During a facial fat transfer procedure, fat is typically harvested from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. The fat is then processed and purified before being carefully injected into targeted areas of the face, such as the cheeks, temples, lips, or nasolabial folds. The procedure is performed using local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the treatment.

Recovery time can vary, but generally, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the first week or two following the surgery. The injected areas may initially appear swollen, but this will subside as the swelling resolves. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions, which may include using cold compresses and avoiding strenuous activities.

While some initial improvement will be visible immediately after the procedure, it is normal for the injected fat to undergo some resorption in the weeks following the surgery. However, the surviving fat cells will establish blood supply and provide long-lasting results. The final results of facial fat transfer become more apparent within a few months.