What it is

Dermal fillers are commonly used to restore or add volume to the face. However, some patients prefer to use their own fat for a longer-lasting, more natural result. Fat harvesting and injection, or fat transfer, is used to add or restore volume to the facial tissues using fat that has been taken from the patient’s own body. The “donor area”, often the abdomen, thighs or buttocks, is liposuctioned to extract the fat. The fat is then filtered and re-injected into the designated area of the face. 

Fat transfer can be used to:

• Add volume to shallow pockets

• Fill in fine lines and wrinkles

• Restore facial fullness

Options

Fat transfer surgery is usually performed alone but can be combined with other surgeries.

Approximate duration of surgery

Variable (1-5 hours)

Anesthesia

Fat harvest and injection is best performed under general anesthesia but may also be performed under local anesthesia with sedation.

Post-Op Care

Fat transfer surgery is a day surgery. You will therefore be home on the first night and for the remainder of your recovery. Dr Rizis will see you within the first 5 to 7 days to remove sutures and bandages as well as to assess your scars. Recovery continues for a few weeks until the swelling has significantly subsided. Most patients resume normal activities such as work, driving, showering and exercise within the first 10 to 15 days.

Potential Risks & Complications

Although unlikely, all surgical procedures pose potential health risks. During the pre-operative consultation, Dr Rizis will go over all possible risks and complications as well as pertinent procedure information.