Facial Fat Grafting With Sydney Plastic Surgeon Dr Ellis Choy
Facial ageing is a complex process influenced by many factors, but one of the most significant contributors is the loss of facial volume. Over time, fat pads that once supported the skin begin to shrink and shift. These changes subtly but profoundly alter the structure and contour of the face.
Facial fat grafting is a way to revolumise areas that have diminished. In this procedure, tiny amounts of fat are harvested, usually from the abdomen or thighs, then injected into specific facial areas with a micro droplet technique. This approach can be beneficial for volumising and shaping around the eyes, jawline and cheeks.
UNDERSTANDING FACIAL AGEING & VOLUME LOSS
Ageing affects each person differently, but many people begin to notice subtle shifts in facial volume from their early 30s onwards. These changes do not occur evenly across the face. Fat tends to disappear in some areas, while in others it accumulates or shifts position.
Areas where volume is commonly lost include:
- Cheeks
- Temples
- Under the eyes
Many of us notice a more angular appearance developing as we get older. Some people initially appreciate this change from “baby fat” to a more sculpted appearance where cheekbones and jawline are prominent. As the ageing process continues, and fat loss progresses, some faces take on gaunt appearance.
WHAT IS FACIAL FAT GRAFTING?
Facial fat grafting (also known as facial fat transfer) uses a patient’s own fat to add volume to the face. It is typically performed as a day procedure under general anaesthetic.
The procedure is carried out in a few stages:
Fat Harvesting
Liposuction with a narrow cannula removes a small amount of excess fat, usually from the abdomen, buttocks or thighs. Low suction is used to help ensure most of the fat cells are undamaged.
Fat Cell Isolation
Once collected, fat cells are separated from surrounding liquid. Any damaged cells are removed, leaving only clean and healthy fat cells to be used in the transfer.
Fat Injection
The purified fat is strategically injected into targeted areas of the face. The placement and depth of the injections are chosen carefully based on the patient’s concerns and goals.
Fat grafting is less invasive than facelift surgery and does not require facial incisions (there will be small incisions where liposuction is used to harvest fat). Fat is injected into the face in tiny droplets using a thin needle. The micro droplet technique helps ensure a high blood supply to the grafted fat, improving the amount of fat that survives the transfer.
Some facial areas will only require one fat injection treatment, while other features may require several visits to the clinic.
THE BENEFITS OF FACIAL FAT GRAFTING
Facial fat grafting can address a variety of concerns, including:
Overall Volume Loss
One of the most noticeable signs of facial ageing is the gradual depletion of fullness. The face may appear more flat, angular, gaunt or hollow than it used to. Fat grafting adds volume back to the face and creates softer contours.
Facial Imbalance
No faces are perfectly symmetrical, but some asymmetries are more pronounced than others. Fat grafting is a way to rebalance facial proportions and create a more harmonious appearance.
Sunken Cheeks and Midface Hollowing
The cheeks flatten as fat shifts and shrinks in the midface. Reintroducing volume in this region can lift and support the area, enhancing cheekbone definition and softening transitions between facial zones.
Jawline and Chin Contour
Fat can be used to subtly enhance the chin and jawline, improving definition and facial silhouette. For an appropriate candidate, this may be an alternative to implants for jawline contouring.
Under-Eye Hollowing
Hollows or dark shadows beneath the eyes are often the result of fat loss in the tear trough area. Fat grafting can create a smoother appearance by blending the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek.
Depressed Scars
Fat transfer may be used to improve the appearance of certain types of depressed scars, such as those resulting from acne or trauma. Filling in the volume deficit beneath the scar can help the skin surface look more even.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Fat grafting can soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds (smile lines) and marionette lines, by gently lifting the area underneath the creases. The face appears smoother.
COMPARING FAT INJECTIONS TO NONSURGICAL VOLUMISING TREATMENTS
As a facial fat transfer uses your own body fat, it does not possess the dangers associated with introducing foreign materials into the body. This minimises the risk of side effects.
Additionally, fat injections can be a longer-lasting solution than nonsurgical treatments. The volume enhancement can last for several years before fat ultimately diminishes and a follow-up treatment is required. Most nonsurgical treatments don’t have this kind of lifespan.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU HAVE A CONSULTATION WITH DR CHOY
As an Australia-trained Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Ellis Choy is qualified to carry out this procedure. Your consultation with Dr Choy is confidential, and he will provide you with a treatment plan tailored to your individual requirements. Dr Choy practices from well-established progressive, inviting and modern clinics, where advanced materials and equipment are used.
After confirming that you are a candidate for facial fat grafting, Dr Choy will advise you of any restrictions or changes you should make to prepare for your surgery. He will also inform you about the procedure steps, risks involved, recovery timeline and expected results.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR FAT GRAFTING?
Facial fat grafting may be an appropriate option for individuals seeking a natural method of facial rejuvenation using their own tissue. It is most commonly chosen by patients who:
- Have noticed a loss of facial volume due to ageing
- Have hollow or sunken areas in the cheeks, temples or under-eye region
- Are in good general health and have realistic expectations
- Prefer to use natural materials for volume restoration
- Have adequate fat stores in areas such as the abdomen, thighs or flanks
While facial fat grafting can provide long-lasting volume enhancement, it may not be appropriate for every person or every concern. Patients with very thin body types or severe skin laxity may require alternative approaches.
During your consultation, Dr Choy takes the time to understand your concerns and walk you through all available options. You will never be pressured into a procedure that doesn’t interest you or align with your needs. The goal is to help you make a choice that feels right for you, aesthetically and personally.
FACIAL FAT GRAFTING RECOVERY
As it is an outpatient procedure, you should be able to return home on the same day. Some downtime is to be expected. Most patients experience swelling and bruising in both the donor and treatment areas. These effects are most noticeable in the first week and gradually subside over the following 10 to 14 days. Dr Choy will prescribe medication to assist with any pain.
While you may feel well enough to resume light activities within a few days, many patients choose to take a week off work or social events while visible swelling subsides.
The results may appear fuller initially due to swelling and overcorrection (a deliberate part of the technique to account for fat resorption). Final outcomes gradually settle in over three to six months, once the retained fat has fully integrated.
Dr Choy and his team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to support your recovery, and you may contact the office at any time if you have questions or concerns.
FACIAL FAT GRAFTING RESULTS: TIMELINE AND LONGEVITY
In the early weeks after surgery, it’s normal for the treated areas to appear slightly fuller than the final outcome. The body reabsorbs a portion of the transferred fat in the first few months (typically around 30–50%, though the exact percentage varies depending on the individual). Surgeons often slightly overfill to account for this natural resorption process.
Once the remaining fat cells establish a blood supply and become stable, they tend to remain in place long term. Many patients enjoy their results for years, especially when they maintain a healthy lifestyle.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FACIAL FAT GRAFTING
How much fat is needed for facial fat grafting?
In most cases, just a few millilitres of purified fat are used per site. Because the volume needed for facial fat grafting is so minimal, nearly all patients have sufficient fat available, even those with a leaner body type.
Where is the fat usually taken from?
The fat is harvested from areas with a bit of excess. These donor sites are chosen based on your body shape and fat distribution. Some of the most commonly used areas are the abdomen, thighs and flanks.
Will the donor area look different after fat removal?
Since only a small volume of fat is removed for facial grafting, noticeable changes in the donor site are unlikely. The area may appear slightly slimmer or more contoured, but not significantly altered.
Is there any scarring?
The entry points are small in both the donor and recipient areas, and they are placed in discreet locations whenever possible. Many patients find that these small marks are not obtrusive once fully healed. However, it’s important to be aware that everyone heals differently, and a certain scar outcome cannot be guaranteed.
Is facial fat grafting a one-time procedure?
This varies. Some patients are happy with their result from one fat grafting session, while others choose to have a second procedure to refine or enhance their outcome.
Meet With Dr Ellis Choy to Explore Your Options
If you’re considering facial fat grafting, a consultation with Dr Ellis Choy is the best place to begin. Dr Choy provides thoughtful, individualised care in a supportive environment. Please contact Dr Choy’s team in Sydney or Coffs Harbour to arrange a consultation.