Facial Rejuvenation Surgery
Facial Fat Grafting (Autologous Fat Transfer)
Restores facial volume and contour using the patient’s own fat, transferred with careful attention to proportion, softness and facial balance.
Facial fat grafting is used to address volume loss, contour hollowing and age-related changes in facial support. Fat is harvested from another area of the body, carefully prepared, and transferred to selected areas of the face to restore structure in a measured and natural way.
Surgical focus
My approach is considered, curated and grounded in a deep understanding of facial anatomy. Facial fat grafting is not simply about adding volume; it is about restoring support, contour and softness while respecting the patient’s natural facial proportions.
Understanding Facial Fat Grafting / Lipofilling
Facial fat grafting transfers small parcels of your own fat from a donor site (usually abdomen, flanks, or thighs) to areas of the face where volume has diminished. The fat is gently harvested, prepared, and micro-injected with blunt cannulas as tiny droplets to encourage integration. Because it is your own tissue, there is no synthetic implant; however, not all transferred fat will persist, and refinement or a staged “top-up” can be appropriate.
What is Facial Fat Grafting / Lipofilling?
Facial fat grafting transfers small parcels of your own fat from a donor site (usually abdomen, flanks, or thighs) to areas of the face where volume has diminished. The fat is gently harvested, prepared, and micro-injected with blunt cannulas as tiny droplets to encourage integration. Because it is your own tissue, there is no synthetic implant; however, not all transferred fat will persist, and refinement or a staged “top-up” can be appropriate.
What Is the Difference Between Microfat and Nanofat?
Microfat (for shape and contour)
What it is:
Intact, small fat parcels prepared for structural volumisation.
Where it helps:
Midface, malar highlights, temples (deep plane), chin/pre-jowl sulcus, perioral deficits, and selected tear-trough cases (with care).
Goal:
Restore soft, natural contours without visible edges or lumpiness.
Nanofat (for skin quality – an emerging adjunct)
What it is:
Fat that has been mechanically emulsified and filtered so it no longer contains intact fat lobules; the resulting cell-rich liquid is not for volume.
Where it may help:
Early studies and clinical experience suggest improvements in fine lines, texture, and dyschromia; considered for lower eyelid/cheek junction, perioral lines, or scars.
Important context:
Nanofat is not a filler and not a substitute for microfat. It is an adjunct aimed at skin quality rather than adding bulk, and outcomes vary between individuals; alternatives like laser or chemical peels are also discussed.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate?
- Volume loss in the midface, temples, jawline, or perioral region.
- Hollowing or shadowing at the lid-cheek junction or marionette area.
- Adequate donor fat and realistic expectations (including the possibility of staged refinement).
- Interest in autologous (your own tissue) options rather than synthetic fillers.
When another approach may be better:
- Desire for very small, highly precise changes – consider HA fillers as a test or for fine detail.
- Predominantly skin-surface concerns – consider resurfacing; nanofat is an option but is not a substitute for resurfacing in all cases.
- Significant weight instability or smoking – optimisation recommended first.
Postoperative Care & Follow-up
Wound/entry care:
Tiny entry points on the face and one or two donor ports – keep clean/dry initially.
Donor care:
Compression garment (if advised) for comfort and bruising control.
Activity:
Walk from day 1; avoid strenuous exercise until cleared.
Skin care:
Gentle skincare; strict sun protection.
Follow-up:
Early review at 1–2 weeks, then 6–12 weeks, and again at ~3–6 months to assess settling.
What Are the Risks of Fat Grafting?
All surgery carries risk. Possible complications include:
- Bruising, swelling, temporary numbness.
- Asymmetry or contour irregularity; under- or over-correction.
- Fat necrosis/oil cysts, particularly with large volumes or superficial placement of microfat.
- Infection (uncommon), prolonged oedema.
- Vascular compromise is rare with blunt cannulas but discussed as part of informed consent.
- Donor-site issues: bruising, contour change, haematoma, or sensitivity.
- Need for staged refinement in a proportion of patients.
Combine your Facial Fat Grafting
Balanced Planning
Facelift/Neck procedures:
Microfat often complements deep plane lower facelift by restoring soft tissue highlights.
Blepharoplasty:
Subtle microfat and/or nanofat can be considered to refine the lid-cheek junction (case-dependent).
Brow/Lip procedures:
Volume balancing around temples or perioral area.
Skin treatments:
Laser or chemical peels for texture and pigment – often staged 6–12 weeks around fat procedures.
Injectables:
In selected cases, small amounts of HA filler may fine-tune detail after graft settling.
WHAT TO EXPECT
From Consultation to Recovery
Why Choose Dr Karagiannis
for your Facial Fat Grafting?
1. Expertise & Experience
ISAPS fellowship in Ghent with Dr Patrick Tonnard and Dr Alexis Verpaele, whose experience with micro- and nanofat grafting has shaped the way these procedures are performed globally; learning directly from them informs my technique and case selection.
2. Anatomy-first Planning
Plane-specific, anatomy-led placement to respect ligamentous support and avoid heaviness.
3. Combined Approach
Thoughtful integration of microfat for contour with nanofat (when indicated) for skin quality, sequenced alongside facelift/blepharoplasty/skin therapies.
4. Continuity of Care
Clear, guideline-compliant counselling and continuity of care in accredited facilities.
Facial Fat Grafting FAQs
