Fat transfer is designed to remove the fat from one area of the body, often the abdomen, and transfer it to an area that requires reshaping to achieve better shape and contour, usually used in conjunction with facial surgery. It is also know as fat injections or fat grafting. The effects of the ageing process on the face causes the skin to become loose which gives rise to jowls, wrinkles and folds as well as a loss of soft tissue volume. In contrast to the fullness of a youthful face later in life the face can look gaunt with a sunken appearance around the cheek bones and mid face.

This process can be corrected using fat transfer. Fat cells are taken from one part of your own body are injected back into the desired area such as the cheeks, lips or chin replenishing the skins collagen layer to reverse some of these changes. It can also be useful in correcting facial contour abnormalities or scars following trauma. The operation can be performed under local or general anaesthetic depending on the extent of the treatment, takes about 1 hour to perform but is often performed in conjunction with other surgery such as a facelift.

During the procedure, the donor area for harvesting fat is prepared in a similar fashion to performing liposuction. The fat is harvested using a special suction cannula so it is not damaged. The live fat cells are then injected in the treatment areas using a very fine cannula to place tiny amounts of fat in tunnels which are carefully built up to form layers which restore volume and shape. Between 50% and 60% of the transferred fat survives. This means a certain amount of overcorrection is required which also contributes to some of the swelling following surgery.

A consultation regarding the risks and limitations of cosmetic surgery will help you to choose a procedure that will meet with your expectations. As with any medical procedure there can be side effects. Most people experience some swelling and redness for the first 24-48 hours. Itching and mild discomfort is not uncommon. There is no risk from allergic reaction because the fat transfer is harvested from your own body. Infection is extremely rare and if needed antibiotics will be given.