. Most cysts can be aspirated with a needle if they are problematic.
Fat Embolus
When fat is injected near the eye there is a very small risk of it being injected into the blood vessels themselves. If this did occur then the fat could form an embolus and become lodged in the blood vessels supplying the eye. This could cause permanent blindness. The injection needles are blunt and inject fat from the side rather than the tip to reduce the risk of this ever happening.
DVT/PE
Following any surgical procedure it is possible to develop a blood clot in your legs, which could potentially break off and move to your lungs. If the blood clot is large enough it could prove fatal. In order to reduce any risks of this we give you special stockings to wear in bed and a blood thinning injection if you are not mobile.
Further Fat Transfer Procedures
These are sometimes required to achieve the desired result. Only a certain amount of fat can be injected at one operation. If you desire more volume then a second procedure gives the flexibility to add this.
What is the estimated time for recovery, absence from work and return to usual activities?
Recovery times vary from one person to another. Depending on the amount of bruising and swelling, you can return to work after a few days. If you have any concerns during this period, do contact the hospital team for advice.
