What is Facial Fat Grafting?

Facial fat grafting, also known as fat transfer or autologous fat transplantation, is a procedure that restores volume to the face by transferring fat from one part of the body to areas of the face that have lost volume due to aging, weight loss, or genetics. At Nairobi Sculpt Aesthetic Centre, Dr. Mukami Gathariki specializes in this minimally invasive technique to rejuvenate the face, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours, achieving natural, long-lasting results. This procedure is ideal for those seeking a youthful, refreshed appearance without synthetic fillers.

Dr. Mukami harvests fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs, purifies it, and carefully injects it into targeted facial areas such as the cheeks, under-eyes, or temples. The use of the patient’s own fat ensures compatibility and reduces the risk of allergic reactions, providing a safe and effective solution for facial rejuvenation.

Benefits of Facial Fat Grafting

• Natural Results: Uses the patient’s own fat for seamless, organic enhancement that blends with facial features.
• Restored Volume: Fills hollow areas like cheeks, under-eyes, or temples, creating a youthful, plump appearance.
• Improved Skin Quality: Fat transfer can enhance skin texture and radiance due to stem cells in the fat.
• Minimal Scarring: Small incisions for fat harvesting and injection result in nearly invisible scars.
• Long-Lasting Effects: While some fat is reabsorbed, surviving fat cells provide results that can last years or permanently.

Who is a Candidate for Facial Fat Grafting?

Ideal candidates for facial fat grafting include individuals who:

• Are in good overall health with no uncontrolled medical conditions.
• Have facial volume loss, hollow cheeks, under-eye bags, or deep wrinkles due to aging or weight loss.
• Have sufficient donor fat in areas like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks for harvesting.
• Seek a natural alternative to synthetic fillers for facial rejuvenation.
• Are typically aged 18 or older, though suitability depends on individual facial anatomy.
• Have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes, understanding that some fat reabsorption may occur.

During your consultation, Dr. Mukami will assess your facial structure, donor fat availability, and aesthetic goals to determine if facial fat grafting is the best approach for you.

Types of Facial Fat Grafting Procedures

Dr. Mukami customizes facial fat grafting to address specific concerns, targeting various facial areas:

• Cheek Augmentation: Restores volume to hollow or flat cheeks, enhancing facial contours and youthfulness.
• Under-Eye Rejuvenation: Fills hollow under-eye areas to reduce dark circles and a tired appearance.
• Temple Filling: Adds volume to sunken temples for a balanced, rejuvenated look.
• Nasolabial Fold Smoothing: Softens deep lines around the mouth and nose for a smoother appearance.
• Lip Enhancement: Subtly increases lip volume for a fuller, natural look.
• Jawline Contouring: Enhances the jawline for improved definition and facial harmony.

The Facial Fat Grafting Procedure

Facial fat grafting is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure. The process includes the following steps:

1. Consultation: Dr. Mukami evaluates your facial anatomy, donor sites, and goals, creating a personalized treatment plan.
2. Anesthesia: Administered to ensure comfort during fat harvesting and injection.
3. Fat Harvesting: Small incisions are made in donor areas (e.g., abdomen, thighs), and fat is gently extracted using a cannula via liposuction.
4. Fat Purification: Harvested fat is processed to isolate healthy fat cells for transfer.
5. Fat Injection: Purified fat is meticulously injected into targeted facial areas using fine needles, ensuring precise placement for natural contours.
6. Closure: Incisions at donor sites are closed with sutures, and no sutures are typically needed for facial injection sites.
7. Duration: The procedure typically takes 1–3 hours, depending on the number of areas treated and the amount of fat transferred.

Dr. Mukami’s expertise ensures minimal trauma to both donor and recipient sites, promoting faster recovery and optimal fat survival for lasting results.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from facial fat grafting is generally straightforward, with the following timeline:

• First Week: Mild swelling and bruising at donor and facial sites are common, peaking within 2–3 days. Most patients resume light activities within 5–7 days.
• Two Weeks: Swelling and bruising significantly subside, and patients may return to non-strenuous work or social activities. Donor site sutures are typically removed.
• One Month: Most swelling resolves, and initial results become more apparent. Avoid strenuous activities or facial pressure for 4–6 weeks.
• Full Recovery: Final results are visible within 3–6 months as swelling fully subsides and fat stabilizes, with some reabsorption expected.

Dr. Mukami provides comprehensive aftercare instructions, including:

• Applying cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising at both donor and facial sites.
• Avoiding pressure or massage on treated facial areas to ensure fat survival.
• Keeping donor site incisions clean and protected from sun exposure to minimize scarring.
• Maintaining a stable weight to preserve results, as significant weight fluctuations can affect fat volume.
• Attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing and fat retention.

Combining Facial Fat Grafting with Other Procedures

For enhanced facial rejuvenation or comprehensive results, facial fat grafting can be paired with:

• Facelift or Necklift: Combines fat grafting with skin tightening for a youthful, lifted appearance.
• Eyelid Surgery: Enhances the eyes by addressing sagging skin while fat grafting restores under-eye volume.
• Rhinoplasty: Balances nasal proportions with improved facial contours for overall harmony.
• Non-Surgical Treatments: Botox or fillers to refine wrinkles or add subtle volume in areas not treated with fat grafting.

Dr. Mukami will recommend complementary procedures based on your goals and facial anatomy during your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long do facial fat grafting results last? While some fat is reabsorbed (typically 30–50%), surviving fat cells can provide results lasting years or permanently, depending on lifestyle and aging.
• Will I have visible scars? Incisions for fat harvesting are small and placed in discreet areas, and facial injection sites require no sutures, resulting in minimal to no visible scarring.
• Is facial fat grafting painful? Most patients experience mild discomfort at donor and facial sites, managed with prescribed medications. Swelling and tenderness are temporary.
• How much fat is reabsorbed after the procedure? About 30–50% of transferred fat may be reabsorbed within the first few months. Dr. Mukami accounts for this by slightly overfilling during the procedure.
• When will I see the final results? Initial improvements are visible within weeks, with final results appearing within 3–6 months as swelling resolves and fat stabilizes.