Facial fat transfer: what are the side effects?

Written in association with: Ms Monica Fawzy
Published: | Updated: 20/01/2021
Edited by: Laura Burgess

Fat transfer to the face is an effective treatment for replacing lost fat, filling in facial folds and wrinkles and/or reshaping areas of the face. As with any surgical procedure, there is always a small risk, which your plastic surgeon will explain before you undergo treatment.

If you’re doing your research on the possible complications of facial fat transfer, then look no further. One of our specialists Ms Monica Fawzy explains all from her London clinic, including what you need to discuss with your surgeon during your initial consultation.
 

A woman looking at her reflection in the mirror

Are there possible complications?

Roughly up to 50-60% of the initial volume inserted may be lost and a touch-up procedure may be required. Common side effects of a facial fat transfer are bruising and swelling, a feeling of numbness or altered sensation in the fat-filled areas. This is usually temporary. Bleeding and infection are uncommon.

In addition, there is the possibility of minor asymmetry if the volume loss in both sides of the face is not exactly equal. However, if you look closely at any face, including very attractive ones, then you would notice that no two sides are exactly symmetrical.

Lastly, an extremely rare but serious complication of any facial filler injection (including over the counter fillers) is an intravascular injection (injection into a blood vessel), resulting in an embolism, stroke, blindness or skin necrosis (loss of skin).

As far as I am aware, there have been 93 cases of embolism reported worldwide to date. There are technical steps to prevent this, but it is important that anyone considering this procedure is aware of it however small a risk.
 

Are there alternatives to facial fat transfer?

Yes, with regards to volume augmentation, the alternative is facial implants, which allow the promise of a defined volume augmentation in one step (no risk of fat loss before the fat takes). However, the disadvantage is that the patient’s own tissue is not used as with fat, along with its regenerative properties and it brings its own implant-based risks (infection, possible malposition although this is small).

The other alternative is the multitude of over-the-counter fillers. The advantage of fat is the improvement of tissue quality as an added bonus and the fact that the patient’s own tissue is used with a more long-lasting result.

With regards to improving ageing-related tissue quality, the alternative to consider may be medical peels used to remove the outer layer of the skin and promote collagen formation. Lasers are used to tighten the skin, for example in the lower eyelids. In addition, there are more recently developed over-the-counter fillers which hydrate the skin.
 

What should patients ensure they discuss with their plastic surgeon?

As with all plastic surgery, it is essential that the patient and surgeon are on the exact same page with regards to the kind of result the patient wishes to achieve. In patients who wish to reverse age-related changes, it is extremely helpful to bring old photographs along with them to their consultation (with both front and three-quarter views) to give the surgeon an idea of what they would like to achieve.



You can book an appointment with Ms Fawzy via her Top Doctor’s profile here if you would like to discuss your facial fat transfer options.

By Ms Monica Fawzy
Plastic surgery

Ms Monica Fawzy is a renowned consultant plastic surgeon with a private practice based in central London. She specialises in facial rejuvenation procedures (such as face/necklift, facial fat transfer, blepharoplasty, lip lift) and facial reanimation for facial paralysis.  

Her professional journey includes teaching anatomy at the University of Oxford and Guys Hospital, as well as training in various surgical specialties. She became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons in 2006 and pursued specialised training in Plastic Surgery in the East of England. This was complemented by fellowships in craniofacial and aesthetic surgery in Paris, followed by microsurgery in Cambridge. After completing formal training in 2015 and joining the GMC Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery, she expanded her expertise through visits to centres in Europe and the USA.

Monica currently practices reconstructive surgery within the NHS, focusing on head and neck microsurgical reconstruction and facial palsy. She has held leadership roles in patient safety and governance, serving as deputy program director and educational director of the post-graduate training scheme for plastic surgeons in the East of England. Additionally, she authored a popular textbook for trainee plastic surgeons and joined the national team of examiners for the final plastic surgery FRCS (Plast) exam.

Passionate about extending training opportunities globally, Monica has collaborated with surgical charities. She has been actively involved in the leadership team of organisations such as the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). 

In her private practice, Monica primarily focuses on facial rejuvenation surgery and facial palsy reanimation. Offering a comprehensive range of procedures, she tailors surgical plans to achieve natural results, considering each patient's unique facial identity. Her approach involves thorough consultations, during which she listens to concerns and assesses medical, personal, and work circumstances. Surgery is recommended only when she is certain that the patient is a suitable candidate, both physically and psychologically, ensuring they are fully informed about the associated benefits and risks. This commitment to personalised care underscores her dedication to preserving each individual's distinct facial identity.
 

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