Treatment face
Fat Transfer to Face in the UK
- Restore volume loss
- More balanced, and rejuvenated facial contour
- Naturally refreshed appearance
- A natural look and feel
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If you’re looking to restore facial volume, soften hollow areas, or rejuvenate age-related changes in the face, fat transfer to the face may be an ideal option. This procedure uses your own purified fat to enhance facial contour, improve skin quality, and create a smoother, more youthful, and naturally refreshed appearance.
At Paul Wilson Aesthetics, our procedures are performed by a bespoke team of highly skilled accredited professionals who will support you at every stage, from initial consultation through to surgery and recovery.
About
What is facial fat grafting?
Facial fat grafting is a procedure that uses your own purified fat (known as autologous fat) to restore volume to areas of the face that have become hollow or deflated over time.
Using micro-fat or nano-fat techniques, fat is gently harvested from a donor area such as the abdomen or thighs, processed, and then carefully injected into areas like the temples, cheeks, tear troughs (under-eye hollows), and lips.
Facial fat grafting is often performed alongside a deep plane facelift, as the two procedures address the main signs of facial ageing:
Descent (sagging) – corrected with the deep plane facelift
Deflation (volume loss) – restored with facial fat grafting
When performed together, these treatments rejuvenate the face comprehensively, creating a smoother, fuller, and more youthful overall contour.
benefits
What are the benefits of a fat transfer to the face?
Facial fat grafting offers several benefits, including:
- Restored facial volume
- Improved facial symmetry and definition
- A natural look and feel
- A more youthful appearance
- SImultaneous contouring of the donor area
candidates
Who is a good candidate for facial fat grafting?
Facial fat grafting is suitable for individuals who have experienced volume loss in areas such as the cheeks, temples, under-eyes, jawline, or lips. It is also ideal for those looking for a more natural alternative to dermal fillers, using their own fat to restore softness, contour, and balance.
Good candidates should be in overall good health, be non-smokers (or willing to stop before and after surgery), and have realistic expectations about the achievable results.
What to expect
What to expect during a fat transfer to the face?
Consultation
During your consultation, your surgeon will conduct a thorough assessment of your facial anatomy, identifying the specific areas where volume has been lost. They will review your medical history, discuss your aesthetic goals, and explain how facial fat grafting can restore volume, enhance contour, and improve overall skin quality.
Your surgeon will also outline what to expect during recovery and will provide personalised advice on how to prepare for the procedure. Photographs may be taken to assist with planning, helping the surgeon determine the precise placement of the grafted fat to achieve the most natural and balanced result.
This appointment is your opportunity to ask questions, explore your treatment options, and feel fully informed and confident before deciding to proceed.
Anaesthesia and Procedure Time
Facial fat grafting is performed under general anaesthesia. When carried out on its own, the procedure typically takes around one to two hours, depending on the number and size of the donor areas and the amount of fat required.
When fat grafting is combined with a deep plane facelift, the overall procedure time is usually four to six hours as both the deep structural lifting of the face and the precise placement of grafted fat are completed in the same operation.
Your surgeon will confirm the expected duration of your procedure during your consultation, based on your treatment plan and whether additional facial rejuvenation techniques are being combined.
Surgery
Optional: deep plane facelift
If a deep plane facelift is performed at the same time, incisions are placed discreetly along the hairline, around the ear, and sometimes behind the ear.
During the procedure, the surgeon works beneath the deeper layers of the face, gently releasing the ligaments that cause sagging. By lifting the skin and the underlying muscle layer together, the tissues are repositioned in a natural, upward direction. This approach provides a more effective lift to the cheeks, jowls, and neck while avoiding the “pulled” or overly tight look.
Fat harvesting
A small amount of fat is gently harvested from a donor area using fine cannulas and low-pressure liposuction techniques. This approach preserves the viability of the fat cells for optimal graft survival.
Fat processing and injection
The harvested fat is carefully purified to remove excess fluid, damaged cells, and impurities. The refined fat is then injected into targeted areas such as temples and cheeks using micro- or nano-cannulas.
Closure
Once the grafting (and any facelift steps) are completed, the facial tissues are re-draped without tension. Fine sutures are used to close the incisions and drains may be placed temporarily to reduce fluid build-up.
Light compression dressings, or in some cases, a haemostatic net, are applied to reduce swelling and minimise the risk of haematoma.
Recovery
Recovery and results of facial fat grafting
Recovery varies from person to person and depends on whether facial fat grafting is performed on its own or combined with a deep plane facelift.
What to expect
Bruising and swelling typically peak within the first few days and gradually settle over two to three weeks. The treated areas may look fuller than expected at first due to both swelling and the newly grafted fat. This fullness reduces over time as the tissues settle.
Activity and movement
Light walking is encouraged soon after the procedure to promote circulation, but strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and activities that significantly raise your heart rate should be avoided for at least two weeks.
Follow-up care and long-term results
The final shape continues to refine over several months as some of the transferred fat is naturally reabsorbed and the remaining fat integrates with its new blood supply. Once fully settled, the results are long-lasting, particularly with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
Combination
If combined with a deep plane facelift
When facial fat grafting is performed alongside a deep plane facelift, recovery takes more time because both the deeper facial structures and superficial tissues are healing at the same time. Most patients will stay in hospital for one to two nights for close monitoring and pain control.
Swelling and bruising are more pronounced than with fat grafting alone and typically peak within the first 72 hours. A supportive dressing is applied for the first night, followed by a lighter compression garment. A feeling of tightness, heaviness, or temporary numbness is common due to the deeper plane of dissection used in the facelift.
Risks & complications
Risks and potential complications of facial fat grafting
As with any surgical procedure, facial fat grafting carries certain risks. These may include:
- Infection or bleeding
- Seroma (fluid build-up)
- Delayed wound healing
- Contour irregularities or asymmetry
- Changes in skin sensation, including numbness
- Overfilling and underfilling
Your surgeon will discuss all potential risks with you during your consultation to ensure you are fully informed before making any decisions.
The cost of facial fat grafting depends on several factors, including the areas being treated, the amount of fat required, and the complexity of the procedure.
If fat grafting is performed alongside a deep plane facelift, the overall cost will be higher due to the increased surgical time, however, many patients reap the synergistic benefits of combining the two rejuvenation methods.
Surgeon
Meet Mr Paul Wilson
Mr Paul Wilson is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon with more than 35 years of surgical experience and over 16 years as a Consultant Plastic Surgeon. He specialises in facial, breast and body aesthetic surgery, with a particular interest in rhinoplasty, facial rejuvenation and complex revision surgery.
In both his NHS and private practice, Mr Wilson is known for his patient-focused approach, careful surgical planning, and commitment to achieving balanced, natural-looking results tailored to each individual.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the combination of a deep plane facelift and fat grafting safe?
When performed by a highly experienced plastic surgeon, combining a deep plane facelift with facial fat grafting is considered safe. The risks are similar to those of any major facial procedure and may include haematoma (a collection of blood) or infection. As the combined approach is technically complex, choosing a surgeon who specialises in deep plane techniques and facial fat grafting is essential.
How does fat transfer to the face last?
The results of facial fat grafting are long-lasting. While some of the transferred fat is naturally reabsorbed by the body during the first few months, the fat that survives and establishes a blood supply becomes permanent.
Is facial fat grafting effective for the under-eye area?
Yes. Fat grafting can be very effective for treating under-eye hollows, tear troughs, and a tired or sunken appearance. The micro-fat technique allows fat to be placed delicately in thin, fragile areas. Swelling can take longer to settle here, but once healed, the results are smooth, natural, and long-lasting.
Schedule your consultation
Book a consultation with Paul Wilson Aesthetics
Patients choose Paul Wilson Aesthetics not only for the team’s surgical expertise, but also for their thoughtful, honest and patient-centred approach to aesthetic care.
To get started, book a free consultation where our team will discuss your concerns, outline your goals, and determine if a fat transfer to the face is the right option for you.
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VASER liposuction or traditional liposuction? It’s a question we’re asked a lot.
Both can be effective options for removing unwanted fat and improving body shape, but they work in different ways. VASER uses ultrasound energy before the fat is removed and can allow for more detailed contouring. Traditional liposuction may be more suitable when larger areas or volumes need to be treated.
There isn’t one option that is right for everyone. Your anatomy, skin quality, treatment area and the result you’re hoping to achieve all need to be considered.
During your consultation, Mr Paul Wilson will talk you through the options and recommend the approach best suited to you.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol | The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#VASERLiposuction #Liposuction #Vaser #BodyContouring #PaulWilsonAesthetics
Preservation rhinoplasty is about refining the nose while preserving its natural character and key structures where appropriate.
This lovely patient is 29 years old and is now 18 months post surgery. Her result shows a smoother bridge and a more refined tip, creating a softer, more balanced profile while keeping everything in harmony with her face.
Most importantly, she’s delighted with her result.
Swipe to view the result from another angle and learn more about preservation rhinoplasty.
Every rhinoplasty is planned individually following consultation.
Images shared with the patient’s full consent.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol | The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#preservationrhinoplasty #rhinoplasty #rhinoplastybeforeandafter #paulwilsonaesthetics
Before and immediately after preservation rhinoplasty.
These operating-theatre photographs show the change in profile directly after surgery. The bridge has been carefully refined while maintaining a natural shape that remains in keeping with the rest of the face.
Preservation rhinoplasty uses techniques designed to retain as much of the nose’s natural structure as possible while making the planned changes to its shape.
At this stage, swelling is already present and will continue to change during recovery, so this should not be viewed as the final result.
As with any rhinoplasty, the surgical plan is tailored to the individual patient’s anatomy and the changes they would like to achieve.
Images shared with patient consent. Individual results will vary.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol | The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#PreservationRhinoplasty #Rhinoplasty #NoseSurgery #PaulWilsonAesthetics
A refreshed, natural result at six months.
This lovely 69-year-old patient came to see me hoping to improve the signs of ageing around her eyes, cheeks, jawline and neck, while still looking like herself.
She underwent a face and neck lift, upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty, dermal fat grafting to the upper eyelids to improve hollowing, and silicone cheek implants to add support through the mid-face.
At her six-month review, she was delighted with the outcome, and I am very pleased with how naturally everything has settled.
Images shared with the patient’s full consent.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol | The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#FaceAndNeckLift #deepplanefacelift #Blepharoplasty #FacialRejuvenation #paulwilsonaesthetics
A change in volume, while still keeping the result in proportion.
Breast augmentation is about much more than simply choosing a size. Implant width, profile and projection are all considered alongside the patient’s existing breast tissue, chest width and personal preferences.
The aim for this patient was to add volume and upper pole fullness while creating a shape that complemented her frame.
Every patient is different, which is why every surgical plan is individual.
Images shared with patient consent.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol | The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#BreastAugmentation #BreastImplants #BreastSurgery #PaulWilsonAesthetics
Choosing to have surgery is a big decision, so feeling listened to and supported throughout the process really matters.
Thank you to this patient for taking the time to share such kind feedback about her body contouring experience with Paul and the team. It is always lovely to know that a patient felt informed, reassured and in safe hands from their first consultation onwards.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol | The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#BodyContouring #PatientReview #PatientExperience #PlasticSurgery #PaulWilsonAesthetics
Two different operations, planned to create one balanced result.
This lovely patient came to see me with significant developmental breast asymmetry and a tuberous breast appearance. It had understandably affected her confidence, particularly when choosing bras and swimwear.
Her aim was for both breasts to look and feel as similar as possible. As each breast required a different approach, the surgery was carefully planned to achieve a more balanced result.
The surgical plan:
◽ Left breast: subfascial augmentation using a 315cc Silimed silicone implant
◽ Right breast: augmentation and reduction mastopexy using a 225cc implant, with 375g of breast tissue removed
I always explain that improving breast shape means accepting scars. These will continue to settle with time.
At six months, I am very pleased with the balance we have achieved and, most importantly, she is delighted with her result.
Images shared with the patient’s kind permission. Individual results vary.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol | The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#BreastAsymmetry #BreastAsymmetryCorrection #TuberousBreast #BreastAugmentation #paulwilsonaesthetics
Made it to Northwood on two wheels this morning 🚴♂️
Most of the team here are quite used to seeing me arrive by bike. I cycle into work whenever I can, as it’s a great way to enjoy some fresh air, fit in a little exercise and start the day feeling energised.
Now for a quick change out of the Lycra and on with the working day!
#paulwilsonaesthetics #cycletowork
Only three appointments remaining.
Once these appointments have been filled, you can request to join our priority cancellation list.
Meet Consultant Plastic Surgeon Mr Paul Wilson at Northwood Hospital, Bristol, on Saturday 12th September.
These complimentary 15–20 minute introductory appointments offer an opportunity to meet Paul, discuss the surgery you are considering, ask initial questions and understand the next steps.
This is an introductory appointment rather than a full clinical consultation. Advance booking is essential.
To request one of the remaining appointments:
DM us
WhatsApp: 07414 163133
Office: 0117 332 1585
Email: info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#PaulWilsonAesthetics #NorthwoodHospital #Bristol #AestheticSurgery #PlasticSurgery
A result worth revisiting.
Photographed just over two months following a deep plane facelift and neck lift, this result shows a fresher, more supported appearance without changing the patient’s character.
The surgery addressed the cheeks, early jowling and neck, creating a smoother transition through the lower face and jawline.
With the patient’s short hairstyle, the area around the ears is particularly visible, making the discreet appearance of the incisions an important part of this result.
The aim of facelift surgery is not to create a different face. It is to help the patient look refreshed while still looking like themselves.
What would you most like to know about deep plane facelift surgery?
Shared with patient consent.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol | The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#DeepPlaneFacelift #NeckLift #FaceliftResults #NaturalResults #PaulWilsonAesthetics
Considering aesthetic surgery and unsure where to begin?
Join us at Northwood Hospital, Bristol, on Saturday 12th September for a complimentary 15–20 minute introductory appointment with Consultant Plastic Surgeon Mr Paul Wilson.
With extensive experience across facial, breast and body surgery, Paul offers a considered and individual approach to every patient.
You are welcome to discuss procedures including:
• Rhinoplasty
• Facelift and facial surgery
• Facial implants
• Hairline lowering
• Breast surgery
• Abdominoplasty and body contouring
• VASER liposuction
• Arm and thigh lifts
This relaxed one-to-one conversation provides an opportunity to meet Paul, ask initial questions, discuss whether the procedure may be appropriate for you and understand the next steps in your surgical journey.
This is an introductory appointment rather than a full clinical consultation.
Appointments are available between 10am and 2pm. Advance booking is essential, and a limited number of appointments are available.
To request an appointment:
WhatsApp: 07414 163133
Office: 0117 332 1585
Email: info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
Or send us a DM.
Please include the procedure you are considering and whether you would prefer a morning or afternoon appointment.
#PaulWilsonAesthetics #NorthwoodHospital #Bristol #AestheticSurgery #PlasticSurgery
Choosing a surgeon for rhinoplasty involves more than considering the procedure itself. Experience, surgical approach, aftercare and the wider clinical team all form part of the decision.
Mr Wilson has more than 30 years of experience in facial surgery, including extensive experience in rhinoplasty. His practice has evolved from structural rhinoplasty to also incorporating preservation techniques, allowing the surgical plan to be adapted according to the patient’s anatomy and individual concerns.
A significant proportion of his rhinoplasty practice also involves secondary or revision surgery. These procedures are often more complex because the nasal structure may have already been altered by previous surgery, making careful assessment and detailed planning particularly important.
Patients undergoing surgery at Northwood Hospital are supported by an experienced surgical, anaesthetic and nursing team throughout their treatment journey. From the initial consultation and pre-operative assessment to surgery and long-term follow-up, the aim is to provide continuity of care within one clinical setting.
Ultimately, choosing a rhinoplasty surgeon is a personal decision. Patients should feel comfortable asking about experience, techniques, expected outcomes, limitations, risks and aftercare before deciding whether to proceed.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
