When we think of youthful faces, we often picture smooth skin, full cheeks, and balanced contours. Unfortunately, as time goes on, natural fat deposits in the face begin to diminish. This gradual loss of volume is one of the main reasons why the face can take on a hollow, tired, or prematurely aged appearance. Skin elasticity also decreases with age, which can cause features to appear deflated or sunken. Together, these changes often make people look older than they feel.
Thankfully, modern plastic surgery can offer an effective and natural solution. Facial fat grafting, also known as facial fat transfer, uses a patient’s own fat rather than artificial fillers to restore youthful shape and harmony to the face. Because the material comes from your own body, the results typically look and feel more authentic than synthetic options, while also delivering the added benefit of contouring other areas where the fat is harvested.
At his London practice, Consultant Plastic Surgeon Mr William Townley regularly performs facial fat transfer to restore lost volume, soften lines and wrinkles, and bring balance back to the features. By combining his surgical expertise with advanced fat grafting techniques, he consistently creates outcomes that appear refreshed, youthful, and – above all – natural.
Facial Fat Grafting Explained
Facial fat grafting is a refined technique that involves taking fat from one part of the body and repurposing it to rejuvenate the face. Small amounts of fat are gently harvested from a donor area (commonly the abdomen, thighs, or hips) through liposuction. Once collected, the fat is processed and purified so that only the healthiest, most viable cells are used. The purified fat is then carefully reinjected into targeted areas of the face using fine cannulas. Mr Townley applies this step with great precision, layering the fat in small amounts to build natural contours and avoid an overfilled or artificial appearance. Popular treatment areas include the cheeks, lips, chin, temples, and the hollows under the eyes.
Benefits of Facial Fat Transfer
Facial fat transfer has become increasingly popular because it can offer a wide range of advantages that extend far beyond simple wrinkle reduction:
- Restores youthful contours: Facial fullness can be re-established to help the face look refreshed and balanced.
- Reduces lines and hollows: Wrinkles, folds, and under-eye shadows can be softened for a smoother, more rested appearance.
- Enhances skin quality: Fat is rich in regenerative stem cells, which may improve skin texture, hydration, and overall vitality over time.
- Dual benefit: In addition to enhancing the face, fat is removed from donor areas where it is less desirable, subtly reshaping those regions.
- Natural, lasting results: Because the graft uses your own tissue, results should integrate smoothly into the facial structure and often last significantly longer than dermal fillers.
Many patients also notice an added radiance after the procedure, as the restored volume and improved skin quality can give the complexion a naturally healthier, more vibrant glow.
Facial Fat Grafting and Facelift Surgery
Facial fat transfer is highly versatile and is often performed in combination with other procedures to achieve more comprehensive results. Mr Townley frequently incorporates fat grafting into facelift surgery using a technique known as “lift and fill.” In this approach, he repositions underlying tissues and utilises fat transfer to restore volume to hollow areas, creating a complete rejuvenation that addresses multiple aspects of ageing.
Mr Townley is particularly skilled in the deep plane facelift technique, which involves the complex repositioning and tightening of the supportive muscular layers of the face (SMAS) along with the overlying skin. When combined with precise fat grafting, this advanced method can deliver long-lasting, natural results that dramatically enhance confidence.
Additionally, if desired, other complementary procedures – such as neck lift or eyelid lift surgery – can be incorporated into your treatment plan. No matter your goals, Mr Townley aims to ensure that every patient achieves results tailored to their unique facial harmony.
A Natural Way to Restore Youthful Volume
Facial fat grafting is a restorative technique that makes use of your body’s own resources. By carefully harvesting and reinjecting fat, our London Consultant Plastic Surgeon can achieve results that are smooth, natural, and long-lasting.
If you are considering ways to refresh your appearance without relying on synthetic materials, facial fat grafting may be your ideal option. We invite you to contact our London practice to schedule a private consultation and learn more about how this procedure can help you look as youthful as you feel.
Editor’s note: The original version of this blog was posted on 21 January 2018.
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