Cadogan Clinic is a leading specialist cosmetic surgery clinic based in the heart of London. We’re home to the leading specialists in breast augmentation, liposuction, and a comprehensive range of face, breast and body treatments.
View all Cosmetic SurgeryCadogan Clinic is a leading specialist cosmetic surgery clinic based in the heart of London. We’re home to the leading specialists in breast augmentation, liposuction, and a comprehensive range of face, breast and body treatments.
Cadogan Clinic offers a full range of cosmetic breast surgery to help make the changes you want to your breasts under the guidance of the best surgeons in the UK.
Breast enlargement and augmentation aims to cosmetically enhance the size and shape of your breasts.
Breast implants should be replaced every 10-15 years, or sooner if you start to notice changes.
A breast lift helps to lift sagging or low-hanging breasts for a more youthful appearance.
Breast reconstruction helps those after a mastectomy safely regain natural-looking breasts.
Breast reduction removes tissue to improve the size, weight, and appearance of large breasts.
Natural breast enlargement uses your own body's fat tissues to add volume to your breasts.
Nipple reduction address the size, shape, and overall appearance of enlarged nipples.
Cadogan Clinic offers a range of cosmetic surgery to help make the changes you want to your body under the guidance of the very best surgeons in the UK.
An arm reduction, or arm lift, lifts and removes sagging skin or 'bingo wings' under the arm.
A buttock lift helps to lift, tighten, and reduce loose skin on the buttocks and upper thighs.
A Brazilian butt lift contours and enhances the shape of your buttocks for an hourglass silhouette.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove unwanted pockets of fat on the body and face.
Laser liposuction surgically removes fat for instant results and tightens the skin post-procedure.
The Mummy Makeover uses bespoke cosmetic surgeries for tummy, breasts, and thighs after childbirth.
A thigh lift is a surgical procedure to lift and tighten loose, sagging skin on the upper legs.
An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, tightens excessive or loose skin on your tummy and torso.
An umbilicoplasty aims to surgically improve the cosmetic appearance of your belly button.
Cosmetic and corrective hand surgery treats concerns such as trigger finger.
Cosmetic foot surgery can aim to improve both health and cosmetic concerns with your feet.
Cellulaze is a procedure that uses laser treatments to treat the appearance of cellulite.
Hernia surgery is a corrective surgery to remove the uncomfortable protrusion of a hernia lump.
A mons lift is a surgery that lifts the skin on a woman's pelvic region (the mons pubis).
Scar revision and reduction can surgically or non-surgically improve the appearance of a scar.
Fat transfer, also referred to as fat grafting and lipofilling, has become widely accepted as the optimal means of soft-tissue filling in all areas of the body, including the face, breasts, hands and buttocks
Fat transfer uses natural fat deposits from your body to add volume to other areas.
Fat transfer for breasts allows for natural breast enlargement by using your own fat stores.
Fat transfer for the face uses natural fat reserves to enhance your cheeks and facial features.
Cadogan Clinic offers a wide range of facial cosmetic surgery procedures to help you make the changes you want, under the guidance of the very best surgeons.
An eyebrow lift surgically lifts a drooping eyebrow to reduce a 'tired eyes' appearance.
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
Eyelid reduction, or blepharoplasty, removes loose skin and fat pockets around the eyes.
Chin liposuction surgically removes stubborn reserves of excess fat on the chin and jawline.
Chin Augmentation (Chin Implants)
Chin augmentation uses implants to add structure and definition to the lower face.
Earlobe repair and reduction reshapes scarred, stretched, or enlarged earlobes.
A facelift surgically lifts loose, sagging, and ageing skin for a more youthful appearance.
A lip lift surgically creates loft and structure for your lips, creating a feminine lip border.
A mini facelift targets the lower face, jawline, and neck for slightly less invasive rejuvenation.
A neck lift targets loose and sagging skin on the neck and jawline for a youthful appearance.
A nose tip lift aims to improve your profile by lifting the tip of a downturned nose.
Ear reshaping surgery can include ear pinning, scar reduction, earlobe correction, and more.
Gender dysphoria is a term used to describe how an individual feels a strong sense of disassociation between their gender identity and biological sex.
FTM top surgery is a liberating and gender-affirming surgery for trans men.
MTF top surgery is a gender-affirming breast enlargement surgery for trans women.
Cadogan Clinic provides a wide range of cosmetic gynaecological surgery procedures performed by a multi-disciplinary team of the best surgeons in the UK.
Labiaplasty reduces the size and shape of the labia to aid confidence in the cosmetic appearance.
Vaginal reconstruction and rejuvenation are bespoke and intimate surgeries for women.
Vaginal Tightening (Vaginoplasty)
Vaginoplasty is a reconstructive surgery to strengthen the pelvic floor and vaginal muscles.
For many people, losing weight can be achieved by eating healthily and taking regular exercise. However, sometimes weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, may be necessary.
Gastric band surgery uses a sillicone band to compress the stomach, making you feel fuller quicker.
Gastric bypass surgery is a major surgery to aid in weight loss where exercise and diet have failed.
A gastric balloon of saline is placed in the stomach, filling a space otherwise taken by food.
Gastric sleeve surgery reduces the size of the stomach significantly so it stores less food.
Cadogan Clinic provides both female and male cosmetic surgery. Almost all of our procedures are suitable for men as well as women.
Tummy tuck for men, or abdominoplasty, targets loose and sagging skin on the lower abdomen.
Men's facelift surgery helps to surgically reduce the signs of ageing on a man's face and jaw.
Hair transplant surgery uses your own follicles to treat the appearance of hair loss and thinning.
Liposuction for men targets stubborn fat pockets on the male body resistant to lifestyle changes.
Remove excess fat and male breast tissue to improve the cosmetic appearance of your chest.
Rhinoplasty for men aids the cosmetic appearance of a man's nose, septum, and/or bridge.
The Cadogan Clinic Surgical Aftercare and Scar Management Programmes have been developed to optimise patient well-being, recovery and scar management.
Cadogan Clinic is a leading non surgical cosmetic clinic based in the heart of London. We’re home to some of the leading injectable, filler and laser specialists, and are experts in the anti-ageing and skin rejuvenation process.
View all Non-SurgicalCadogan Clinic is a leading non surgical cosmetic clinic based in the heart of London. We’re home to some of the leading injectable, filler and laser specialists, and are experts in the anti-ageing and skin rejuvenation process.
There are many factors which contribute to ageing skin and when deciding on a treatment solution, these are important to consider.
Anti-ageing injectables relax the muscles in the face to lessen the appearance of wrinkles.
Dermal fillers add volume, definition, and structure to the lips, cheeks, jaw, and more.
Lip filler is a non-surgical injectable treatment to plump, shape, and define the lips.
The non-surgical facelift, or liquid facelift, using dermal filler in the face to define and lift.
Non-surgical rhinoplasty uses dermal filler to non-surgically augment the shape of the nose.
Sculptra is an injectable treatment that stimulates collagen growth for naturally refreshed skin.
Tear trough filler uses dermal filler to reawaken tired or sunken looking under-eyes.
At the Cadogan Clinic, we offer a comprehensive range of non-surgical cosmetic treatments, to refresh and rejuvenate your appearance.
Microneedling lightly promotes the growth of fresh skin cells and collagen for a youthful glow.
Non-Surgical Eyelid Reduction (Plexr)
Non-surgical eyelid reduction uses targeted lasers to safely reduce and remove eyelid fat.
Cadogan Clinic is a leading dermatology clinic based in the heart of London. We’re home to some of the leading acne, eczema and rosacea specialists, and are experts in the mole and skin cancer diagnosis and removal process.
View all DermatologyCadogan Clinic is a leading dermatology clinic based in the heart of London. We’re home to some of the leading acne, eczema and rosacea specialists, and are experts in the mole and skin cancer diagnosis and removal process.
Skin is incredibly important to your health and your appearance. The Cadogan Clinic has one of the largest and experienced teams of consultant dermatologists.
Treat active acne and problematic skin to smooth blemishes, enlarged pores, and congestion.
Treat and soothe painful bacterial skin infections to regain comfort in your skin.
Combat dermatitis, skin irritation, and inflammation with clinical treatments.
Eczema is a chronic skin disorder which can be soothed with a dermatological treatment plan.
Diagnose the cause of excess hair growth with your dermatologist and begin your treatment plan.
Identify the cause of hair loss before opting for a hair transplant or other options suited to you.
Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)
Treat the symptoms of hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, to feel liberated and comfortable.
Remove hard, harmless, yet unwanted white bumps in your skin with milia removal.
Find diagnoses and treatments for your children with our paediatric dermatologists.
Treat hyperpigmentation and sun damaged skin for clearer, more youthful, and even-toned skin.
Identify what stimulates your psoriasis and soothe it with a patient-centred treatment plan.
Manage painful rosacea flare-ups with effective dermatological treatments and lifestyle changes.
Identify skin allergens with a dermatological patch test and learn how to manage them.
Your skin health MOT provides an annual full-body health assessment to keep you safe and healthy.
Remove unsightly and uncomfortable verrucae on your feet with targeted treatments.
We are all becoming increasingly aware of the risks posed by sun damage to the skin, as well as the need to protect our skin in day-to-day life.
Safely and non-surgically remove unwanted skin lesions such as warts with cryotherapy.
Remove painful and unsightly cysts on your face and body with either cryotherapy or excision.
Identify and remove unwanted lipomas and fatty tumours with minor localised excisions.
Remove non-melanoma skin cancer and moles with precision Mohs surgery.
Professional mole mapping identifies all pigmented moles on your body for your peace of mind.
Remove moles and pigmented lesions for your skin's safety with targeted mole removal.
Learn the early signs of skin cancer and receive treatment with specialists at our mole clinic.
Skin Lumps (Warts, Moles, Skin Tags)
Safely remove minor skin lumps, moles, skin tags, and lumps with localised treatments.
Cadogan Clinic is a leading day case centre of excellence based in the heart of London. Alongside our international team of plastic surgeons and dermatologists, we’re home to some of the leading gynaecologists, ophthalmologists, podiatrists and urologists in the country.
View all DepartmentsCadogan Clinic is a leading day case centre of excellence based in the heart of London. Alongside our international team of plastic surgeons and dermatologists, we’re home to some of the leading gynaecologists, ophthalmologists, podiatrists and urologists in the country.
We are experts in a wide range of Andrology treatments, in both elective and medical conditions.
Frenuloplasty surgery is a simple surgical procedure to release an overly-tight foreskin.
Premature ejaculation is a common sexual problem in men where sexual climax occurs ‘too early’.
Cadogan Clinic provides a wide range of cosmetic gynaecological surgery procedures performed by a multi-disciplinary team of the best surgeons in the UK.
Place or remove your contraceptive coil (IUD), one of the most effective methods of contraception.
Prioritise your cervical health with a colposcopy after a smear test or to identify symptoms.
A hysterectomy removes the uterus to aid severe conditions of the female reproductive system.
A hysteroscopy examines the uterus to identify conditions such as polyps and fibroids.
A myomectomy allows your doctor to remove painful fibroids without removing the uterus.
An ovarian cystectomy removes ovarian cysts under general anaesthetic through a small incision.
Perineum and Pelvic Floor Repair
Perineum and pelvic floor repair aids continence, muscle laxity, and appearance after childbirth.
Polyp removal is a minor day-case operation that removes and tests polyp growths on the cervix.
Vaginal prolapse surgery restores and strengthens the vaginal walls to help prevent recurrence.
A vulvectomy removes tissue on the vulva to combat complex conditions such as vulval cancer.
Laparoscopy, or keyhole surgery, allows us to diagnose conditions of the female reproductive organs.
We are experts in a wide range of hand problems, in both elective and traumatic conditions.
Treat carpal tunnel syndrome and relieve tension on the affected nerves in your hand.
Dupuytren's Contracture Surgery
Straighten fingers that are bent by Dupuytren's Contracture with different treatment options.
Soothe painful, sore, and stiff joints with hydrocortisone injections for more comfortable movement.
Remove ganglion cysts on your hands and wrists with a minor, localised surgery.
Straighten a stuck or trapped finger to 'release' the tension with trigger finger surgery.
Cosmetic foot surgery can help by firstly eliminating the sources of chronic pain or deformity and secondly, reshaping the feet for aesthetic appeal, often resulting in smaller, slimmer feet with a reduced shoe size.
Correct painful and unsightly bunions on your feet with surgery at Cadogan Clinic.
Achieve slender, feminine feet and improve their aesthetic appearance with Cinderella foot surgery.
If you're persistently developing corns on your feet, it's time to consider corn removal surgery.
Smooth and correct foot lumps, bumps, and corns with foot surgery and put your best foot forwards.
Toe Shortening & Straightening
Toe shortening and straightening helps to improve the cosmetic appearance of your toes.
Vascular surgery is a surgical subspecialty in which diseases of the vascular system, or arteries, veins and lymphatic circulation, are managed by medical therapy, minimally-invasive catheter procedures, and surgical reconstruction.
Deep vein thrombosis can be treated to remove a blood clot and reduce pain and swelling in the area.
Reduce visible thread veins with medical treatments such as sclerotherapy and laser treatment.
Smooth 'lumpy' and unsightly varicose veins that can also be painful with safe medical treatments.
We offer a range of Women’s Health and Wellness services, from fertility, family planning and pregnancy care to a comprehensive range of gynaecology health services
A cervical smear test is a simple yet essential test to check the health of your cervix and uterus.
Explore your contraception options if you feel that you are not using the right method for you.
Treat the more severe and painful symptoms of endometriosis to regain your quality of life.
Diagnose and learn how to manage heavy menstrual bleeding to take better control of your cycle.
Identify and manage HPV, STDs, and other intimate viruses to maintain your sexual health.
Find answers to treat irregular menstrual bleeding, including medicinal and lifestyle changes.
Low Libido / Sexual Difficulties
Reclaim your libido by indentifying the psychological or medical reasons behind it's loss.
Learn how to manage the symptoms of the menopause in all of their severity and variations.
Identify why you are experiencing painful or uncomfortable intercourse and take steps to treat this.
Consistently painful periods can cause distress, but there are ways to treat and control them.
Diagnose and treat pelvic pain regardless of whether it is a dull ache or a constant chronic pain.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 1 in 10 women, but for some it is particularly painful.
Identify and treat premature ovarian failure (POF) to maintain a more comfortable hormonal balance.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is natural for most women, but sometimes it can be severe.
Recurrent miscarriages are incredibly distressing, but they can be a symptom of underlying concerns.
Vaginal atrophy and dryness is common during the menopause, but no less uncomfortable or upsetting.
Diagnose intimate and sensitive genital skin conditions and complaints to soothe your skin.
Fat Transfer
at Cadogan Clinic, London’s Leading Cosmetic Surgery Specialists.
Get in touch Download FactsheetWe have invited only the very best consultants to practice at our specialist clinic.
Our state-of the-art award winning facilities are located right in the heart of London.
Award Winning Specialist Clinic
We've won 12 top industry awards since 2010 and regularly feature in the national and international press.
Industry Leading Consultants
We've invited only the very best consultants in the country to practice with us.
Care Quality Commission
We're regulated by the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
GMC Registered Surgeons
All of our surgeons are registered with the General Medical Council.
Medically Reviewed April 2023, by Mr. Bryan Mayou (GMC: 1414396) - founder of the Cadogan Clinic and one of the world's leading plastic surgeons
Fat transfer to face, also referred to as facial fat grafting, is a surgical treatment which sees fat taken from another area of the body and processed before being reintroduced to the face. By placing this naturally-occurring fat in the face, this treatment will add volume to aging areas of the face and simultaneously rejuvenate the overlying skin.
As we age, our bodies produce less and less collagen, the protein which keeps our skin plump and youthful. As our collagen levels deplete, the skin loses its elasticity, causing it to wrinkle and sag. Fat transfer to face is an excellent way to fill defects, improve contouring and help to restore volume to the face, particularly in areas which have become sunken with age.
If you are looking for a long-lasting solution to aging facial features, a facial fat graft would deliver better results than a non-surgical treatment, such as dermal fillers. Due to the nature of the donor material, the fat from your own body, a fat transfer to face is a more organic approach than dermal fillers.
Between 50 and 70 percent of fat cells survive the transfer process, establishing a blood supply, meaning the results are permanent. The results of dermal fillers tend to fade after six months and there is only so much that can be injected at any one time.
Fat transfer to face is a minimally invasive procedure, meaning a minimal recovery time.
A facial fat graft can be combined with other procedures to further enhance the result. This could include a mini facelift or blepharoplasty, a procedure which targets common signs of aging that develop around the eyes.
Get in touchSurgery Time
30 - 45 minutes
Time off work
a few days (if needed)
Hospital Stay
1 to 2 hours
Shower
After 1 day
Reasonable Mobility
Immediately
Exercise
2 - 4 weeks
Sexual Activity
After a few days
Sleeping on back
1 week
Full Recovery
1 week
Driving
A few days
Cadogan Clinic considers individuals fit for the procedure, if all of the following are true of them:
Words from our clients:
"I was extremely satisfied with the care and treatment I received at the Cadogan Clinic. My surgeon was friendly and informative and explained the procedure fully. My procedure went very well and with the excellent care of the nursing staff, I made a speedy and full recovery. Would recommend to anyone."Eva Berry
"At the beginning before the operation the nurse taking care of me made me feel so comfortable. The surgeon and anesthetist helped me feel so calm. Fantastic before and after treatment"Scarlett Elliott
"The girls on the reception at the clinic were very pleasant and professional. The nurse who took out my stitches after my surgery was just lovely and took me through step by step what she was doing and she also recommended a great cream to use to help with healing."Georgina Nolan
“I was treated with care and provided with thorough knowledge about the procedure I was undertaking. My surgeon was very methodical (a perfectionist) and I felt I received A class treatment."Courtney O'Sullivan
"Outstanding experience from the first appointment to being discharged. Very professional, friendly and a fantastic outcome."Gemma Stevenson
"Reception staff very welcoming and efficient. Both nurses who I dealt with were fantastic, and the whole team (anaesthetist, surgeon etc) were friendly but professional, and really put my mind at ease. That I was able to stay later than I perhaps needed after my surgery to fit in with my husbands schedule was greatly appreciated."Emma Davies
The procedure involves the removal of fat from areas where it is either unnecessary or unwanted via liposuction, and the re-injection of it into the face.
Fat cells are first removed by liposuction from the donor area – usually the stomach, thighs or buttocks. These cells are then cleansed and processed via centrifugation, before being injected into the facial area – a process that's very quickly carried out by your expert surgeon, and takes between 30 and 45 minutes.
It is performed under local anaesthetic and is a day-case procedure, with no need for an overnight stay. Results are long-lasting, natural and immediate.
Fat transfer to the face can successfully treat common signs of facial aging, including fine lines, eye bags, frown lines and sunken cheeks. The procedure will leave a gaunt and tired face looking fresh, plump and rejuvenated. A facial fat graft will restore volume to the cheeks, lips and eyes.
There are several areas of the face which can be treated with fat transfer.
The procedure is a popular choice for restoring sunken cheeks, a common side effect of aging, caused by the resorption of bony and fat deposits. A fat transfer to cheeks will help to restore the prominent cheekbones associated with youth. Facial fat transfer can also be used to fill the hollowness left at the temples and forehead which is also caused by the aging process.
A fat transfer under the eyebrows will lift the brows and the upper eyelids, resulting in a more youthful, wide-eyed look.
In older people, facial fat grafting is an excellent way of restoring tissue loss and correcting the shape of a pointed chin.
Not only can facial fat transfer be combined with other treatments, but it is worth considering having the procedure if you are already having liposuction to sculpt and contour other parts of the body, such as the stomach or thighs.
This means the excess fat which has been extracted can be used rather than thrown away after liposuction.
We have invited a selection of the country's very best consultants to join us at the Cadogan Clinic so that you can be sure that whatever the nature of your treatment, you will be seeing one of the top practitioners in the country.
Mr Jonathan Britto
Ms Monica Fawzy
Mr. David Gateley
Mr. Garrick Georgeu
Mr. Hazim Sadideen
Mr. Hagen Schumacher
Mr. Tunc Tiryaki
Mr. Paul Tulley
Below you will find some key information to help you prepare for surgery and make necessary arrangements to ensure you have the support you need and that everything runs smoothly on the day.
01.The consultation
The first step for all of our fat transfer patients is to meet with the surgeon we feel is best placed to perform your procedure for a consultation. At the consultation you will be able to discuss with your surgeon what your hope to achieve from the procedure, as well as discuss in detail what may or may not be possible given your existing anatomy.
Your surgeon will take you through the options available to you, and which is the most preferential for you given your stated ambitions. Having established this, several key measurements will be made and standard clinical photography will be taken.
One of the key considerations at consultation for fat grafting involves making an assessment of the volume of fat required—approximately twice the volume of fat needed for injection needs to be harvested as the volume is reduced by half during preparation.
Donor sites (where the fat is taken from) will also be assessed and agreed on with you. This may involve taking fat from more than one area; typical donor areas for fat grafting are the flanks, abdomen, lateral thighs ('saddle bags') and inner thighs, but fat can be taken from anywhere with excessive deposits.
Finally a comprehensive discussion regarding risks and complications will take place, alongside a discussion regarding what to expect in the post procedure and recovery phase. Your previous medical history will also be recorded (including previous surgery, medications, allergies etc.) and an assessment of your fitness for surgery.
If your surgeon feels you are a good candidate for surgery, you are then invited to consider whether you would like to proceed for surgery or otherwise following a two week 'cooling off' period.
Within this period you are welcome to come in and discuss your potential surgery with your surgeon as many times as you like.
02.Leading up to procedure
If you choose to proceed with surgery, the next time you come into the Clinic after your final consultation will be the day of your procedure. Before admission the following behavioural changes are recommended / required:
We advise all of our fat grafting patients that smoking is a particular contra-indication to this procedure (even more than with other surgical procedures) as fat viability is materially reduced after transfer in smokers, and the effectiveness of the procedure is significantly reduced.
03.On the day
On the day of your facial fat transfer procedure, you should arrive at the clinic an hour before the start time of the surgery. On your arrival, a nurse will record your blood pressure and other relevant vitals before you meet with your anaesthetist and your surgeon for the final mark-ups.
Fat transfer to the face is a minimally invasive procedure and is carried out under a local anesthetic or sedation. The procedure usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. It will take longer if the fat transfer to face is combined with other treatments.
The first thing the surgeon will do is extract the fat from elsewhere on the body. This could be anywhere, but common areas include the thighs and tummy.
The fat is then processed by filtration and centrifuge spinning, separating the fat from blood and other oily fluids. Once this is complete, the fat is put into small syringes ready to be injected into the area of the face which is being treated, such as the cheeks, chin or brow. Stitches are not usually required.
04.Treatment recovery
You should not feel any pain during the procedure, but you may have some for a few days afterwards. You'll be given painkillers if you need them.
Following the procedure, you will recover in our ambulatory recovery rooms for between one and two hours, dependent on the scale of the procedure. Once our specialist nursing team are happy that your initial recovery is complete and you are safe to return home, you will be allowed to leave the Clinic accompanied by a friend or member of your family.
Once home you will have access to our dedicated on-call nursing team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This team of specialists are dedicated to your comfort and pain control, and are there to field any questions you may have in the immediate post operative phase.
We ask that you come in and see our nursing team 1 week after surgery to ensure your incision sites have been properly reviewed. At this juncture we also recommend you meet with one of our on site aestheticians to discuss ongoing treatment to support the healing and scarring process.
We ask that you come in to see your surgeon after 6 - 8 weeks for a final check up.
The Patient Journey. A breakdown of what you can expect on your journey with us
We are deeply invested in ensuring that every step of your surgical journey with us is as informative and reassuring to you as it can be. This article outlines what you can expect at each stage of the journey
The Patient JourneyWhat is fat transfer to the face?
Fat transfer to the face is an advanced surgical treatment which involves harvesting and filtering unwanted fat cells through liposuction techniques, then reinjecting them to either help rejuvenate and restore lost volume in the face.
The same technique can be used to improve the natural contours of the body and do the breast. This is most usually performed under either a local or general anaesthetic depending on the patient and surgeons' preferences and suitability.
How long does the fat transfer to face procedure take?
Fat transfer procedure times vary according to the amount of fat that needs to be harvested and then injected to deliver the desired results.
In practice, this is typically between 30 minutes and 1 hour for treatments to the face that do not require large volumes of fat to be harvested.
There is a technique available at the Cadogan Clinic where a large quantity of fat is taken and then frozen and stored. Small amounts can then be taken from the store over months or even years to layer the fat, building up the contour. Each of these injection sessions can be carried out swiftly in a matter of minutes.
Why transfer fat to the face?
Fat obtained by liposuction can be grafted to the breasts, buttocks or anywhere in the body, but the commonest, and by far the most important area, is the face. But why the face?
Gravity was thought to be the major factor in facial ageing, with all soft facial tissue descending vertically as a result of thinning and sagging of retaining ligaments. In recent years, surgeons have now understood that the majority of the volume loss actually occurs at the bone and deep fat compartment level, which causes the ligaments loosen and the superficial layers to sag since the existing bony structures are no longer there to support them.
Fat is therefore an excellent volumizing resource to restore both structure and volume to the face. The ligaments face and skin in the mid face can be lifted back upwards, to rest on these restored structures.
Whilst fillers deliver a similar action in the early stages of ageing, such solutions are only temporary corrections given the dissolvable nature of dermal filler. By contrast the patients own fat is not only permanent, but it is often enriched with stem cells, meaning it can permanently replace volume and have regenerative effects on the overlying skin.
Some common treatment areas in the face include
Fat grafting (fat transfer) of the face can be carried out as a procedure on its own or combined with other procedures on the face, such as face and neck lifting and blepharoplasty (upper and lower eyelid reduction). A useful thought is to consider fat grafting if you are having liposuction elsewhere since this fat can be usefully employed elsewhere in the body, and not simply thrown away.
Where can fat be harvested from for my fat transfer procedure?
The fat is taken from anywhere convenient or somewhere that you would like reduced. Generally, we use the lower abdomen, inner and outer thighs.
We only need small amounts for the face but may have to search harder for the larger amounts for augmenting the breasts or buttocks. Very slim patients may present a problem.
These donor areas will be bruised for three weeks and completely settle over three months.
How much fat is required for fat transfer to the face?
Large amounts are of fat are not required, but it is nevertheless an opportunity to remove unwanted or stubborn fat from your body if you have some.
The fat is processed and sometimes enhanced with extra stem cells also obtained from fat to ensure a better take of graft, which will be important in smokers and those with poor healing.
Is there a minimum amount of fat required for fat transfer to face?
To deliver the best results a certain level of fat is required and your specialised surgeon will be able to assess this during your initial consultation and examination.
The volumes required a very minimal however for an effective solution to the face, so it is very rare that we are unable to find sufficient deposits somewhere in the body.
On the rare occasion, very slim patients can present an insurmountable problem, but you will be advised by your surgeon at your consultation.
Is liposuction always required before fat transfer to the face?
Obtaining (harvesting) the fat usually from the tummy of thighs is usually required before fat transfer to the face, and will be a required stage of your procedure.
The only instance when this is not the case is for those who have previously had liposuction or fat transfer procedures and who have stored their own fat stored from this previous procedure. In which case it is simply defrosted and injected without loss of potency.
Is fat transfer to the face painful?
Fat transfer is not a painful procedure. You will be under the influence of anaesthetic or fully sedated during the procedure and will not feel anything.
Afterwards you will be given paracetamol to manage any mild discomfort you may experience.
For patients worried about pain, it is always possible to have the procedure either fully sedated or under general anaesthetic.
What can I expect after fat transfer?
After your surgery, you will be asked to come in for a post-operative appointment to come back and see our nursing staff at the Clinic between 1 and 2 weeks after your surgery. At this point your incision sites will be reviewed, and your preliminary healing will be assessed.
After 6 weeks your surgeon will personally review your progress – again at the Clinic - and make sure you are recovering as expected. In addition, they will remove any stitches and advise you on the need for further dressings.
Throughout the recovery period you will have full access to our 24/7 on call nursing service, and full access to the Clinic and our post-operative facilities.
Our aim is to make you feel as comfortable as possible during the entirety of your recovery period.
Is there any downtime after fat transfer to the face?
As a facial fat graft is a minimally invasive procedure, minimal downtime is required. We suggest a few days off work to allow for the swelling to settle. You should be back at work within a week and you will be able to return to exercise in two weeks.
We always advise that you return to low impact activities first, such as walking and cycling, before you are able to reintroduce more strenuous physical activity such as lifting heavy weights and doing intense aerobic activities. A potential risk of facial fat grafting is the fat not ‘taking’, hence we ask you not to do any exercise in the first couple of weeks to allow the fat graft to take up its new blood supply.
You can start driving again a few days post-surgery. Restricted sexual activity can resume after a few days. You can discuss this in more detail with your surgeon.
It is important that you follow the aftercare instructions issued by your surgeon. A failure to follow these could impact upon the results of the facial fat transfer and delay the healing process.
When will I see the final results of my fat transfer surgery?
Final results are typically first seen a few weeks after your procedure, with ongoing improvements beyond this point likely as the healing process fully completes over the coming 3 to 6 months, and as your fat continues to re-distribute itself and settle.
Your surgeon will be able to give you specific guidance at your consultation.
Are the results of my fat transfer permanent?
Fat transfer to the facial areas is also a long-term solution which will last for many years as your consultant will discuss with you in your consultation.
Between 50–70% of the transferred fat is retained long term, and will last just like normal fat. It will even grow with weight gain. With time however, it will begin to wane alongside your other fat deposits. This should not happen before many years, however.
Some factors will impact the longevity of your results:
Generally, fat survives best when put into areas with its own abundant blood supply. The face, which is so well vascularised, picks up a new supply quickly and the majority of the fat survives. Results are often at their best in the facial region, as a result.
What results can I expect from my fat transfer to face procedure?
As your anaesthetic or sedation wears off, you will wake up in our recovery facilities at the Cadogan Clinic. Any drowsiness will wear off within a few hours. After you have had something to eat and drink, our nursing staff will allow you to leave with a friend or family member. We advise that someone should stay with you for 24 hours after the surgery.
It is common to feel mild pain and discomfort in the immediate aftermath of surgery, but this will wear off in due course. You will have access to our 24/7 on call nursing service for any questions or queries you may have during this period.
One or two weeks after your surgery, you will be asked to return to the clinic for a post-operative appointment with our nursing staff, who will review your incision sites and assess your healing.
After six weeks your surgeon will personally review your progress and make sure you are recovering as expected. In addition, they will remove any stitches and advise you on the need for further dressings.
There may be a little swelling and bruising after surgery, but you should be back to your daily routine within a few days.
What effect can smoking and alcohol have on my fat grafting results?
Certain lifestyle factors can increase the risk of complications during and after your surgery. These include smoking, drinking alcohol, being overweight and taking drugs (for medical or recreational use.)
The most common impact of smoking before your surgery is that it increases your chances of developing an infection and inhibits your body's natural healing processes. We insist that all patients stop smoking and using nicotine products at least six weeks before surgery. Reducing alcohol intake is also strongly advised. This is particularly important for fat grafting surgery in which the fat's viability post-procedure is materially reduced in a smoker population.
Your doctor will discuss your current BMI and drug use at your consultation and advise you further on this.
What are the benefits of using fat for volume filling?
Not only is the fat relatively easy to harvest via liposuction, but the transferred fat is biocompatible, non-allergenic, non-toxic and relatively easy to obtain in meaningful volumes.
More recently surgeons have used the therapeutic and rejuvenating benefits of fat grafting in the healing of wounds and scars, as well as fat's ability to repair damage to breast tissue following radiation treatment.
The rejuvenative effects are due to the high concentration of mesenchymal cells present in the fat tissue.
This natural 'autologous' resource is therefore readily accepted in the treatment area, is easily topped up and can provide additional rejuvenating benefits.
How safe are fat transfer procedures?
Whilst there are always risk that present during surgical treatment, fat transfer procedures are generally a very common and safe group of procedure.
Please see our risks and complications section for more information about risks and side effects.
Your surgeon will be delighted to talk you through these comprehensively at your consultation.
Founded in 2004 by world renowned plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, we now work with over 100 leading consultants and successfully treat over 20,000 patients each year. We have been winning industry awards since inception.
About UsBest in Class Facilities
All of our treatments take place at our beautiful boutique premises in Chelsea. We have six consulting rooms and five operating rooms, as well as a dedicated pre and post-operative suite, and a full team of specialist nursing staff.
Our ClinicA Strong Tradition of Innovation
We were founded in 2004 by world renown plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, best known for his pioneering work in the area of liposuction, lasers and microvascular surgery. We continue to collaborate with pioneers in our field.
Our HistoryAt Home in Sloane Street, London
We are proud that our state of the art award-winning clinic is located in one of the best neighbourhoods in the country
Welcome to Sloane StreetClinics Nationwide
We offer surgical consultations in London, Birmingham, Chelmsford and Bristol, and attract international patients from all corners of the globe such as as the USA, the Middle East and Europe.
Get in TouchFacial fat grafting is a very safe, low-risk procedure, as the patient’s own tissue is used, rather than implants or artificial filler. However, there is still the potential for complications.
Common side effects include:
As with all surgical procedures, fat transfer to face carries some risk. You may experience the following complications:
The most significant risk of facial fat transfer is the fat entering the bloodstream, otherwise known as fat embolisation. The fat interrupts the blood supply, which could lead to blindness, stroke or even death. This is a rare complication. The Cadogan Clinic surgeons will avoid injecting in certain areas and use safer cannulas to minimise this risk.
Fat Transfer
We believe in the delivery of excellent outcomes and results, and exceptional levels of service. Our outcomes are natural and long-lasting, and we remain the premier choice for cosmetic surgery treatments in the UK.
2023
Aesthetic Awards
Highly Commended Best Clinic in London
2021
Aesthetics Awards
Highly Commended
2021
My Face My Body
Best Clinic Winner
2020
My Face My Body
Best Clinic Winner
2019
My Face My Body
Winner
2018
My Face My Body
Highly Commended
2018
Aesthetics Awards
Highly Commended
2017
Aesthetics Awards
Winner