Fat grafting (also known as fat injection, fat transfer or lipofilling) involves the removal of fat from one area of the body, for injection into the face. It is used to alter facial contours and correct any depression or irregularities. Dr Sydney Ch'ng conducts fat grafting and transfer procedures in both reconstructive and cosmetic circumstances.
During a facial fat grafting procedure, fat is extracted from one area of the body (usually the abdomen or flank). It is then filtered before it is re-injected into the face, using a small calibre cannula.
Dr Sydney Ch'ng uses fat transfer techniques to help patients address a wide range of concerns on the face - common areas for fat grafting include the temples, lips and cheeks. The fat grafting process will fill volume in compressed areas, but can also fill deep wrinkles, creases, and an underdeveloped jawline. An alternative to dermal filler, facial fat grafting will provide long-lasting results as it's a natural part of the body and the injected cells can live for years.
Dermofat grafting is a different type of procedure that involves cutting out a small piece of fat and overlying skin (usually from the groin crease) and transferring it to the face. Fat grafting, like any filler injection, carries the risks of injury to nerves, inflammation, creating new/further irregularities, and in rare cases, fat embolisation (fat breaking off and traveling in blood stream.
If you’d like to know more about our head and neck, plastic or skin cancer surgical services, or if you have a question for Dr Ch’ng, we’d love to hear from you.