Facial Fat Transfer in Turkey

Facial fat transfer, also called facial fat grafting, uses your own fat to restore volume in the face. The surgeon removes a small amount of fat by liposuction, commonly from the abdomen, flanks or thighs, processes it, and injects it through fine cannulas into areas such as the cheeks, temples, under-eye hollows, jawline, lips or folds around the mouth. It is often used to treat age-related volume loss, hollowness or some asymmetries. Some surgeons also use very finely processed fat to try to improve skin quality, although results vary.

Neither option is better for everyone. Dermal fillers are injected without harvesting fat, can be adjusted over time and, in the case of hyaluronic acid fillers, can often be dissolved, but results are temporary. Facial fat transfer can provide longer-lasting volume if the fat survives and uses your own tissue, but it requires liposuction, has a longer recovery, is less predictable and is not easily reversed. Some patients use both at different times. Compare the options in our dermal fillers guide.

Only part of the transferred fat survives, and survival varies between patients and facial areas. Fat that does not develop a blood supply is gradually reabsorbed, so the face may look fuller at first than it will once healing is complete. Final volume usually settles over about three to six months. Technique, fat handling, injection volume, smoking and the recipient area can influence survival. Some patients need a second session to achieve their goal, but overfilling in one session can increase lumps or unevenness.

Good candidates usually have facial volume loss, hollowness or contour irregularities, enough donor fat for liposuction and a stable weight. Common concerns include flattened cheeks, sunken temples, hollow under-eye areas and a less defined jawline. Patients with very thin skin under the eyes need particular caution, because small irregularities may be visible. Smoking and some medical conditions can affect healing. You can compare surgeons who list facial fat transfer and ask where fat would be placed.

Facial fat transfer is often combined with a facelift because the two procedures address different aspects of ageing. A facelift repositions sagging tissue and removes excess skin, while fat transfer restores lost volume in areas such as the cheeks, temples and under-eye region. Combining them may create a more balanced result than lifting alone. It also increases operating time and swelling, so suitability depends on your health and treatment goals. Your surgeon should explain which areas need lifting, which need volume and which need neither.

Facial fat transfer risks include lumps, uneven contours, asymmetry, over- or under-correction, fat necrosis, oil cysts, infection, bruising and prolonged swelling. Visible irregularities are more likely in thin-skinned areas such as under the eyes. A rare but serious risk is injection of fat into a blood vessel, which can block blood flow and, in rare cases, cause skin damage, stroke or vision loss. Donor sites may also bruise or develop contour irregularities. Ask how your surgeon reduces vascular risk and treats lumps.

Facial fat transfer is usually performed as a day case, with swelling and bruising in both the face and liposuction areas. The most visible facial swelling and bruising often settle over about two weeks, although mild swelling can last longer. The face may look overfilled early on. A compression garment may be worn over donor sites, and patients are commonly advised to avoid pressure or massage on grafted areas unless instructed. Final volume becomes clearer over three to six months as fat reabsorption finishes.

Fat that survives after facial fat transfer can remain long term, but results are not guaranteed to be permanent. The face continues to age, bone and soft tissue continue to change, and some volume loss may occur over the years. Transferred fat also behaves like body fat, so weight gain can make grafted areas fuller and weight loss can reduce them. Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve the result. Some patients later choose touch-up fat grafting or other volume treatments.

Patients are commonly advised to plan around 7–10 days in Turkey after facial fat transfer. This allows the surgeon to check the face and donor sites, assess swelling and bruising, and ensure there are no signs of infection or fluid collection before flying. Avoid pressure on grafted areas during travel, follow instructions on sleeping position and compression garments, and walk regularly on long flights. Seek urgent medical advice for vision changes, severe facial pain or skin colour changes. Our flying after surgery guide explains precautions.

Facial fat transfer cost in Turkey depends on the number of facial areas treated, the amount of fat harvested and processed, whether it is combined with a facelift or eyelid surgery, anaesthesia type, operating time, facility and surgeon's fee. Compression garments, medication, follow-up visits, accommodation and transfers may be separate. Because some patients need a second session, ask whether additional grafting is included or charged separately. Request a facial fat transfer consultation for an individual quote.