What we can improve.
During your consultation, we distinguish loss of fullness from tissue descent. Adding volume to an area that needs repositioning may not address the issue, so we assess the whole face and skin quality.
We also review donor areas and previous treatments. It is useful to know whether you have fillers, when they were placed and which product was used. The amount and placement of fat are planned to create soft transitions, rather than to increase volume throughout the face.
Options and scars.
Fat is collected through a small liposuction procedure, prepared and placed in controlled amounts. This may be considered on its own or alongside a lift or eyelid surgery when there is volume loss that justifies it.
Some fat does not survive and is reabsorbed. The final volume is therefore not known during the first few days, and another session is sometimes considered. Unlike a resorbable filler, fat requires harvesting and cannot be dissolved in the same way; this difference matters when choosing treatment.
What recovery involves.
The first few days
Expect swelling and possible bruising both in the face and donor area. You will receive care instructions for both. Do not massage or press the facial areas unless advised: each area has its own instructions.
Returning to your routine
Allowing one to two weeks before returning to a highly visible role may be helpful, with longer if combined with other operations. Walking differs from intense exercise; returning to training depends on the extent of treatment and follow-up checks.
How the result develops
Swelling increases the initial volume. The fat that remains is assessed over the following months and can change with weight. It is preferable to wait until this stabilises before deciding whether any area needs further treatment.
Safety and possible risks.
Anatomical knowledge and careful injection are fundamental. Your own fat still carries risks: small lumps, irregularities, differences in volume or areas where fat does not survive can occur, as well as infection or bleeding.
Fat entering a blood vessel can cause serious vascular complications, including effects on vision in certain facial areas. These uncommon risks need explaining alongside the alternatives and the choice of areas to treat. Suitability and technique must prioritise safety; fat should not be presented as risk-free simply because it is your own.
What we will discuss.
- Which areas have lost volume.
- Which fillers or operations you have had before.
- The differences between your own fat and resorbable fillers.
Frequently asked questions.
Is it permanent?
The fat that survives can remain long term, although it changes with weight and ageing. Some of the initial volume is lost during the first few months.
Does it replace a facelift?
Not when tissue descent is the main concern. It can complement a lift when there is also volume loss.
Can it be removed if I do not like it?
It cannot be dissolved in the way some fillers can. Correcting excess volume can be more complex, which is why conservative amounts are advisable.
Keep exploring.
Revisión inicial del contenido: Dr. Luis Martín Suárez · 2026-09-13
Timeframes are a guide. The technique, suitability and aftercare are agreed during consultation according to your case and progress.