What Is Fat Grafting?
Fat is taken from your tummy or thigh, processed and transferred to your face, either to correct contour deformities by restoring volume or to improve the texture of the skin and scars.
Microfat and Nanofat
- Microfat — used to correct contour deformities and fill volume in the face.
- Nanofat — used to improve the texture of the skin and scars and to rejuvenate the skin.
What the Procedure Involves
You are seen by the anaesthetist beforehand and admitted on the day, and the procedure takes about 1 hour under general or local anaesthesia. Fat is taken from your tummy or thighs with Liposuction equipment, processed into microfat or nanofat, and transferred to the face with a special needle and syringe. There are no surgical scars. You go home the same evening.
Recovery
- Swelling and bruising are normal.
- Check-up after 1 week.
- Most swelling settles in a week; the final result shows at about 6 weeks.
- Normal activities from the next day; jogging, gym and sport after 3 weeks.
Results and Possible Complications
Infection, bleeding, swelling, bruising and pain are the common complications; pain in hospital is managed by the acute pain service team. Some of the injected fat is absorbed by the body — about 60 percent stays in place — so even with deliberate overfilling, more than one session may be needed for the best result.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of the grafted fat stays?
About 60 percent is retained; the rest is absorbed by the body.
Will I need more than one session?
Sometimes. Even with overfilling, a further session may be needed for the best result.
What is the difference between microfat and nanofat?
Microfat restores volume and corrects contour; nanofat improves the texture of the skin and scars.
Related Facial Plastic Surgery — All Procedures Procedures
- Endoscopic Scarless Forehead Surgery — Forehead lumps removed through the hairline, with no forehead scar.
This page is general information written by Dr Vybhav Deraje for patients and families. It does not replace an individual consultation; treatment depends on clinical assessment.