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Soft Tissue

Structural Fat Grafting (Contour)

Contour-focused fat transfer used to refine transitions after skeletal or lifting surgery.

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Region
Whole face
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia
Theatre time
2–4 hours
Downtime
1–2 weeks

Overview

Structural fat grafting is used as a finishing tool: filling temples, softening implant edges, and refining the jawline or perioral region after primary surgery.

What it changes

  • Temple hollows
  • Jawline transitions
  • Perioral contour

Common goals

Refine post-surgical contour
Soften visible transitions

Candidates

General factors a surgeon may consider. Only a qualified surgeon can assess whether you are a candidate.

  • General physical health suitable for the anaesthetic required
  • Realistic, clearly articulated aesthetic or functional goals
  • Stable anatomy appropriate for the technique proposed
  • Non-smoking or willingness to stop for the surgeon's required window

Surgical approach

  1. 01Harvest, processing, and layered microinjection

Recovery timeline

  1. Day 1

    Immediate post-operative period. Swelling begins, dressings or splints may be in place, supervised rest.

  2. Week 1

    Peak swelling and bruising. Limited activity, soft diet where relevant, first follow-up visit.

  3. Week 2

    Bruising fades. Many people feel socially presentable, light activity resumes.

  4. Week 4

    Most acute swelling resolves. Gradual return to exercise as cleared by the surgeon.

  5. Month 3

    Contours become clearer. Residual swelling continues to settle.

  6. Month 6

    Result is largely representative of the final outcome.

  7. Month 12+

    Final refinement, scar maturation, and revision assessment if needed.

Risks & complications

Bleeding, haematoma, or infection
Temporary or, rarely, permanent nerve disturbance
Asymmetry or an outcome that differs from expectations
Scarring, delayed healing, or wound problems
Anaesthetic risks
Possible need for revision surgery

Limitations

Graft retention is variable
Not a volume substitute for bone

Before & after cases

No verified cases published yet

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Surgeons performing this procedure

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Cost

$3,000 – $12,000

These are broad estimates only. Actual costs vary significantly by country, surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, imaging, orthodontic treatment, revision policy, and individual complexity. Always obtain a written quotation.

Questions to ask your surgeon

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Information on this platform is for educational purposes and should not replace consultation with a qualified medical professional. Surgical suitability, risks, and expected outcomes must be assessed by an appropriately qualified surgeon.