Facial Fat Injections (Fat Grafting) in Sydney
Technical Explanation of the Procedure
Facial fat grafting in Sydney, also known as facial fat injections or fat transfer, is a procedure used to restore facial volume using a patient’s own fat. Over time, facial ageing often involves volume loss in areas such as the cheeks, temples, and under the eyes. As a result, the face may appear more hollow, tired, or less supported. For the appropriate patients, facial fat grafting can restore soft facial contours and make the face look more balanced overall. For this reason, facial fat transfer can be particularly helpful for patients with age-related volume loss or medication-associated weight loss, including those seeking Ozempic face treatments.
A/Prof Tim Papadopoulos (FRACS) tailors facial fat injections to individual anatomy and goals. During consultation, Dr Tim assesses facial structure, patterns of volume loss, skin quality, and donor-site availability. He then discusses technique options, recovery, risks and realistic expectations as part of informed consent. Importantly, outcomes vary between individuals. In addition, Dr Tim may discuss related structural procedures such as chin augmentation or facial implants when facial balance and definition require more than volume restoration alone.
How Facial Fat Grafting Works
Facial fat transfer involves three key stages: harvesting, processing, and reinjection. Because fat grafting is technique-sensitive, meticulous handling of the fat is essential.
1) Fat harvesting
Dr Tim gently removes fat from a donor area using liposuction (see facial liposuction for facial contouring options where appropriate).. Common donor sites include:
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abdomen
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flanks
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thighs
He selects the donor area based on body anatomy and surgical planning.
2) Fat purification/processing
Dr Tim processes the harvested fat to separate viable fat tissue from fluids and impurities. This step improves graft quality and supports more consistent fat placement.
3) Fat injection into the face
Dr Tim injects purified fat using fine cannulas and controlled placement. He layers the fat carefully to restore volume while maintaining natural contour. Common treatment areas include:
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cheeks
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temples
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under-eye hollows (tear trough region)
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nasolabial folds
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jawline and lower face (selected patients)
Depending on anatomy, Dr Tim may also discuss definition-enhancing options such as lip augmentation when volume loss affects the perioral region.
Why Patients Choose Facial Fat Injections
Facial fat grafting uses the patient’s own tissue. Therefore, it can be an effective option for patients who:
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want longer-term volume restoration
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prefer an alternative to dermal fillers
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seek facial balance using a structural approach
Fat grafting can also be combined with facial surgery, such as a facelift or eyelid surgery, in selected patients. Furthermore, Dr Tim may recommend contouring procedures such as buccal fat pad removal for selected patients where cheek fullness—not volume loss—drives facial shape concerns.
Tailored Planning and Expected Outcomes
Facial fat grafting aims to restore volume and improve contour. However, fat survival varies between individuals. For this reason, Dr Tim discusses realistic expectations, potential need for staged treatment, and long-term planning during consultation.
Suitability for facial fat grafting in Sydney is confirmed during consultation.
Disclaimer:
All surgical procedures carry inherent risks. The information provided here is general in nature and should not be used as a substitute for an in-person consultation with a qualified specialist. Individual outcomes vary based on anatomy, healing, and adherence to post-operative care. A/Prof Tim Papadopoulos will discuss the potential risks, benefits, and realistic expectations during your consultation.
Safety, training and professional standards
A/Prof Tim Papadopoulos is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) and is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). He is also a member and Past President of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).
Patients can also consult the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) for information on surgical training and standards.
