Facial Fat Transfer Surgery | Melbourne

As we age the body can experience changes such as reduced collagen production, decreased skin elasticity, and a gradual loss of volume in certain areas. These changes can affect overall facial appearance, leading to flatter cheeks, hollow temples and less definition in the chin and jawline. While these factors are part of the ageing process, some individuals may consider Fat Transfer to Face surgery as one of the surgical options available to address these concerns.

Dr. Gary Kode, Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon offers a highly personalised approach to increasing facial volume through fat transfer to face surgery.

What is Fat Transfer to the Face and Chin?

Fat transfer to the face and chin involves using a patient’s own fat cells to restore volume in areas where it has been naturally depleted. Unlike synthetic dermal fillers, autologous fat is harvested, carefully purified, and strategically reinjected to enhance contours and support facial balance.

The procedure typically involves two distinct stages: harvesting fat through liposuction from a donor area (such as the abdomen or thighs), and reinjecting the prepared fat into the cheeks, jawline, chin, temples, or under-eye regions. This technique aims to integrate the grafted fat into existing tissue, creating softer, more natural contours.

By personally performing every stage of the fat transfer process, Dr. Gary Kode ensures that meticulous attention is applied to fat handling, volume placement, and aesthetic balance — key elements that contribute to optimised outcomes for his Melbourne patients.

Why do people consider Fat Transfer to Face Surgery?

Over time, ageing, weight fluctuations and/or genetic factors can contribute to changes in facial appearance. Fat Transfer surgery is considered by some patients who wish to address concerns such as:

• Loss of volume in the cheeks, temples, or under-eye area.
• A desire for a fuller or more balanced facial appearance.
• Interest in using their own tissue instead of synthetic options.
• To provide a more comprehensive result to other facial procedures, such as Facelift surgery.

It is important to note that the decision to undergo Fat Transfer Surgery is highly individual and suitability is assessed during a consultation with Dr Kode.

Am I a Suitable Candidate for Fat Transfer Surgery?

While each patient is assessed individually, suitable candidates for Fat Transfer to Face surgery often share some of the following characteristics:

• They have noticeable volume loss or changes in facial appearance.
• They are in good general health, without conditions that could impair healing.
• They are non-smokers or willing to stop smoking before and after surgery as recommended.
• They have adequate fat. In other words, patients must have sufficient fat available for harvesting.
• They understand the risks, potential benefits, and limitations of the procedure.
• They have realistic expectations about outcomes. Patients must understand that surgical outcomes vary and that not all transferred fat will survive. Secondary/revision procedures may be necessary.

Dr Gary Kode will conduct a thorough consultation to determine if a patient is suitable for the procedure. He also makes sure patients understand the procedure’s potential benefits, limitations and risks.

Fat Transfer to Face: What’s involved with the procedure?

Dr Kode performs all aspects of the procedure himself, from consultation, through surgery and follow-up care. Although each procedure is tailored to the individual patient the procedure typically involves the following steps:

Consultation and Planning

At the initial consultation in his Melbourne practice, Dr. Kode conducts a detailed evaluation of the patient’s facial anatomy, listens to their aesthetic concerns, and discusses potential treatment options. Photographic analysis and anatomical assessments help shape a personalised surgical plan that identifies the target areas for fat placement and donor sites for harvesting.

Day of Surgery/Anaesthesia

Fat Transfer to Face surgery is generally performed under general anaesthesia, although the type of anaesthesia may vary depending on individual factors and the extent of the procedure. The most appropriate option will be discussed with you during your consultations, and confirmed prior to surgery. On the day of your procedure, the anaesthesia will be administered by a qualified anaesthetist

Fat Harvesting

Fat is collected using liposuction techniques. A fine cannula and low suction pressures are used to limit trauma to the fat cells and help maintain their viability. Donor areas are selected according to your body proportions. Donor sites may include the abdomen, flanks, and thighs.

Filtration and Preparation

Once collected, the fat is processed to separate viable fat cells from blood, fluid and damaged tissue. This step makes sure only suitable fat cells are prepared for reinjection, which supports higher long-term survival of the grafted fat.

Volumisation

The purified fat is then strategically placed into the face and chin using fine microcannulas. Dr Kode employs a multi-layered approach, depositing microdroplets of fat in different tissue planes to achieve an optimal result. Each layer is placed strategically, building volume gradually to achieve the desired result.

Before and After Fat Transfer to Face Surgery

Before and after photographs can provide helpful insight into potential outcomes, Dr Gary Kode does not currently display photographs online for Fat Transfer to Face surgery. However, photographs are available for viewing during your private consultation.

Disclaimer: Images are provided for informational purposes only. Individual results can vary depending on factors such as age, skin quality, medical history and the specific surgical approach used. These images are not a prediction of your personal outcome. The decision to undergo surgery should be made in consultation with a qualified specialist who can assess your individual circumstances.

Recovery and Aftercare Following Fat Transfer Surgery

Post-operative care is essential for optimal recovery and fat graft survival. Patients undergoing fat transfer face and chin surgery with Dr. Gary Kode in Melbourne can expect:

• Swelling and bruising: Most swelling and bruising peak within 48–72 hours after surgery and improve steadily over two to three weeks. Swelling may persist at a low level for several months as tissues settle.
• Mild discomfort: Some tenderness at both donor and recipient sites is normal and managed effectively with prescribed pain medication.
• Activity guidelines: Light activities and walking can usually be resumed within the first week. More strenuous exercise should be avoided for 4–6 weeks to protect grafted fat.
• Head elevation: Sleeping with the head elevated helps reduce facial swelling during early recovery.
• Avoiding facial pressure: Patients are advised to avoid direct pressure on the face during the healing period to support fat survival.

The final results may take several months to fully develop as transferred fat establishes its blood supply. Some resorption of fat is expected and in certain cases, a secondary procedure may be required to achieve the desired outcome.

Dr Kode provides detailed aftercare instructions and remains available to patients during the recovery process. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor progress and address any concerns promptly, reinforcing his commitment to long-term patient care.

Potential Risks and Complications of Fat Transfer to Face

As with any surgical procedure, fat transfer to the face and chin carries potential risks. Dr. Kode is committed to providing open, clear information regarding these considerations, which include:

• Asymmetry: Despite technique, some differences between facial sides can occur as tissues heal.
• Fat resorption: A portion of the transferred fat will be reabsorbed by the body. Most surgeons estimate long-term retention at 60–70%, though this varies between patients.
• Poor Scarring: Incisions may heal poorly, they may be red, raised or develop into keloid scars.
• Infection: As with any surgical intervention, there is a risk of infection, which is reduced through sterile surgical techniques and careful post-operative care, however it can still occur and may require antibiotics or further treatment.
• Fat necrosis: Occasionally, areas of transferred fat may harden. Careful handling and placement during surgery reduce this risk significantly.
• Anaesthesia risks: Including breathing difficulties and allergic reaction.

All risks and possible complications will be discussed in detail during your consultation with Dr Kode. Visit our Risks and Complications page for more information.

How much does Fat Transfer to Face Surgery cost?

The cost of Fat Transfer to Face surgery varies depending on several factors, including:

• The extent of fat transfer and specifics of the procedure.
• Whether other procedures are being performed at the same time.
• The hospital and surgeon fees.
• The anaesthetist fees.
• And, more.

A personalised cost estimate will be provided after your consultation with Dr Gary Kode.

Important note: In Australia, cosmetic procedures performed for aesthetic reasons are generally not covered by Medicare or private health insurance. If Fat Transfer surgery is being considered for reconstructive purposes, partial rebates may apply depending on individual circumstances and Medicare item numbers.

FAQs About Fat Transfer Face and Chin

Consultation with Dr Gary Kode

To learn more about Fat Transfer Face Surgery or to schedule a consultation with Dr Gary Kode, please contact our clinic.

Further Reading

• Read more about Face Lift Melbourne
• Read more about Brow Lift Melbourne