What should you know about full face fat transfer?

Fat is collected from a donor area, processed, then placed in small amounts where volume or contour is lacking. Areas may include the cheeks, temples, under-eye hollows, jawline or lips, but the plan depends on facial structure and skin quality. Swelling and bruising can make the early appearance look fuller than the settled result.

Grafted fat may behave differently from untreated tissue, and the final contour can change as healing progresses. This is different from dermal fillers, which use an injectable material, and from lip fillers, which focus specifically on the lips.

Discuss medical conditions, medicines that affect bleeding, smoking, previous facial procedures, allergies and your preferred degree of fullness. Arrange practical help for the early recovery period. Follow instructions about washing, sleeping position, compression and activity; do not massage treated areas unless specifically advised.

Keep follow-up appointments so the surgeon can assess swelling, symmetry, skin colour and healing at both donor and facial sites. Protect incisions and avoid pressure or strenuous activity until cleared.

Call the surgical team for increasing pain, one-sided swelling, fever, drainage, wound separation or skin that becomes unusually pale, dark or cool. Seek emergency help for sudden vision changes, severe headache, weakness, confusion or breathing difficulty after a facial procedure.

Which facial areas need volume, and where will fat be collected? How will you monitor early swelling and asymmetry? What activities and sleeping positions are restricted? What symptoms require urgent review?