What can this procedure address?
Facial fat grafting, also called facial lipofilling or fat transfer, is surgery that moves a small amount of your own fat from a donor area to facial regions where additional volume may be appropriate. Age-related fat loss can create hollowing and shadows; treatment aims to soften selected volume deficits while preserving individual facial features. It is not a substitute for lifting loose skin.
Benefits of Facial Fat Transfer
- Using your own tissue may soften selected volume loss and produce a natural-feeling contour without a synthetic filler product.
- The goal is balanced volume rather than an overfilled appearance.
- Fat that establishes a blood supply may remain long term, but ageing and weight changes continue to affect facial contours.
- Using your own fat does not eliminate surgical or injection risks.
- Your plan focuses on natural-looking volume and balance, with fat retention and skin response varying during healing.
Your Facial Fat Transfer Procedure
Facial fat grafting is usually an outpatient procedure. Anaesthesia and the surgical plan depend on the treatment extent and any combined surgery.
- Fat harvesting: A small amount of fat is removed by liposuction from a suitable donor area, such as the abdomen or thighs.
- Fat preparation: The harvested tissue is processed to prepare it for transfer.
- Precision placement: Prepared fat is placed in small parcels in selected facial tissue planes using fine cannulas. The amount and placement depend on anatomy and the intended contour.
Conservative placement aims to maintain facial balance. Some transferred fat is expected to be resorbed despite careful technique, and an additional session may be needed.
Am I a Good Candidate?
- Candidates need a defined volume concern, sufficient donor fat, realistic expectations and health suitable for surgery.
- Consultation considers skin quality, facial anatomy, previous fillers or surgery, smoking, medication and conditions that affect healing.
Preparing for Facial Lipofilling
Discuss your goals, medical history, previous facial treatments and all medicines or supplements. Follow the team's instructions about nicotine, fasting and medication; do not stop prescribed treatment yourself. Arrange transport and support after sedation or general anaesthesia.
Treatment Options
Areas Commonly Treated With Facial Fat Transfer
- Cheeks and midface
- Temples
- Selected under-eye hollows (tear troughs)
- Nasolabial folds and marionette lines
- Selected lip or jawline contour concerns
- Not every line, dark circle or eye bag is caused by volume loss.
- Delicate areas require careful assessment because suitability and injection risks differ by location.
Fat Grafting or Dermal Fillers
- Fat grafting: Uses your own tissue and requires liposuction. Surviving fat may persist long term, but retention is unpredictable and further treatment may be needed.
- Dermal fillers: Use an injectable product without a donor-site procedure. Duration, reversibility and risks depend on the product and treatment area.
- Combined surgery: Fat transfer may accompany a facelift, neck lift, rhinoplasty or eyelid surgery when assessment supports a combined plan. Each procedure addresses a different concern, and combining surgery changes recovery and risk.
Facial Fat Transfer Before and After
Would you like to see more before-and-after results? Please contact our Patient Coordinator for a private consultation.
Cost of Facial Fat Transfer in Dubai
Every procedure is uniquely tailored to your anatomy and goals. Costs depend on the surgical approach, complexity, anaesthesia, facility requirements, and any combined procedures.
Your personalised quotation is provided after an initial consultation with Dr. Bouraoui Kotti.
Why Choose Dr. Kotti
Your goals deserve expert care and a personal approach. Dr. Bouraoui Kotti is an EBOPRAS-certified Consultant Plastic Surgeon (MD, PhD) with over 20 years of international experience, practising at Seline Clinic in Dubai. His approach puts your priorities at the heart of your treatment:
- Personalised consultations that give you space to ask questions and understand your options
- Individual treatment planning focused on natural-looking balance and your goals
- Careful surgical planning with attention to your anatomy, safety and realistic expectations
- Clear recovery guidance and attentive support after your procedure
