Dr Scott J Turner is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) practising in Sydney and Brisbane with over a decade of experience specialising in facial aesthetic surgery. At his clinics, Dr Turner offers facial fat grafting procedures for patients seeking to address age-related volume loss or to restore facial fullness and improve contours.
Facial fat grafting uses your own fat tissue, harvested from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, to replenish volume in the face. This surgical technique addresses the natural deflation of fat pads that occur with ageing, helping to smooth deep folds, fill hollow areas, and restore structure to the cheeks, temples, and under-eye region.
Facial fat grafting, also known as autologous fat transfer, involves harvesting fat cells from a donor site on your body—typically the abdomen, flanks, or thighs—and transferring them to areas of the face that have experienced volume loss. This surgical technique uses your own tissue, which eliminates concerns about allergic reactions or material compatibility.
Facial Anatomy and Age-Related Changes
The face contains two distinct layers of fat pads that provide structure and definition:
Superficial fat pads sit just beneath the skin in areas including the forehead, temples, cheeks, and around the eyes
Deep fat pads are located closer to bone and muscle, providing foundational support in the midface and orbital regions
As we age, both layers undergo atrophy and descent. Superficial fat pads shrink and migrate downward due to gravity and reduced skin elasticity, resulting in flattened cheeks, hollowing under the eyes, and pronounced nasolabial folds. Deep fat pads also diminish, contributing to a gaunt or sunken appearance in the midface and temples.
Technical Approach
Facial fat grafting addresses these changes through a three-stage process:
Harvesting: Fat is extracted using gentle liposuction techniques designed to preserve cell viability
Purification: The harvested fat undergoes centrifugation and cleansing to isolate healthy, viable fat cells
Injection: Purified fat is carefully placed into targeted facial areas using fine cannulas and a layering technique
Treatment Areas
Common areas treated with facial fat grafting include:
Cheeks and midface
Under-eye hollows (tear troughs)
Nasolabial folds
Temples
Jawline
Lips
Chin
Forehead
Comparison to Other Techniques
Unlike temporary dermal fillers that require repeated treatments, facial fat grafting uses your own tissue and can provide longer-lasting results. The procedure also contains stem cells that contribute to improved skin texture. However, not all transferred fat cells survive the grafting process—typically 60-70% integrate successfully—which means some patients may benefit from additional sessions to achieve their desired outcome.
Am I a Suitable Candidate?
Ideal Patient Characteristics
Suitable candidates for facial fat grafting typically:
Are in good overall health without medical conditions that impair wound healing
Have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes
Maintain a stable weight
Have sufficient fat reserves in donor areas for harvesting
Experience facial volume loss or wish to enhance facial contours
Medical Considerations
Patients should disclose their complete medical history, including any medications, supplements, or underlying health conditions. Certain medical issues may affect surgical planning or recovery.
AHPRA Requirements
As of July 1, 2023, patients seeking cosmetic surgery in Australia must undergo a psychological assessment to ensure they are suitable candidates for surgery. This assessment helps determine emotional readiness and confirms realistic expectations.
Benefits of Facial Fat Grafting
Uses your own tissue, eliminating foreign material concerns
Can provide long-lasting results once integrated
Addresses multiple facial areas simultaneously
Minimal visible scarring due to small incisions
Provides body contouring benefits at the donor site
Contains stem cells that may enhance skin quality
How is Facial Fat Grafting Performed?
Facial fat grafting is performed under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited private hospital facility in Sydney, with continuous monitoring by a qualified anaesthetist throughout the procedure. The surgical duration typically ranges from 60 minutes, depending on the specific technique employed and whether additional procedures are performed concurrently.
Incision Locations and Approach
Small incisions (typically 3-4mm) are made at the donor site for fat harvesting and at strategic points on the face for fat injection. These incisions are placed to minimise visibility.
Step-by-Step Overview
Harvesting Phase: Fat is collected from the predetermined donor site using specialised liposuction cannulas designed to minimise trauma to fat cells
Processing Phase: The harvested fat undergoes centrifugation to separate viable fat cells from blood, oils, and other fluids. Only the healthiest fat cells are selected for transfer
Injection Phase: Using fine cannulas, the surgeon carefully injects small amounts of purified fat into multiple tissue planes. This layering technique promotes even distribution and optimal cell survival
Final Assessment: The surgeon evaluates facial symmetry and volume distribution before completing the procedure
Recovery and Aftercare
Facial fat grafting is typically performed as a day procedure, with most patients discharged the same day. Swelling and bruising at both the donor and facial sites are expected, peaking around days 2-3 before gradually improving. During the first week, patients should sleep with their head elevated, apply cold compresses as directed, and avoid strenuous activity. Most visible swelling and bruising resolve within 2-3 weeks, and patients can generally return to normal activities at the two-week mark. Sun protection is important during the healing period.
Final results become apparent over 3-6 months as swelling fully resolves and the transferred fat establishes a blood supply. Approximately 60-70% of grafted fat typically integrates successfully, with results varying based on individual healing, overall health, and lifestyle factors. Smoking, significant weight fluctuations, and sun exposure can all affect outcomes. Dr Turner schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing and assess progress, with the first appointment typically occurring within one week of surgery. Some patients may choose a second grafting session to achieve additional volume if desired.
Risks and Complications
All surgical procedures carry inherent risks, and understanding these potential complications allows patients to make informed decisions. General surgical risks include infection at incision sites, bleeding or haematoma formation, adverse reactions to anaesthesia, scarring (typically minimal with this procedure), and nerve injury, which is usually temporary. Procedure-specific risks include fat reabsorption, in which some transferred fat cells do not survive; fat necrosis, in which cells may die and form firm lumps or cysts; asymmetry from uneven fat reabsorption; contour irregularities; calcification within transferred fat tissue; and poor integration with surrounding tissue.
These risks are minimised through thorough pre-operative medical assessment, sterile surgical technique in accredited facilities, gentle fat harvesting to preserve cell viability, and precise injection using small amounts in multiple layers: comprehensive post-operative care instructions and regular follow-up monitoring further support safe outcomes. Patients should contact Dr Turner’s rooms immediately if they experience signs of infection, such as fever, increased pain, redness or discharge, excessive swelling on one side of the face, severe or worsening pain not controlled by prescribed medication, or any other concerns about their recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fat cells that successfully integrate into facial tissues can remain permanently, making facial fat grafting a longer-lasting option compared to temporary dermal fillers. However, approximately 60-70% of transferred fat typically survives the grafting process, with the remainder being naturally reabsorbed by the body during the initial healing period. Once established with a blood supply, these surviving fat cells behave like normal facial fat and remain stable over time. Results can last many years, though natural aging continues, and the face will change accordingly. Significant weight fluctuations may also affect appearance, as transferred fat cells respond to weight gain and loss just as other fat cells in your body do.
Incisions for both fat harvesting and injection are small, typically measuring 3-4mm, and are strategically placed in inconspicuous locations. At the donor site, incisions are usually hidden within natural body creases or areas covered by clothing. On the face, injection points are made using fine cannulas that leave minimal marks. Scarring is typically minimal and fades considerably over time, often becoming barely noticeable within several months. Proper wound care during recovery and sun protection can help optimise scar healing. Dr Turner will discuss incision placement during your consultation so you understand where any marks may be located.
Yes, facial fat grafting is frequently performed alongside other facial procedures to achieve comprehensive results in a single surgical session. Common combinations include facelift surgery, where fat grafting restores volume while the facelift addresses skin laxity and deeper tissue repositioning. Brow lift and eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) are also often combined with fat grafting to address multiple signs of facial aging simultaneously. Combining procedures can reduce overall recovery time compared to separate operations and allow Dr Turner to take a holistic approach to facial aesthetics. During your consultation, Dr Turner will assess whether combining procedures is appropriate for your individual goals and medical circumstances.
Transferred fat cells respond to weight changes exactly like other fat cells in your body, because they are living tissue that has been relocated rather than a synthetic filler. Significant weight gain may cause these cells to enlarge, potentially increasing facial volume in the treated areas. Conversely, substantial weight loss may reduce facial volume as the transferred fat cells shrink along with fat cells elsewhere in your body. For this reason, maintaining a stable weight helps preserve the results of your procedure over the long term. Patients are advised to be at or near their goal weight before undergoing facial fat grafting. Minor weight fluctuations within a normal range are unlikely to affect your results dramatically.
Once integrated, transferred fat feels completely natural because it is your own living tissue rather than a synthetic substance. The fat blends seamlessly with surrounding facial tissue, providing a soft texture that moves naturally with facial expressions. Unlike some synthetic fillers that can feel firm or create visible discolouration known as the Tyndall effect, fat grafting produces results that are indistinguishable from your natural facial fat. Patients and others typically cannot feel or detect that a procedure has been performed once healing is complete. The naturalness of the result is one of the primary reasons patients choose fat grafting over repeated filler treatments. This integration occurs gradually as the transferred fat establishes a blood supply and settles into position over several months.
Fat tissue contains stem cells and growth factors that may contribute to improved skin texture, hydration, and overall appearance in treated areas. Many patients report that their skin appears healthier and more supple following fat grafting, beyond just the volumising effects. Research suggests that the regenerative properties of fat-derived stem cells may stimulate collagen production and improve skin condition. This potential dual benefit of restoring volume and improving skin quality makes fat grafting an appealing option for facial aging concerns. However, individual results vary, and the degree of skin improvement differs between patients. Dr Turner can discuss realistic expectations for both volume and skin quality outcomes during your consultation.
Most patients achieve satisfactory results with a single facial fat grafting procedure, particularly when addressing moderate volume loss. However, because some fat reabsorption occurs during the healing process—with approximately 60-70% of grafted fat surviving long-term—additional sessions may be beneficial in certain circumstances. Patients seeking more substantial volume restoration or those who experienced greater reabsorption than typical may choose a second procedure. Dr Turner intentionally accounts for some reabsorption when planning the initial procedure, though individual healing responses vary. Follow-up appointments allow Dr Turner to assess your results and discuss whether additional grafting would be beneficial. Any subsequent procedures are typically performed after the initial results have fully stabilised, usually at least six months following the first treatment.
Facial fat grafting is a surgical procedure that uses your own tissue harvested from donor areas, while dermal fillers are non-surgical injectable products made from synthetic or naturally derived materials, such as hyaluronic acid. Fat grafting requires general anaesthesia, operating theatre facilities, and a recovery period, whereas fillers are performed in-clinic with minimal downtime. The key advantage of fat grafting is its potential for longer-lasting results once the transferred fat integrates, compared to fillers which typically require repeat treatments every 6-18 months. Fat grafting also feels more natural and carries no risk of allergic reaction since it uses your own tissue. However, fillers offer the convenience of immediate results and no surgical recovery. Dr Turner can help you determine which approach best suits your goals, lifestyle, and the degree of volume loss you wish to address.
Yes, facial fat grafting is equally suitable for men experiencing volume loss or seeking facial improvement. The procedure is adapted to respect and enhance masculine facial features, maintaining appropriate angularity and definition rather than creating a feminised appearance. Men commonly seek fat grafting to address hollow cheeks, sunken temples, and deep facial folds that can create a tired or aged appearance. The technique and injection patterns are tailored to male facial anatomy and aesthetic goals. Male patients follow the same general recovery timeline and experience similar results to female patients. During consultation, Dr Turner will discuss your specific concerns and ensure the treatment plan aligns with your desired masculine aesthetic.
There is no specific ideal age for facial fat grafting, as suitability depends on individual factors rather than chronological age alone. Younger patients may seek the procedure to enhance facial contours or address naturally hollow areas, while older patients typically wish to restore volume lost through aging. The most important considerations are your facial anatomy, degree of volume loss, overall health, skin quality, and aesthetic goals. Older patients with good health and sufficient fat reserves can benefit from the procedure, though skin elasticity may affect how results appear. Similarly, younger patients must have realistic expectations about what volume restoration can achieve. Dr Turner assesses each patient individually during consultation to determine whether facial fat grafting is appropriate for their specific circumstances.
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Individual results will vary from patient to patient and depend on factors such as genetics, age, diet, and exercise. All invasive surgery carries risk and requires a recovery period and care regimen. Be sure you do your research and seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon before proceeding. Any details are general in nature and are not intended to be medical advice or constitute a doctor-patient relationship.
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If you would like to discuss your concerns and treatment options, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr Scott J Turner. During your consultation, Dr Turner will assess your individual needs, explain suitable surgical approaches, and discuss potential risks and benefits to help you make an informed decision.
