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.
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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Open Preservation Rhinoplasty | Before & After
This patient presented for a consultation with both functional and aesthetic concerns.
She had experienced several previous nasal injuries, including a horse-riding accident, a netball incident, and a facial injury. Although she had undergone a septoplasty in 2022, she was still experiencing intermittent breathing difficulties, shifting between the right and left sides.
Aesthetically, her primary concerns were a dorsal hump and the droopiness of her nasal tip.
On assessment, her nose was reasonably straight, with a dorsal hump created by a combination of prominent nasal bones and increased septal height. There was also slight nostril asymmetry and some external valve collapse on the right side, meaning the outer wall of the nostril could collapse slightly during sharp, deep breathing.
A CT scan revealed a relatively straight septum, with only a small posterior deviation, clear sinuses, and normal-sized turbinates.
An open preservation rhinoplasty was performed.
The plan was to refine the dorsal hump, create a gentle curve to the nose, improve the tip position, and achieve as much symmetry as possible while respecting the patient`s existing anatomy.
Rhinoplasty planning is never about chasing perfection. The aim is to make a considered improvement that looks balanced, functions well, and remains in keeping with the rest of the face.
The result shown here is part of that process, with healing continuing over time.
Patient images shown with consent.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
A rhinoplasty consultation is not just about examining the nose.
It is about understanding the patient, their anatomy, their breathing, and their reasons for considering surgery.
In this video, Mr Wilson explains what happens during a rhinoplasty consultation at Paul Wilson Aesthetics.
Patients are seen personally by Mr Wilson at Northwood Hospital in Bristol. The consultation includes a full medical history, a discussion about aesthetic concerns, breathing and functional symptoms, previous injuries or surgery, and the support available at home after the procedure.
The nose is then carefully assessed, as rhinoplasty always addresses both form and function.
Two-dimensional photographs are taken for medical records, and 3D Vectra imaging may also be used to aid in planning the procedure. This allows Mr Wilson and the patient to visually discuss possible changes and ensure expectations are aligned before surgery.
The aim is not to promise a precise, screen-generated result.
It is to understand what the patient hopes to achieve, what is surgically attainable, and how to meticulously plan the operation.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
Open Septorhinoplasty | Before & After
This patient had previously undergone rhinoplasty and otoplasty at the age of 23, which included the reduction of a dorsal hump.
Over time, he began to notice increasing droopiness of the nasal tip. He had also broken his nose as a child during gymnastics, although his breathing was otherwise good.
On assessment, he presented with a long, straight nose and a dependent, droopy, and slightly asymmetric tip. There was a mild deviation of the nose to the left, but no remaining bony hump. The septum appeared straight.
One of the key findings was the acute angle between the base of the nose and the upper lip. Simply lifting the tip helped to improve the appearance of the nose and also made it appear straighter.
In this case, an open septorhinoplasty was performed under general anaesthetic.
Revision rhinoplasty requires careful planning, particularly when the nose has been previously operated on. The existing structure, scar tissue, tip support, and previous surgical changes all need to be considered before any further refinement is made.
The aim was to improve tip position and support, address the asymmetry, and create a more balanced nasal profile while working with the patient`s existing anatomy.
The result shown here is part of that process, with healing continuing over time.
Patient images shown with consent.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
A bump on the bridge of the nose can change the entire facial profile.
For many patients, a dorsal hump is the feature they notice most in side-profile photos or from certain angles. It may be part of the natural nasal structure, or it may appear more pronounced after trauma or injury.
However, a dorsal hump is never treated as just a "bump".
The bridge, tip, septum, nasal bones, and facial proportions all need to be assessed together before any surgical plan is made.
At Paul Wilson Aesthetics, rhinoplasty planning focuses on refining the nasal profile in a way that remains balanced with the individual face.
Depending on the anatomy, this may involve preservation rhinoplasty or structural rhinoplasty.
The aim is not a perfect nose.
It is a considered, proportionate result that suits the patient.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#paulwilsonaesthetics #dorsalhump #rhinoplastybristol #preservationrhinoplasty #northwoodhospital
When rhinoplasty does not go as expected, subsequent operations are rarely simple.
Revision rhinoplasty often involves navigating scar tissue, altered anatomy, reduced cartilage support, and the outcomes of previous surgery.
In this reel, Mr Wilson explains why patients seek him out for revision rhinoplasty and why this type of surgery demands meticulous planning, extensive experience, and candid discussions.
Additional support may sometimes be required, utilising cartilage from the ear or rib, fascia, or fat grafting.
This also underscores the importance of aftercare. Should concerns arise post-surgery, patients need assurance that they will receive proper review, support, and care.
Revision rhinoplasty is not merely about re-shaping the nose.
It involves comprehending previous interventions, assessing current possibilities, and meticulously planning the subsequent stage.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#paulwilsonaesthetics #revisionrhinoplasty #rhinoplastysurgery #bristolplasticsurgeon #northwoodhospital
A blocked nose is not always "just congestion".
A deviated septum can make one side of the nose feel constantly blocked, affect airflow, and make breathing feel uneven.
The septum is the internal wall of bone and cartilage that separates the two nasal passages. When it sits off-centre, one side may become narrower, which can make breathing more difficult.
It is not always visible from the outside.
This is why assessment matters. The nose needs to be examined for both structure and function, especially when symptoms are linked with previous injury, nasal asymmetry, or ongoing obstruction.
Treatment may involve septoplasty to improve airflow, or septorhinoplasty when breathing concerns and external nasal shape need to be addressed together.
The aim is to understand what is causing the obstruction and choose the most suitable approach for the individual patient.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty | Before & After
This young patient desired refinement of her nasal profile and tip, aiming for a result that remained balanced with her facial features.
Her primary concerns included a prominent dorsum and a bulbous nasal tip.
In this case, an open tip rhinoplasty was performed, utilising piezo-electric surgery for surface reduction of the dorsum. A septal projection graft was also employed to support and define the nasal tip.
Piezo-electric surgery facilitates highly precise work on the nasal bones. This is particularly beneficial when reshaping the bridge of the nose, as it permits controlled refinement while preserving crucial surrounding structures.
The tip also necessitated meticulous planning. A bulbous tip is not merely reduced; it requires reshaping and support to ensure the final result remains stable as the nose heals.
This is where dorsal preservation rhinoplasty and tip definition must work in conjunction. The objective is not to create an entirely different nose, but to refine the existing structure in a manner that complements the individual`s face.
The result displayed here represents an stage of that process, with healing progressing over time.
Patient images shown with consent.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#paulwilsonaesthetics #dorsalpreservationrhinoplasty #rhinoplastybristol #piezoelectricsurgery #northwoodhospital
Rhinoplasty is not a single technique.
It is a series of decisions.
In this reel, Mr Wilson explains the difference between structural rhinoplasty and preservation rhinoplasty, and why preservation techniques have become such a valuable option in suitable primary cases.
The principle is simple: where possible, preserve the natural bridge of the nose rather than dismantling and rebuilding it.
For the right patient, this can allow refinement of the nasal profile while maintaining more of the existing nasal structure.
However, suitability is crucial.
If the nose is very crooked, has been previously broken, or the patient is concerned about the frontal view, a structural or hybrid approach may be more appropriate.
That is why consultation and assessment are so important.
The technique should fit the patient, not the other way around.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
A second rhinoplasty is not simply a repeat of the first.
Revision rhinoplasty often means working with a nose that has already healed, scarred, and changed after previous surgery.
Sometimes the concern is visible; sometimes it is functional; often, it is both.
The nose may need more support, better definition, improved symmetry, or correction of breathing issues.
In some cases, grafting may be required to rebuild or strengthen areas that no longer have adequate support.
This is why secondary rhinoplasty needs time, experience, and a very clear plan.
The goal is not to chase perfection.
It is to make the next operation as careful, realistic, and considered as possible.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#paulwilsonaesthetics #revisionrhinoplasty #secondaryrhinoplasty #rhinoplastysurgery #northwoodhospital
Preservation Rhinoplasty with Septoplasty | Before & After
This patient presented with a previously fractured septum, leading to breathing difficulties, a dorsal hump, and a bulbous nasal tip.
In such cases, rhinoplasty extends beyond merely altering the external appearance of the nose; the internal structure is equally crucial.
The procedure performed was a preservation rhinoplasty with septoplasty. The objective was to enhance the shape of the nose while simultaneously addressing the septum, which had been impacting her breathing.
A preservation approach involves meticulously working with the existing nasal structure rather than simply excising tissue. The bridge, tip, septum, and overall support of the nose all require integrated consideration.
What has been particularly gratifying in this case is the post-operative feedback from the patient. She expressed continued satisfaction with her result, consistently recommends Mr Wilson, and feels the surgery made a significant difference to her. She also noted that while she occasionally experiences some breathing difficulty, she was informed that her nose had been considerably improved from its initial state.
Such feedback is always valued, as rhinoplasty is a protracted process. The outcome encompasses not only the day of surgery but also the planning, healing, trust, and long-term results.
Patient images and feedback shared with consent.
🏥 Paul Wilson Aesthetics
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol, UK
📞 0117 332 1585 | 07480 125 890
📧 info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#paulwilsonaesthetics #preservationrhinoplasty #septoplasty #rhinoplastybristol #northwoodhospital
Mommy Makeover | Mastopexy + Full Abdominoplasty
After two pregnancies, this patient was left with skin laxity and a change in shape to both her breasts and tummy — despite returning to a stable, healthy weight. She was happy with her breast volume but troubled by the drooping and excess skin, and by the loose skin and stretch marks across her abdomen.
We planned a combined approach:
🔹 Mastopexy (breast uplift) — excess skin removed and the nipple repositioned higher to lift and reshape the breast, while keeping her own natural volume, exactly as she wanted. This uses an “anchor” pattern scar.
🔹 Full abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) — removal of the loose skin and stretch marks below the belly button, with repair of the separated tummy muscles (diastasis recti) that so commonly follow pregnancy.
Because she’s naturally slim and athletic, no liposuction was needed — tightening the muscle separation and removing the skin overhang simply revealed the toned, defined abdomen that was already there. She’s especially delighted with her new core definition. 💪
Every patient and every result is individual. Surgery carries risks, and a full consultation is essential to understand whether a procedure is right for you.
📍 Surgery by Paul Wilson @ Northwood Hospital, Bristol Consultations via the link in bio.
#MommyMakeover #Abdominoplasty #TummyTuck #Mastopexy #BreastUplift PlasticSurgery CosmeticSurgery BristolSurgeon PaulWilsonAesthetics NorthwoodHospital PostPregnancyBody DiastasisRecti
Breast Augmentation
A natural increase in volume — restoring shape after hypomastia
Hypomastia is the medical term for naturally underdeveloped breast tissue. It’s a recognised developmental variation, not a flaw — but for many women it affects how comfortable and confident they feel in their own body.
This patient, a mum of two with a completed family, had thought about augmentation for several years. Her request was simple and one I hear often: a natural, modest increase in volume and improved shape — not a dramatic change. On examination she had reduced upper-pole fullness in both breasts with good underlying symmetry.
Rather than reaching for a number, we planned this properly. Measurements, 2D and 3D imaging morphed to her chosen implant, external sizers tried on in clinic, and a home rice test to let her feel the volume for herself. Her choice: a 275cc round, moderate-profile Mentor micro-textured implant, placed subfascially through an inframammary incision — a plan designed to add soft upper-pole fullness in proportion to her petite frame.
You can see in the lateral and oblique views how the goal was balance, not bulk.
The psychological side matters just as much. In appropriately assessed patients, augmentation for hypomastia is consistently associated with improvements in body image, self-confidence and quality of life — and that outcome means as much to me as the surgical one.
Shared with this patient’s full consent.
Results vary from person to person. This is educational and not a recommendation to undergo surgery — any decision should follow a personal consultation.
📍 Address: 1400 Parkway North, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8YU (Northwood Hospital)
📞 Phone: +44 7480 125890
🌐 Website: paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
🕐 Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
#BreastAugmentationUK #Hypomastia #NaturalResults #PlasticSurgeon #BeforeAndAfter
