What is facial fat transfer, and how is it performed?

Facial fat transfer involves harvesting and preparing fat from your own body and transferring it to facial areas needing volume. Facial fat injections, autologous fat grafting and lipofilling describe the same general approach.

Fat is first harvested from a suitable site. The prepared tissue is then placed in small amounts in the planned facial areas. The transferred fat needs a new blood supply to survive; some may be lost over time.

Which facial areas can be treated with fat injections?

The chin, cheekbones, cheeks, temples, nasolabial folds and, in suitable people, lips may be assessed. Hollowing at the lower eyelid–cheek junction may also form part of the plan. Not every area needs fat injections.

Chin fat grafting changes soft-tissue volume, not the position of the jawbone. Under-eye hollowing, fat bags, excess skin and pigmentation-related darkness are different concerns. Irregularities may be more noticeable around the eyes, where tissues are thin.

Where is fat taken from, and will that area become slimmer?

I often harvest fat from the abdomen; other areas with sufficient fat may also be used. Donor-site selection depends on available volume, previous surgery and tissue characteristics. No single site can be said to provide better long-term survival for everyone.

Limited fat harvesting for the face alone does not guarantee noticeable slimming of the donor site. Liposuction for body contouring is planned separately. Small access incisions may leave scars; even access near the navel is not completely scar-free.

Anaesthesia, operating theatre and hospital planning

I prefer to perform facial fat injections in an operating theatre. Although local anaesthesia is possible, I prefer a short general anaesthetic for comfort. Anaesthesia is planned according to your health and any combined operations.

My facial fat transfer procedure takes approximately 1–1.5 hours; additional operations change the total time. Some patients can go home after a few hours of observation, while one overnight stay may be appropriate because of general anaesthesia or combined procedures. Discharge depends on the course of surgery and the anaesthetic assessment.

Is facial fat transfer permanent, and how much survives?

Not all transferred fat survives. Fat tissue that continues to live in its new location may provide long-lasting volume. Survival varies by person, site and technique. A single percentage cannot be used as the expected outcome for every facial area.

Anticipating that some fat will be absorbed, I inject somewhat more than the intended lasting volume (overcorrection). Alongside swelling, this can make the face look fuller initially. I plan the amount according to the area's anatomy and tissue characteristics.

Early swelling does not show the retained fat volume. Volume continues to change during the first months; I generally assess the result at 3–4 months. Weight gain or loss and ageing may alter appearance. One session may not be enough, and further fat injections may be needed.

Fat transfer or hyaluronic acid fillers?

Fat transfer uses your own tissue and requires a separate harvesting step. It may be considered for volume needs over larger areas, but retention and longevity are less predictable. Hyaluronic acid fillers use a manufactured product.

The amount of fat that can be injected is not unlimited; anatomy and tissue capacity set limits. Fat grafting cannot be reversed in the same way with the enzyme used to dissolve hyaluronic acid fillers. Unwanted volume or irregularity may require another intervention. Both methods carry risks, including vascular blockage.

About lip fillers (Turkish) →

Can facial fat grafting be combined with a facelift or rhinoplasty?

I can plan fat injections alone or with other operations. During a facelift I assess areas lacking volume; with rhinoplasty I consider the face as a whole and, when appropriate, chin volume.

Fat transfer addresses volume loss. On its own, it does not replace a facelift for significant skin and tissue sagging. The combined duration, recovery and risks of procedures should be considered together.

What do stem cells, microfat and nanofat mean?

Fat tissue contains support cells and stem/progenitor cells as well as fat cells. Possible effects of fat transfer on skin quality are being studied. A particular degree of rejuvenation or tightening cannot be guaranteed for everyone.

Microfat and nanofat may describe different preparation methods and treatment goals. Nanofat is not the same as a conventional volume-restoring fat graft. “Stem-cell enrichment” should not be assumed to be a separate step in every fat injection. The method to be used is explained in your individual plan.

What should you consider before facial fat transfer?

Disclose previous facial operations, fillers, thread lifts, allergies, regular medicines and other conditions. Do not stop blood thinners or prescribed medicines yourself; when needed, planning involves the prescribing doctor. Supplements and herbal products should also be disclosed.

Nicotine can impair fat survival and wound healing. Discuss a cessation plan covering cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and shisha before surgery. Stopping at least four weeks beforehand and avoiding these during recovery is recommended. The anaesthesia team provides preparation and fasting instructions.

Who may not be suitable?

Active cold sores or other infections, uncontrolled diabetes, blood pressure or heart/lung conditions, bleeding problems and significant vascular disease should be assessed first. In people with a high anaesthetic risk, the decision involves the relevant doctors.

For cosmetic facial fat transfer in my practice, you must be at least 18 years old. Cosmetic treatment is postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Facial development, sufficient donor fat and realistic expectations are also assessed.

Swelling, bruising and daily life after facial fat transfer

Swelling, bruising, sensitivity or numbness may affect both the face and donor site. Swelling may become more noticeable during the first 48–72 hours and usually decreases substantially within 1–2 weeks, although it may last longer. A cannula does not completely prevent bruising. The two sides may heal at different rates.

Return to light daily activities depends on your general condition and anaesthetic effects. Visible swelling and the physical demands of your work also affect return to social life or work. Follow your individual plan for strenuous exercise, facial massage or pressure on the treated area.

I do not recommend make-up during the first week after fat injections. Afterwards, it may be considered if access sites have healed and your examination is satisfactory. Showering, dressings and sun protection are planned according to the donor site and any combined operations.

Resting with the head elevated may be advised initially. Use cooling only as instructed; do not place ice directly on the skin. For the first two weeks, protect the face from trauma, firm massage and significant pressure. Whether a donor-site compression garment is needed depends on the amount harvested.

What are the alternatives to fat transfer?

Depending on the concern, options may include hyaluronic acid fillers, facial implants or a face/midface lift. Botulinum toxin for expression lines and methods targeting skin quality do not serve the same purpose as volume transfer.

Choosing no procedure is also an option. Each method has its own limitations and risks; no single method suits everyone better.

Possible risks of facial fat injections

Every medical intervention, procedure and operation carries risks. Death, disability, and temporary and/or permanent unwanted functional and/or aesthetic outcomes may occur.

No medical intervention, procedure or operation guarantees that the patient's desired result or results will be achieved.

Open the headings to read the details. Risks differ in frequency and severity. Harvesting, facial injection, anaesthesia and additional operations are assessed together. The list below does not cover every possibility.

Injection-site and wound-healing risks

Bleeding and haematoma. A collection of blood may require drainage or further surgery.
Infection. An abscess, spreading infection or the need for additional treatment may develop.
Fat necrosis and oil cysts. Firmness, nodules or cysts may develop and require monitoring, drainage or surgery.
Calcification. Calcium deposits and palpable firmness may develop in areas of fat necrosis.
Scars, colour and sensation changes. Noticeable scars, pigment changes, numbness or persistent pain may occur.

Fat retention, symmetry and unwanted appearance

Fat loss and insufficient volume. More volume than expected may be lost, and further sessions may be needed.
Excess volume and irregularity. Excessive fullness or visible or palpable irregularities may develop.
Asymmetry. Existing differences may remain, or new differences in shape may develop.
Further intervention. Correction may be difficult; additional surgery also does not guarantee the desired outcome.

Vascular blockage, vision loss and embolism

Impaired tissue circulation. Vascular blockage can cause skin or tissue loss.
Vision loss. Involvement of blood vessels supplying the eye may cause temporary or permanent vision loss or blindness.
Stroke and brain injury. Fat entering the circulation can cause stroke, permanent disability or death.
Other embolic complications. Fat embolism may cause severe breathing and circulatory problems. Using your own fat does not eliminate these risks.

Risks at the fat-harvesting site

Swelling, bruising and pain. The donor site also has a recovery period, not only the face.
Contour irregularity. Indentations, asymmetry or surface irregularities may occur.
Bleeding, fluid and wound problems. Haematoma, seroma, fluid loss, infection, wound separation or delayed healing may occur.
Scars, colour and sensation changes. Raised or keloid scars, pigment changes or permanent sensory loss may occur.
Injury to nearby structures. Nerve, blood vessel or deeper structure injury may require additional treatment. Risk varies with the area and extent of harvesting.

Anaesthesia and general surgical risks

Anaesthetic and medicine reactions. Severe allergy, airway or breathing problems may occur.
Lung complications. Areas of lung collapse, infection or the need for breathing support may occur.
Local anaesthetic reactions. Dizziness, ringing in the ears, numbness around the mouth and, in severe cases, seizures or abnormal heart rhythms may occur.
Symptoms after anaesthesia. Nausea, vomiting, headache, sore throat or temporary difficulty passing urine may occur.
Heart and circulation problems. Abnormal heart rhythm, heart attack or circulatory arrest may occur.
Blood clots and pulmonary embolism. These may cause temporary or permanent harm, require intensive care or result in death.
Additional procedures. The specific risks of combined operations are assessed separately.

Factors that may increase individual risk

Medical conditions and medicines. Diabetes, heart/lung conditions, immune problems and blood thinners may affect risk.
Nicotine, alcohol and wound healing. Cigarette, electronic cigarette, shisha and alcohol use, and a tendency towards problematic scarring, should be assessed.
Previous procedures and infection. Give complete information about operations, fillers, anaesthetic problems, active infections and allergies.

Which symptoms are emergencies?

For sudden reduced or lost vision, severe eye pain, new weakness of the face, arm or leg, speech or consciousness changes, shortness of breath, chest pain or fainting, call 112 in Türkiye or attend an emergency department. Inform your treatment team immediately as well.

Lip or tongue swelling with breathing difficulty may indicate a severe allergy; seek emergency help. Do not wait for routine follow-up if pain increases or you develop skin pallor or darkening, rapidly increasing swelling, fever, discharge, or new swelling and pain in one leg.

This page does not replace individual examination or the informed consent process. Reading it does not constitute consent to the procedure.

Frequently asked questions about facial fat transfer

Are facial fat transfer and lipofilling the same procedure?

Lipofilling means preparing your own fat and transferring it to an area needing volume. Facial fat injections and autologous fat transfer are other names for the approach.

Where is the fat harvested from?

I often use the abdomen; other suitable areas may be chosen. Previous operations and sufficient available fat matter.

Can a slim person have facial fat grafting?

The available donor sites and required volume are assessed. Very limited donor fat may restrict the treatment plan.

Can someone else's fat be used?

This procedure uses the patient's own fat. Fat from another person is not an alternative within this autologous fat transfer procedure.

Which facial areas can be treated?

Areas such as the chin, cheekbones, cheeks, temples and nasolabial folds may be assessed. Lips and the eye area require separate planning.

Will under-eye fat grafting remove all dark circles?

No. Hollowing, fat bags, excess skin and pigmentation-related darkness are assessed separately. Irregularities and vascular complications are also possible around the eyes.

Can chin fat grafting correct a recessed jaw?

It may change soft-tissue volume but does not move bone or change the bite. Significant skeletal problems need separate assessment.

Can my own fat be injected into my lips?

It may be considered in suitable people. Retention, symmetry and fine contouring vary; the same method does not suit every lip.

Is fat transfer permanent?

Surviving fat can remain for a long time. Ageing and weight changes continue; an unchanged lifelong appearance cannot be guaranteed.

What percentage of the injected fat survives?

There is no fixed percentage. Treatment site, preparation and injection methods, circulation and individual characteristics affect survival.

Will one session be enough?

It may not. After healing has been assessed, another session may be planned for volume loss or an ongoing need.

When does facial fat transfer settle?

Early swelling is not the final volume. Because volume loss and tissue healing continue, the result is generally assessed at 3–4 months.

Why might my face look too full initially?

Alongside swelling, I place somewhat more fat than the intended lasting volume because some is expected to be absorbed (overcorrection). The initial appearance is not the final result.

Will weight gain or loss change the result?

It may. Living fat tissue can change volume with weight, so the appearance should not be assumed to remain fixed.

Is fat transfer or hyaluronic acid filler more suitable?

Treatment area, volume, the need for harvesting, longevity and reversibility are considered together. Both approaches have risks.

Can a fat graft be dissolved?

It cannot be reversed with the same enzyme used for hyaluronic acid fillers. Excess volume or irregularity may require a different treatment and sometimes surgery.

Can as much fat as I want be injected?

No. Tissue capacity and anatomy set limits. Excessive volume may lead to poor survival, irregularities and other problems.

Can it be performed under local anaesthesia?

Yes, but I prefer a short general anaesthetic for comfort. Health and additional procedures influence the anaesthetic plan.

Do you perform it in the consulting room or an operating theatre?

I prefer an operating theatre. Harvesting and injection are planned together as a surgical intervention.

How long do facial fat injections take?

My facial fat transfer procedure takes approximately 1–1.5 hours. Combined operations change the total duration.

Will I need to stay in hospital?

Some people can go home the same day. One overnight stay may be appropriate because of general anaesthesia or additional operations. The decision depends on observation and anaesthetic assessment.

Can it be combined with facelift or rhinoplasty surgery?

Yes. I can plan it with these operations when volume is needed. Its recovery and risks also form part of the overall plan.

Does fat transfer replace a facelift?

It does not produce the same change on its own for significant skin and tissue sagging. Volume loss and sagging are assessed separately.

Will there be bruising and swelling?

There may be. Swelling can become more noticeable during the first 48–72 hours and usually decreases substantially within 1–2 weeks. A cannula does not completely prevent bruising or vascular injury.

When can I return to work and daily life?

Light activities depend on your general condition and anaesthetic effects. Swelling, bruising, work requirements and additional operations affect return to social activities.

When can I apply make-up after facial fat injections?

I do not recommend make-up for the first week. Afterwards, it may be considered if access sites have healed and your examination is satisfactory. Do not apply products to open access sites.

Will the donor area become slimmer too?

Limited harvesting for the face may not noticeably slim the donor area. Body-contouring liposuction is a separate plan.

Are stem-cell treatments or nanofat the same as conventional fat grafting?

They should not be assumed to be the same. Preparation and treatment goals may differ; improving skin quality is different from adding volume.

Is it risk-free because it uses my own fat?

No. Infection, fat necrosis, irregularity and rare but severe vascular complications can occur. Vision loss, stroke and death are also possible risks.

Is there an age limit?

For cosmetic facial fat transfer in my practice, you must be at least 18 years old. Volume needs, general health, the donor area and expectations are also assessed together.

Will facial fat transfer produce perfect symmetry?

Perfect symmetry cannot be guaranteed. Initial differences may remain, and unequal fat survival or healing may create new differences.

Do smoking and electronic cigarettes affect fat survival?

Nicotine can impair fat survival and wound healing. Stopping at least four weeks beforehand and avoiding use during recovery is recommended. Discuss your individual plan.

When might treatment be postponed?

Cosmetic treatment may be postponed for active infection, pregnancy/breastfeeding or uncontrolled medical conditions. Anaesthetic and bleeding risks are assessed separately.

What affects facial fat transfer costs in Antalya in 2026?

Facial fat injection costs depend on treatment areas, harvesting and preparation, anaesthesia, the hospital where surgery is performed and combined operations. Clarify the scope of follow-up and any additional sessions. Your individual plan and fees are discussed after assessment.

References

Operating time, operating-theatre and general anaesthetic preferences, overcorrection, the assessment interval, minimum age, combined procedures and make-up guidance reflect Dr. Onur Serin's practice. The sources below informed the general medical content. The English version follows the current Turkish page. Last updated: 26 October 2026.

The clinical information and risk sections also draw on the Facial Fat Transfer (Fat Injection) Patient Information and Consent Form supplied by the surgeon. Individual aftercare is determined by examination findings.