Face lift with fat grafting: perfect combination and natural rejuvenation

Facial aging doesn't just happen because of sagging skin. Over the years it is also lost volume, the contours are sharpened and the face may take on a tired or sunken appearance. Therefore, in the practice of Dr. Richer, the modern approach to rejuvenation is not limited to “stretching”, but to restoring.

In this context, combine facelifting with fat grafting techniques has become one of the most comprehensive strategies for achieving harmonious, natural and lasting results.

This article delves into how this combination works, why fat transfer enhances facelift results, and what you can expect before, during and after the procedure.

The goal is to provide you with clear and practical guidance to help you make an informed decision, with realistic expectations and based on clinical experience.

Why combine face lifting with fat grafting techniques?

Traditional facelifts focus on repositioning fallen tissues and removing excess skin. Although this improves sagging, it doesn't correct one of the key signs of aging: loss of facial volume. Al combine facelifting with fat grafting techniques, the problem is addressed comprehensively.

Autologous fat can fill in sunken areas, smooth transitions and restore support to areas such as cheekbones, cheeks and grooves. The result is not only a firmer face, but also more balanced and youthful, avoiding the tense or artificial aspect that many patients want to avoid.

From an aesthetic point of view, this combination responds better to the real anatomy of aging. From the patient's point of view, it offers more complete rejuvenation in a single intervention.

What is facial fat grafting and how does it complement a lift?

Facial fat grafting, also called lipofilling or fat grafting, consists of extracting fat from a patient's own donor area, processing it carefully and reinjecting it into areas of the face that have lost volume. By being autologous fat, there is no risk of immune rejection.

When integrated into a facelifting, fat acts as a structural complement. While lifting repositions tissues and improves sagging, fat grafting fills, softens and shapes. This synergy is the basis for more natural and three-dimensional results.

Facial changes that lifting alone doesn't correct

With age, the face loses fat in deep and superficial areas. The cheekbones are flattened, the cheeks are emptied and the furrows are accentuated. A no-volume lift can tighten the skin, but it doesn't reconstruct these areas.

Combine facelifting with fat grafting techniques make these volumetric deficits are corrected. The face regains projection in the middle third, the transitions look smoother and the overall expression is more relaxed.

Key benefits of autologous fat in facial rejuvenation

One of the great values of fat transfer is its total biocompatibility. Coming from the body itself, it integrates naturally into facial tissues. In addition, fat contains cells with regenerative potential that can improve skin quality, its texture and elasticity.

Another important benefit is the duration. Although some of the fat is reabsorbed, the volume that survives can be maintained for years. This makes fat grafting a more stable alternative to temporary fillers when looking for a long-term result.

Who is the ideal candidate for this combination?

Not all patients need fat grafting, but many benefit from it. At the consultation, the surgeon evaluates the quality of the skin, the degree of sagging and the loss of volume. The best candidates are usually people with moderate to advanced facial aging who have visible sagging in the cheeks, cheekbones or dark circles.

It's also important to have adequate donor areas, such as the abdomen or thighs. In the experience of Dr. Richer, a personalized evaluation is key to deciding how much volume to add and in which areas, avoiding overcorrections.

How is the combined procedure performed step by step?

Preoperative evaluation and planning

Before surgery, they are tested facial proportions, asymmetries and patient expectations. The planning defines which areas will be lifted, where fat will be grafted and what approximate volume will be used. This stage is essential to achieve a harmonious result.

Fat extraction and processing

Fat is obtained through gentle liposuction, designed to preserve cell viability. It is then processed to remove fluids and blood debris, obtaining a purer and more stable fat.

Fat transfer during a facelift

During the lift, the surgeon injects the fat in small amounts and in multiple planes. This technique promotes graft integration and survival. Fat is used strategically to restore contours and smooth transitions, not to “puff up” the face.

Areas of the face that benefit most from fat grafting

The cheeks and cheekbones are the most treated areas since their loss of volume significantly affects the aged appearance. Fat grafting in these areas restores support and projection to the middle third of the face.

Nasogenial grooves, sunken dark circles, temples and, in selected cases, lips and chin are also treated. The goal is always restore natural volume, do not alter facial identity.

Aesthetic results: naturalness, volume and harmony

One of the main reasons for combine facelifting with fat grafting techniques is the quality of the result. Not only does the skin look firmer, but the face regains softness and fullness.

Patients usually describe a more rested and youthful appearance, with no obvious signs of surgery. This is because the grease smooths lines and transitions, avoiding sharp contrasts between tense areas and sunken areas.

Duration of results and fat survival

Not all grafted fat survives. During the first few weeks, partial resorption occurs, which is part of the normal process. On average, between 50% and 80% of the volume is maintained over the long term, depending on the technique and individual factors.

The results are considered stable after 3 to 6 months. In some cases, retouching is planned to perfect the outline, always with a conservative and personalized approach.

Comparison with dermal fillers and other procedures

Dermal fillers offer quick, surgery-free results, but they are temporary. Autologous fat, on the other hand, can be permanently integrated and improve skin quality. When combined with a lift, fat grafting offers deeper, more structural rejuvenation.

Compared to implants or isolated lifting, this combination stands out for its naturalness. It is not a matter of choosing one procedure over another, but of integrating techniques to better respond to real aging of the face.

Recovery after a facial lift with fat grafting

Recovery includes swelling and bruising both on the face and in the donor area. The first few days require relative rest and an elevated head. Most patients resume light activities within a week.

The inflammation decreases progressively, and the result is refined over time. Following medical advice is essential to protect grafted fat and optimize healing.

Important Considerations

Like any surgery, there are risks, although rare when the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon. These include asymmetries, excessive fat resorption, or temporary irregularities.

Factors such as smoking can negatively affect graft survival. Therefore, good preparation and adequate follow-up are essential to minimize complications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Combining Facelift and Fat Grafting

Is recovery longer when both procedures are combined?

In general, recovery is usually not significantly longer than that of a facelift alone. There may be more initial swelling due to fat grafting, but performing a single surgery avoids going through two separate recovery processes.

Can grafted fat disappear over time?

Some of it is reabsorbed in the first few weeks. The fat that survives is integrated and can be maintained for years, although natural aging continues.

Is fat better than dermal fillers?

It depends on the objective. Grease offers greater durability and naturalness, while fillers are temporary and less invasive. In a lift, fat is usually more consistent with the surgical approach.

Does the procedure change facial expression a lot?

It shouldn't. When done correctly, the combination seeks to rejuvenate without altering traits or expressions, maintaining the patient's identity.

Trust a comprehensive approach to rejuvenate the face

Facial aging is a complex process that cannot be solved with a single technique. In the experience of Dr. Richer, combine facelifting with fat grafting techniques allows you to address sagging and volume loss simultaneously, achieving more natural, harmonious and long-lasting results.

This combination not only rejuvenates, but also respects the anatomy and expression of the face. For those looking for visible change yet discreet, informed and personalized, facelifting with fat grafting represents one of the most complete options in modern cosmetic facial surgery.