As we age, both men and women can experience a loss in volume of fat content in the face. In the first instance, this may sound like a good thing.
However, each person is unique and such a change around the midface can affect individuals differently, leading to an aged appearance with sunken cheeks and loose, sagging skin around the mid-face and chin area. This can also be caused if the individual has recently experienced significant weight loss. It’s probably not a surprise to you that as we age, usually the most obvious place it shows is our face. Anti-wrinkle injections are popular for getting rid of wrinkles, as are dermal fillers, which can also be used to add volume to different parts of your face.
But there’s another interesting method that’s used these days that not as many people have heard of. It’s called fat grafting and it has quickly become a popular method for creating fullness in various areas of the face. Dr Joseph Rizk in Sydney has many years of experience in fat transfer procedures and can guide you to find out if facial fat transfer is right for you. He and his team of cosmetic surgery professionals will take all of your desires and needs into account as they help you find the younger look you’re looking for.
The goal of facial fat transfer is to create a natural-looking shape that compliments your facial structure and natural beauty. This is done by harvesting donor fat from other parts of your body — usually from the stomach or thighs — and transferring that fat to the face.
To rejuvenate your face and regain your youthful appearance once again, fat can be transplanted into the mid-section of the face. The amazing results of fat contouring are noticeable immediately as the face is volumised and tightened, restoring what time may have taken away over the years and giving you a healthy, vibrant glow.
The best candidates for Sydney facial fat grafting treatments are people who are otherwise in overall good health. They don’t have any serious medical conditions that can make surgery or recovery difficult like heart problems, diabetes, or any infection. Also, good candidates are non-smokers and generally have healthy skin with good elasticity and resilience. Perhaps you’ve lost a large amount of weight recently, but you’re now at a stable weight where you plan to stay.
If after you’ve made all that progress, you now are in a good place mentally and have healthy, realistic expectations for your surgery, you may be an excellent candidate. Dr Rizk advocates the National Law and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) guidelines that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Face contouring surgery — also known as “fat grafting” or “fat transfer” — to the face is becoming an increasingly popular option as it is less invasive than a full facelift, and it gives the patient a more natural-looking result.
The procedure to transfer and graft fat to the face is minimally invasive, considerably less painful, and leaves no scars. Whereas facelifts can often involve implants in the cheeks or jaw, facial fat transfer uses only your body’s tissue, so there is no chance of rejection.
The fat being moved is already a part of your body, this procedure just moves it from one area with excess to another area that doesn’t have enough. Facial fat grafting can help with several negative aspects your face can take on when you’ve lost significant weight recently, including:
We strive to deliver the best facial fat transfer Sydney has to offer, and every procedure Dr Rizk performs is fully customized to the specific needs of each patient. So you will be able to work with him to craft the ideal surgery plan for you. And don’t worry — your comfort is key, so Dr Rizk will be happy to address any concerns or questions you have along the way to give you peace of mind.
How it works is that some fat is first grafted from your abdomen or thighs. Dr Rizk will consult with you to find the parts of your body with sufficient excess fat that can be used as a “donor” site and then you will select one together.
Usually, only a small amount of fat is needed, so removing it is unlikely to make a detrimental impact on the donor area. We know you’ve worked hard to get your body into the shape it is, so Dr Rizk knows it’s important not to upset that balance. Once the fat is removed from your body by syringe, it’s then injected into the areas of your face that you want to augment. Dr Rizk will probably use a topical or regional anesthetic, depending on the area you plan to have treated.
He will use the syringe to inject the transplanted fat into the desired areas, often utilizing multiple injection sites to ensure the fat is evenly distributed over the region. This allows for optimal results of a more natural-looking appearance. After all of the injections have been made, Dr Rizk will then apply medication and light bandages to protect the treated areas. Because he will use only topical or regional anesthetic, you will have no issues with grogginess or disorientation after your procedure.
Because only a relatively light anesthetic is used, you’ll be able to go home the same day as your fat transfer face grafting procedure. You can expect there to be some swelling and bruising in the treated areas, and they may be sore or tender for a few days.
Allow a week or two for the swelling and discoloration to completely subside, and make sure to protect the skin on your face from stress and exposure to sunlight. Before you leave the clinic after your surgery, Dr Rizk will provide you with any prescriptions necessary along with instructions to properly care for your newly rejuvenated face.
During your recovery, you may notice some minor changes in your appearance. This is normal, as it reflects the settling of the transplanted tissue and the adjustment of your facial skin to its new shape. Also, sometimes re-grafting is needed.
After the first treatment, a percentage of the grafted fat will undergo reabsorption, which sometimes necessitates additional procedures. Often your surgeon will initially inject a larger quantity than needed in anticipation of losing some volume over time.
Dr Rizk will also schedule any follow-up visits as needed to check on your recovery process. Because of the unique nature of your body, know that your results may vary depending on your skin condition. In the meantime, make sure to follow his instructions for aftercare very closely to ensure optimal results.
You will notice a significant difference in the health of your appearance after the swelling and discoloration have faded away. After a month or so, you should be able to appreciate your final results.
Where you had sharp features before, you will now see more graceful contours, and a sunken, hollow visage has been replaced by a healthy, natural glow. Keep in mind that ongoing care of your face is critical to maintaining your results. You should continue your skincare and sun protection habits, and work diligently to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.
In terms of facial surgery, Dr Rizk offers a variety of procedures. These include:
Learn more about facial fat transfer surgery procedures in Sydney with a consultation with Dr Joseph Rizk
If you’re looking to reduce the effect that aging has on your face, then fat grafting could be a smart option for you. To find out, contact our Sydney plastic surgery clinic today. You can do so by filling out the consultation form on this page, or you can give us a call on 1300 707 007, Monday – Friday, 9.00 am – 5.00 pm.
Meet Dr Rizk
Dr Joseph Rizk became Australasia’s plastic surgeon of the year by making sure that each patient is heard, respected, and treated well. His patient-first approach provides you with the accurate medical information you need to make informed decisions about your course of treatment. At the same time, he offers his decades of knowledge and experience to help you along your path.
DOUBLE BAY, Suite 3.01, Level 3, 451 New South Head Road, Double Bay NSW 2028
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
Dr Rizk recommends that you seek out a second opinion from another qualified healthcare provider before undertaking any cosmetic procedure. In accordance with the National Law and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) guidelines, any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks, so a second opinion is advised.
