What should you know about facial fat grafting procedure?

The procedure has two parts: gentle fat removal from a donor site and placement of prepared fat through small facial openings. It may be considered for hollowing, soft-tissue volume loss, or contour irregularity, including some tear-trough concerns. The surgeon assesses facial structure, skin quality, donor fat availability, and the desired degree of correction. Early swelling and bruising can obscure the shape. Some transferred fat may be absorbed, so the final appearance develops gradually and can be less predictable than a temporary filler result.

Have a detailed consultation covering the donor site, anaesthesia, planned facial areas, photographs, recovery restrictions, and alternatives such as dermal fillers. Share your medical history, allergies, medicines, smoking or nicotine use, and prior facial procedures. Arrange time to rest, keep your head elevated if advised, and avoid pressure or strenuous activity until your surgical team allows it. Follow wound-care instructions and attend the planned review so healing and contour can be checked.

Contact the surgical team for increasing pain, spreading redness, fever, drainage, wound separation, or swelling that changes suddenly. Seek urgent care for trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, severe headache, new weakness, vision changes, or marked one-sided facial swelling. Do not wait for a routine appointment when symptoms are severe or rapidly progressing.

Ask which areas can be treated safely, where fat will be harvested, and how the procedure will be performed. Ask how swelling is managed, when you can return to work or exercise, what degree of change is realistic, and how unevenness or volume loss would be addressed.