Fat transfer can give fullness to the face, improving a gaunt and sunken appearance that occurs with loss of soft tissue volume. It can also be useful in correcting facial contour abnormalities and scars following trauma.
During the procedure, the donor area for harvesting fat is prepared in a similar fashion to performing liposuction and fat transfer.
A long narrow tube is inserted via small incisions to remove the fat. The fat cells are then injected in the treatment area using a fine tube.
Fat transfer can generally be performed as a daycase under local anaesthesia with total intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia if preferred.
You should be realistic in your expectations before deciding on fat transfer.
Know that there is a limit to how much fat can be injected safely.
Due to the unpredictability of the results, the procedure may need to be repeated.
Complications are RARE, but you should be aware of them so that you can make an informed decision about your surgery.
Every operation carries with it the risk of bleeding, infection and delayed healing, but these are very rare in liposuction and fat transfer. There may be skin irregularities.
The scars heal very well in most patients, but please be aware that if you have dark skin, freckly skin or red hair, there is a greater risk of persistent lumpiness and hypersensitivity in the scars. This is known as hypertrophic or keloid scarring.
The recovery period is between 10 days to 4 weeks, depending on the areas treated. You should avoid driving until you are confident you can perform all necessary manoeuvres safely.
Oral painkillers, prescribed following your surgery, will control any discomfort you have.
Our practice nurse will be in close contact by telephone whilst you are recovering at home and you can contact us as often as you wish.
You will usually be seen in the clinic one week and then one month post treatment.
In the longer term, you are welcome to see Mr Ng for a check up at any time and all follow up appointments are free of charge whether they be at 1 month or even 10 years post operatively.