FACIAL SCULPTING
Over time, the face undergoes numerous changes due to loss of skin elasticity and reduced fat volume. This leads to wrinkles, folds, and sagging in multiple areas, resulting in an aged appearance.
Facial fat grafting, which I prefer to call fat restructuring, involves taking stem cells from some regions of your body and transferring them into the face.
Used alone or in combination with other procedures such as a full facelift or mini facelift, it provides an effective solution to restore a refreshed appearance to a sunken or tired-looking face.
“Fat is actually an injectable substance far superior to any other used in cosmetic medicine, mainly because it delivers a more natural and long-lasting result without any risk of side effects or rejection.”
It can simultaneously address volume loss, wrinkles, dark circles, and skin quality. In some cases, it can even improve the appearance of scars from injuries or acne thanks to its regenerative properties.
UNDERSTANDING THE PROCEDURE
The procedure uses fine cannulas to gently remove fat from areas of your body, usually the abdomen, flanks, or outer thighs.
Once harvested, the fat is processed and purified using my customized techniques to remove unwanted cells and fluids, and maximize the concentration of stem cells, specifically the stromal vascular fraction (SVF).
“It is then carefully injected into certain areas of your face using fine cannulas or needles, following a precise treatment plan to restore volume where it is lacking or to fill wrinkles. This can include the smile lines (nasolabial folds), cheekbones, jawline, chin, lips, and even scars, helping to restore both volume and softness.”
FOR A MORE CONSCIOUS CHOICE
The ideal candidate for this procedure should be in good health and have poor skin quality with noticeable dehydration, prominent wrinkles, hollowed under-eye areas, tired or sunken cheeks, and other concerns affecting the facial contour. A thorough analysis of your facial structure and tissue quality will be performed, as these vary from patient to patient. Typically, patients choosing this procedure are between 20 and 70 years old, although it is often successfully performed on older patients as well.
If you choose to undergo this procedure, you are likely already familiar with non-surgical aesthetic treatments that, over time, have proven effective at addressing signs of aging but have not provided a lasting, natural improvement in your overall facial harmony or skin quality. Over time, factors such as gravity, oxidative stress, genetics, and environmental influences can contribute to a dull, tired, and unbalanced appearance, with noticeable loss of facial fullness and a less-defined profile. During the consultation, we will carefully assess the potential benefits of this treatment for you, both in the short and long term, as well as your motivations for undergoing the procedure.
For some time, you may have wanted to make a lasting change to address an appearance that no longer reflects your radiance and vitality. However, with daily commitments and an increasingly hectic lifestyle, finding the right time can be challenging, often pushing self-care to the bottom of the priority list. Because this procedure is designed to enhance the overall appearance of your face and involves a shorter, easier recovery compared to other surgeries, many patients tend to underestimate the importance of allowing themselves enough time for both body and mind to recover fully. A recovery period of at least 10–15 days is required, after which you can return to your daily activities.
After the procedure, you may experience some swelling and minor bruising, which should start to subside within a few days. The results will be noticeable, revealing a younger, more relaxed face. Over the following months, the regenerative properties of stem cells and growth factors further enhance the outcome by stimulating collagen production and improving tissue hydration. The result can start to be appreciated after the first 3 weeks and will be fully established between 3-6 months after the procedure, although the regenerative process will continue over the following months. We recommend wearing compression garments for approximately 4-6 weeks in the areas where fat was harvested to reduce bruising and swelling and support natural lymphatic drainage. Scars at both the fat harvesting and injection sites on your face are generally imperceptible.
On the day of your procedure, you will be welcomed to the clinic and prepared for treatment. After local anesthesia with sedation or light general anesthesia, fat will be harvested from the selected areas of your body (abdomen, hips, or thighs) and then carefully injected into the areas of the face being treated. The procedure is performed in a safe, sterile environment with all necessary support in place.
The duration of the procedure depends on the extent of the treated areas and the amount of fat to be transferred. On average, it lasts between 1 and 2 hours.
Thanks to anesthesia, you will not feel any pain during the procedure. After the procedure, you may experience mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising in the treated areas, which can be easily managed with prescribed medication.
Swelling and bruising may last for several days or even weeks, but most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days. The final results become apparent after a few weeks, once the transplanted fat has fully integrated with the surrounding tissues.
During recovery, it is essential to avoid trauma to the treated areas, refrain from exposure to intense heat or vigorous massages, and follow our instructions regarding hygiene, medications, and any check-ups.
Fat grafting is generally safe, but, like any surgical procedure, it carries some low risks, including infection, bruising, swelling, minor contour irregularities, or partial fat absorption. Following postoperative instructions carefully helps to minimize these risks.
It is important to know that some of the transplanted fat may be reabsorbed in the months following the procedure, which is why minor touch-ups are sometimes planned to refine the results. A personalized technique and careful handling of the fat help maximize both the longevity and natural appearance of the outcome.
Follow-up appointments are scheduled a few days after the procedure, then again several weeks and months later, to monitor proper fat integration, assess swelling, and ensure healing is progressing without complications.
The team consists of Dr. Elisa Bolletta, the anesthesiologist, and specialized nursing staff. They work together to ensure maximum safety, comfort, and attention to detail during the procedure and throughout the postoperative period.
