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Paul Wilson Aesthetics - Fat Transfer to Face in the UK

Treatment body

Fat Transfer to Face

by Mr Paul Wilson

Address volume loss and skin laxity to create a smoother, more balanced, and rejuvenated facial contour.

At a glance

Expected Results

Enhanced features, with volumisation of the cheeks, temples, lips as requested

Treatment Time

2 hours

Anaesthesia

General anaesthetic

Recovery Time

2 weeks

Return to Work

2 weeks

Frequency

Once, may need to be repeated depending on expectations

Treatment Overview

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.

Paul Wilson Aesthetics - Fat Grafting Treatment Overview
Paul Wilson Aesthetics - Fat Grafting 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.

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 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.

Paul Wilson Aesthetics - Fat Grafting Benefits 1

What are the benefits of a fat transfer to the face?

Benefits of a fat transfer to the face include restored facial volume and improved facial symmetry. 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
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Paul Wilson Aesthetics - Fat Grafting Benefits 2

Recovery and results of facial fat graftin

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.

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 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.

Paul Wilson-Aesthetics - Fat Grafting Post Op Recovery

Procedure Video

View these resources to help educate and inform when researching your treatment of choice.

They are designed to guide you through every aspect of your treatment before booking a consultation.

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Fees

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.

Prices start from

£7400

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Mr Paul Wilson - FAQ

FAQ

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.

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.

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.

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Embark on your journey to a more confident you. Contact Mr Paul Wilson today to schedule your initial consultation and learn more about how his expertise can make a lasting, positive change. He also offers Zoom video consultations for your convenience.

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