What to Expect During Facial Fat Grafting
Fat Grafting, or lipofilling, is fast gaining fast popularity, thanks to its perks of being an effective rejuvenation tool, as well as a minimally-invasive procedure.
Restoring lost volume to the face gives an instant age-reversal and lifting effect. In addition, the stem cells and growth factors within fat graft (known as adipose-derived stem cells, or ADSCs) rejuvenates the facial skin. If you are considering a facial fat grafting procedure, here are some tips on what to expect from the treatment:
- Facial Fat Grafting is a day surgery that can be done under light sedation. It usually takes under 2 hours and hospitalisation is not be required.
- Fat is removed from an area of your choice, commonly the tummy or thighs, but significant slimming is should not be expected as only a small amount of fat is required for facial fat grafting. You can, of course, request for your plastic surgeon to perform more liposuction of the area at the same time, if you want a slimming effect.
- As some of the fat transferred to your face will resorb (absorbed by your body), the plastic surgeon will usually inject a little more than is required.
- Expect swelling and bruising for the first week on the face, and on the area the fat was harvested from. Make-up can be used to conceal bruises.
- You will be prescribed anti-swelling medication, painkillers and antibiotics. The pain is often not described as intense or sharp but more often an ache.
- The final result of the fat transfer is seen at around 3 months.
- Unlike fillers, facial fat transfer can last for several years and in some cases permanent.
- Beware of significant weight changes after the procedure, as the transferred fat may reduce if you lose weight and expand if you gain weight.
- The expected cost of facial fat grafting depends on where and how much is injected, and if other procedures, such as nanofat grafting, are performed together.
About Our Plastic Surgeons
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
MBBS, MRCS, MMed, FAMS (Plastic Surgery)
Dr Jonah Kua is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon, with extensive experience in reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery. He previously served as the Head of the Plastic Surgery Service at Changi General Hospital, was the National Program Director in Plastic Surgery at Singapore General Hospital and played a pivotal role in setting up the Breast Reconstruction and Aesthetic Surgery services in Changi General Hospital (CGH). Dr Kua is also the recipient of dual fellowship awards in the United Kingdom and South Korea. At his practice, Dr Kua combines clinical expertise with a deep understanding of individual needs, aesthetic goals and medical history to achieve natural-looking and beautiful results.
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
MBBS, MRCS, MMed, FAMS (Plastic Surgery)
Dr Chia Hui Ling has undergone advanced fellowship training in plastic surgery in South Korea and the United Kingdom, bringing international expertise to reconstructive and aesthetic procedures. She has special interests in facial plastic surgery, facial rejuvenation, breast reconstruction and microsurgery, and is known for her meticulous attention to detail and personalised approach to patient care. By combining advanced surgical techniques with evidence-based practice, Dr Chia develops individualised treatment plans that prioritise safety, function and natural-looking outcomes for every patient.
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