Difference Between A Facelift And A Facial Fat Transfer

Facelifts and facial fat transfers are procedures commonly discussed in relation to changes in facial volume and skin elasticity. Each approach has distinct purposes and techniques.

Understanding how these procedures work and what they aim to achieve can help provide clarity on their roles in addressing facial changes that occur over time.

What Is A Facelift?

Facelifts, whether traditional or minimally invasive, primarily target sagging skin, wrinkles, and jowls. 

A traditional facelift surgically tightens underlying facial muscles and tissues, while minimally invasive options use thread lifts or lasers to achieve more subtle lifting. 

What Is Facial Fat Transfer?

Facial fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or autologous fat transfer, is a multi-step procedure that involves transferring fat from one part of the body to the face.

Here’s how it works:

1. Harvesting: Your surgeon performs gentle liposuction to remove a small amount of fat from your abdomen, thighs, or hips. The fat contains valuable stem cells, which allow the transferred fat to thrive in its new location.
2. Processing: The harvested fat is purified via a centrifuge, separating the healthy fat cells from other substances.
3. Injection of Fat: Using precise techniques, the surgeon carefully injects the purified fat into targeted areas of your face. These might include the cheeks, under-eye hollows, temples, lips, or other areas where there is a loss of volume.

Facelift Vs. Fat Transfer: Side-by-Side Comparison

*Disclaimer: The information provided in this table is for illustration purposes only. Results vary and no two individuals can expect the same results from either procedure. Consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon registered under the AHPRA system is recommended.

Key Points To Consider

• A facelift involves much more dramatic changes because it requires repositioning the underlying facial tissues and removing excess skin. This procedure focuses on addressing skin laxity and structural changes that occur with ageing.
  
• Facial fat transfer is a procedure where fat from another part of the body is used to add volume to specific areas of the face. It is commonly discussed in relation to changes in facial structure that can occur over time.
  
• Traditional facelifts will need 1-2 weeks of downtime, while recovery from fat transfer is usually 4-6 weeks, depending on the procedure’s intensity. In more complex cases, the recovery period can take months.
  
  It’s important to remember that recovery timelines vary from person to person, and no specific time frame can be guaranteed. Factors such as individual healing, overall health, and the complexity of the procedure will influence recovery times.
  

Facial fat transfers are completed during one session. But if touch ups are needed, the surgeon should not do more than 5-10% of the original volume transferred. This is because injecting too much fat can lead to an unnatural and lumpy appearance. Additionally, some of the transferred fat will have already been naturally absorbed by the body.

When considering options like facelifts or facial fat transfers, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the available procedures and what they aim to address. These procedures may be used for concerns such as changes in skin elasticity or facial volume, but not every option is suitable for every person.

It’s essential to consider practical aspects, such as the downtime associated with these surgeries, and to have an open discussion with a qualified professional about all available options, including non-surgical treatments. 

Before making any decisions, it’s important to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon who can guide you through the available procedures, taking into account your unique facial structure and preferences. 

Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr. Jack Zoumaras in Sydney is available to provide a thorough consultation to help you explore your options and, if necessary, determine that plastic surgery may not be the right choice for you.

It’s important to remember that surgery is not always the best solution, and many non-surgical options or simply accepting natural changes may be more appropriate depending on your individual situation.

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons.

Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:

Level V:  How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.

The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.