Being one of the most technically demanding areas in plastic surgery, our surgeons take pride in their approach to face lift surgeries.

What is Fat Injection?

Fat injections, or lipofilling, is a cosmetic procedure where fat is harvested from one part of your body (typically the abdomen, thighs, or flanks) and injected into areas that need volume restoration, such as the face, cheeks, lips, or under-eye areas. This technique is minimally invasive compared to traditional implants and provides natural-looking results because the fat is derived from your own body. The procedure is also referred to as facial fat injections or fat transfer.

Where Are Lipofilling Shots Typically Injected?

Fat injections (lipofilling) in the face are typically injected into these areas:

  • Cheeks – To restore volume and a youthful look by filling in sunken cheeks.
  • Under the Eyes – To reduce hollowness and dark circles, creating a refreshed appearance.
  • Smile Lines (Nasolabial Folds) – To soften lines running from the nose to the mouth.
  • Marionette Lines – To lift the corners of the mouth and reduce deep lines.
  • Temples – To fill in sunken temples for a balanced, youthful face.
  • Chin and Jawline – To add definition and improve facial symmetry.
  • Lips – To naturally enhance lip volume and shape.
  • Cheekbones – To define and sculpt the cheek area.

Your Fat Injection Consultation

Your Fat Ijection Consultation

When considering a facelift procedure, we must assess your facial balance. This includes your skin quality, the appearance and position of facial lines, and the bony facial structure. The meticulous analysis of a patient’s facial form is one of the most interesting and complex aspects of plastic surgery. Our surgeons will take you through all the facial issues that need to be addressed, thoroughly explaining the treatment available for your specific condition. These consultations are highly informative and educational.

Good candidates for lipofilling are typically:

  1. Healthy individuals who do not have any major medical conditions.
  2. Those looking to add volume to the face or body using natural fat.
  3. Patients who have enough fat in other areas of their body to harvest for the procedure.
  4. Individuals with realistic expectations about the results of fat injection treatments.

There is no specific age limit for lipofilling, but the procedure is most commonly performed on individuals aged 30 to 60 who have lost volume due to aging. However, younger patients who wish to add facial volume or older individuals seeking facial rejuvenation may also benefit from lipofilling.

The longevity of lipofilling results can vary depending on several factors, such as the amount of fat injected, the skill of the surgeon, and the area treated. On average, patients can expect the results to last for 1 to 3 years. Some of the injected fat may be absorbed by the body over time, but the remaining fat can provide long-lasting volume. For longer results, maintenance injections may be recommended.

Though lipofilling is a relatively safe procedure, there are a few potential long-term side effects:

  • Fat necrosis: This occurs when some of the transferred fat does not survive and hardens into lumps. These may require further treatment to resolve.
  • Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of infection at the injection sites.
  • Fat reabsorption: Over time, some of the injected fat may be absorbed by the body, leading to a reduction in volume.

Most side effects are temporary, and severe complications are rare when the procedure is performed by a qualified professional

Lipofilling results can be long-lasting but not permanent. Some of the transferred fat may be absorbed by the body in the first few months, leading to a slight reduction in volume. However, the fat that survives typically remains for a long time. To maintain results, touch-up procedures may be needed.


Lipofilling is considered a safe procedure when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon. The use of your own fat minimizes the risk of allergic reactions or rejections, which is a major advantage over synthetic fillers or implants. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved, such as infection, scarring, or uneven results. It’s crucial to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure your safety during the procedure.


Fat injections typically leave minimal, small scars from the cannula or needle used for the procedure, but they usually fade over time. Scars at the donor site (where fat is harvested) are also small, and with proper aftercare, both sets of scars are often barely noticeable.

If a general anaesthetic is used, you will need to stay in hospital overnight. If only local aesthetic and sedation is used then we will help arrange for you to go home on the same day with some support.

A bandage covering the whole treated area must be worn for 24 hours.

Routinely, we will be seeing you twice within the first week to review the wound and make sure that you are comfortable. The stitches are resorbable so they do not need to be taken away as they usually fall apart by themselves.

Temporary bruising under the eyes is common and subsides gradually after the first week.

Initially, your face will feel stiff and appear artificially tightened.

This subsides naturally and the process can be accelerated by the application of cold compresses to the affected areas.

You will need to rest completely for the first 48 hours. During this time, you should be careful to avoid sudden head movements.

Normal activity can be resumed in about 5 days after mini face lifts, 8 days after short scar face lifts, and 14 days after full face lifts.

The cost of fat injection Sydney depends on several factors, including the technique, surgeon’s expertise, and hospital fees. At Australia Plastic Surgery, we offer transparent pricing, flexible payment plans, and detailed consultations to help you make an informed decision.

Book your personalised fat injection lipofilling Sydney consultation today and take the first step towards a refreshed, confident you!

What Are The Risks Associated With This Procedure?

Plastic surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries inherent risks and potential complications.

Please read our Risks and Complications of Plastic Surgery page.

For additional information, please refer to our FAQ page.