4th Nov 2025
The benefits of cosmetic solutions are vast. They can improve our appearance and make us feel more confident, but they can also help correct medical conditions and restore function. This article explores fat transfer vs fillers to help you decide which is best for your needs. Here is the low-down on fat grafting vs. dermal fillers, also known as fat graft or fat transfer, to help you make the best decision. Both fat transfer and fillers are popular options for facial rejuvenation, each offering unique benefits.
Introduction to Facial Rejuvenation
Facial rejuvenation is a popular approach in cosmetic treatments designed to restore a youthful, natural appearance by addressing the visible signs of the natural ageing process. As we age, our skin loses elasticity, facial volume diminishes, and sagging skin and wrinkles become more pronounced. To combat these changes, two of the most effective procedures are facial fat transfer (also known as fat grafting) and dermal fillers.
Facial fat transfer involves taking fat from one area of the body and carefully injecting it into areas of the face that have lost volume. This technique uses your own fat to restore volume and contour, resulting in a natural appearance. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are injectable treatments made from hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the skin. These fillers are used to smooth wrinkles, plump up the skin, and enhance facial features.
Both fat grafting and dermal fillers offer unique benefits for facial rejuvenation, and the best choice depends on your individual goals, facial structure, and the specific areas you wish to treat. Whether you want to restore volume, reduce wrinkles, or achieve a more refreshed look, these procedures can help you look and feel your best.
At Kensington Medical we specialise in fat grafting or fat transfer to the face and under the eyes.
What is Fat Grafting?
Fat grafting is a surgical procedure whereby fat is removed from a donor site on your own body via liposuction and injected into another area to improve volume and contour. Fat is easily harvested from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, making the process convenient and accessible. While fat grafting is a minimally invasive option compared to traditional surgery, it is still considered an invasive procedure because it involves surgery. Face fat transfer and facial fat grafting are terms used for this minimally invasive procedure. Fat grafting involves two procedures: harvesting fat via liposuction and then injecting it into the face. Fat transfer injections are performed using blunt cannulas to minimize tissue damage and reduce the risk of injury to blood vessels.
It can also be used for reconstructive purposes, such as correcting facial deformities or restoring volume to areas that surgery, trauma, or ageing have affected. Additionally, fat grafting can be used to correct contour deformities as well as for cosmetic enhancements.
A consultation with one of our specialist registered plastic surgeons at Kensington Medical can help you determine if fat grafting is right for you and what specific results you can expect.
How long is the recovery for fat grafting?
Most people report minimal discomfort and swelling after the procedure and can return to normal activities within a few days. There is a small risk of complications during recovery, but these are generally minimal and manageable. Other side effects include bruising, numbness, or tingling in the treated area. However, it can take up to six weeks for the full results of the fat grafting to be visible.
Are there any risks with fat grafting?
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with fat grafting. These include infection, bleeding, and asymmetry. There is also a slight risk that the fat will be reabsorbed by the body, leading to a loss of volume in the treated area. However, fat grafting is generally considered safe with minimal risk of serious complications.
What is Dermal Filler?
Dermal fillers, also known as facial fillers, are injectable hyaluronic acids used to improve the appearance of the skin. They are a non surgical option for facial rejuvenation. Dermal fillers can fill in lines and wrinkles, plump up the lips, reduce the appearance of scars, and restore volume to areas of the face that arise from ageing.
These work by temporarily adding volume to the skin, which can help to lift and smooth out wrinkles and lines. Dermal fillers are available in different brands and formulations, allowing for customized treatments to suit individual needs. They are effective for reducing wrinkling, a common sign of aging, and can be used in many areas of the face. Although rare, there is a potential for allergic reaction to some filler ingredients.
Is there a long recovery for dermal fillers?
No. There is no recovery time required after dermal filler injections. You may experience some redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, but this should resolve within a few days.
Are there any risks with dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are considered safe. For most patients, dermal fillers are associated with minimal risk of complications. However, there is a risk of infection, bleeding, and bruising, as with any injectable substance. There is also a slight risk of injecting the filler into an unwanted area.
Another problem is the pillow face dermal filler effect. After too many fillers, people often look like they have a “pillow face.” The problem with this is that patients are looking for a more natural solution to give them facial volume. Fat transfer to the face is a more realistic option that, when planned according to each patient’s individual needs, won’t result in the pillow face effect.
How long do fillers last?
Dermal fillers last for six months to a year. This does depend on the type of filler used. You can prolong the effects by getting touch-up injections every few months. Maintaining your results will require regular treatments, as the effects of dermal fillers are not permanent. On the downside, there’s a limit to how much filler you can have injected before it looks unnatural.
Restoring Volume
Restoring volume is a key benefit of modern facial rejuvenation techniques. Over time, the face naturally loses fat, leading to hollow cheeks, deeper wrinkles, and a less defined facial structure. Both facial fat transfer and dermal fillers are excellent solutions for restoring volume and enhancing facial features, but they work in different ways.
With fat transfer, fat cells are gently harvested from another part of your body and injected into targeted areas of the face. This approach not only restores lost volume but also uses your own tissue, which can provide a soft, natural look and feel. Fat transfer is especially effective for adding volume to the cheeks, under-eye hollows, and other areas affected by facial volume loss.
Dermal fillers, made from hyaluronic acid, are injected directly into the skin to fill in wrinkles and add volume where it’s needed most. These fillers can be used to enhance the lips, smooth out lines, and contour the cheeks. The results are immediate and can be tailored to your desired results, making dermal fillers a great solution for those seeking quick, noticeable improvements.
The choice between fat transfer and dermal fillers depends on your unique needs, skin type, and the look you want to achieve. Both procedures are effective for restoring volume and rejuvenating the face, helping you achieve a more youthful, refreshed appearance.
People decide to have fat transfer because they want to use theior own fat and stem cells. They are after a longer term solution to volume loss.
Which option should I choose?
The best way to decide which procedure is correct for you is to consult with a plastic surgeon at Kensington Medical. When you choose fat transfer, consider factors such as desired results, invasiveness, treatment durability, and your long-term goals.
If you’re looking for a cosmetic solution that can provide long-lasting results, fat grafting may be the best option. While fat grafting may have a higher cost initially compared to dermal fillers, it offers long-term value due to its lasting results. A short downtime is worth it for the many years of results you’ll enjoy. If you’re looking for a quick fix with no downtime, dermal fillers may be the right choice.
However, keep in mind that you with dermal fillers will need to get touch-ups every 12-18 months to maintain the results. You won’t have to worry about this with fat grafting. The outcomes can last for many years when you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Combine a Facelift with Fat Grafting
If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your face and want to achieve more youthful-looking skin, consider a facelift with fat grafting. This combination can provide you with beautiful, long-lasting results, while also enhancing skin quality and delivering regenerative effects for a more youthful appearance.
A facelift alone can improve the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. However, it won’t do much to improve the volume of your face. This is where fat grafting comes in. The combination of facelift and fat grafting is particularly effective for volume restoration, helping to reverse age-related hollowing and sagging.
Fat grafting can provide you with long-lasting results by adding volume to your face. Fat grafting can help to improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Fat grafting can give you the youthful appearance you desire when combined with a facelift.
For more information about fat grafting click here > fat grafting frequently asked questions.
For more information about facelift click here > best facelift for me
Get in touch
The best way to learn more about the procedures and find the best choice for your needs is to call us on 0204 551 4892 or schedule a consultation with one of our facial cosmetic surgeons at Kensington Medical. During your consultation, they can assess your goals and recommend the best course of treatment.