Facial Surgery

Facial Fat Transfer

An advanced regenerative procedure that restores youthful facial contours using your own living fat cells, replacing age-related volume loss while improving overall skin quality.

Procedure Time

1-2 hours

Results Last

Many years

Hospital Stay

Not usually required

Recovery Time

1-2 weeks

Time Off Work

5-7 days

Anaesthesia

Local Anesthesia

Exercise

Light activity after 2 weeks

Price

From £10,000

Procedure

What is Facial Fat Transfer?

Facial Fat Transfer is an advanced regenerative procedure that restores youthful facial contours using your own living fat cells. By replacing age-related volume loss with your body’s own tissue, it creates soft, natural-looking rejuvenation while improving the overall quality of your skin. Performed exclusively by Dr Yannis Alexandrides, every procedure is individually tailored to restore facial harmony rather than simply adding volume, ensuring results that enhance your natural features while preserving facial character.

Expected Effects & Benefits

Restores lost facial volume using your own biocompatible tissue
Softens hollow cheeks, temples and tear troughs
May improve skin texture and quality through regenerative fat cells

Your Journey

Your Facial Fat Transfer Journey

Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr Yannis Alexandrides. He will take time to understand your concerns, medical history, lifestyle and desired result, alongside a detailed assessment of your facial anatomy, volume distribution, skin quality, symmetry and overall facial proportions.

This allows Dr Yannis Alexandrides to determine whether Facial Fat Transfer is appropriate for you and identify the areas where restoring volume may enhance facial balance and rejuvenation. He will then create a personalised surgical plan designed to achieve a natural-looking result while preserving your individual features and identity.

Ahead of surgery, you will have a comprehensive pre-operative assessment with our nursing team. This includes a review of your medical history, current medications, lifestyle and overall health, alongside any physical assessment or clinical tests required for your individual surgical plan.

Our team will explain what to expect before and after surgery, answer any questions and ensure you are appropriately prepared for your procedure and recovery.

Good nutrition, hydration and healthy lifestyle habits can help prepare your body for surgery and support the healing process. You will receive personalised guidance on diet, medications, exercise, smoking cessation where appropriate, and practical preparation before your procedure.

Every recommendation is tailored to your individual health, lifestyle and surgical plan to ensure your preparation is appropriate for you.

Preparing the skin and tissues forms an important part of our 360° approach to facial rejuvenation. Ahead of your procedure, our team may recommend a personalised programme to optimise skin and tissue quality and prepare you for surgery.

Where appropriate, this may include LPG Endermologie®, ElixirMD Light Therapy, 111SKIN skincare or Dr Yannis Alexandrides’ Dramatic Healing Serum, selected according to your individual skin, tissues and surgical plan.

Our care continues well beyond your procedure. Following Facial Fat Transfer, our clinical team will monitor your healing through scheduled reviews, with particular attention to swelling, the treated areas, the area where fat was harvested and your developing facial contours.

You will receive personalised guidance on caring for both areas, sleeping position and activity during the early stages of recovery. Where appropriate, an IV drip or other post-operative support may also form part of your individual aftercare programme.

As your recovery progresses, Dr Yannis Alexandrides and our clinical team will review your facial volume, symmetry, skin quality and overall balance at scheduled follow-up appointments.

Where appropriate, LPG Endermologie®, ElixirMD Light Therapy, personalised skincare or selected non-surgical treatments may be recommended to support tissue quality and complement your long-term result.

Procedure

How does Facial Fat Transfer work?

Facial Fat Transfer works by harvesting a small amount of fat from a donor area, carefully processing it to preserve the healthiest living fat cells, then placing it into multiple layers of the face using ultra-fine cannulas. Tiny micro-droplets are layered throughout the tissue rather than depositing large volumes in one area, allowing each fat cell to establish a healthy blood supply. Once integrated, surviving fat cells become living tissue within the face, moving naturally with your expressions while also carrying regenerative cells that may improve skin quality over time.

UNDERSTANDING VOLUME LOSS:

Facial fat compartments gradually diminish and descend with age.
This causes flattened cheeks, hollow temples and a tired or sunken appearance.
Even excellent skin quality cannot fully disguise these structural changes.

WHY LIVING TISSUE MATTERS:

Unlike synthetic fillers, transferred fat integrates naturally within the face.
This creates soft contours while avoiding the artificial appearance excessive filler can produce.

A proportion of the transferred fat is reabsorbed during healing, which Dr Yannis accounts for in his surgical planning.

Procedure

Surgical Techniques & Technology

Cheeks

Restores youthful cheek volume, improving contour and creating gentle support for the lower face.

Temples

Replaces lost volume to restore smooth transitions across the upper face.

Tear Troughs

Reduces hollowing beneath the eyes for a fresher, less tired appearance.

Midface

Recreates youthful facial proportions while improving support for surrounding tissues.

Jawline and Chin

Improves contour and facial harmony, often complementing other facial rejuvenation procedures.

Nasolabial Region

Restoring surrounding facial volume often softens the appearance of deep folds naturally.

Your Journey

The 5-Step Process

Consultation

A comprehensive facial assessment with Dr Yannis Alexandrides to understand your concerns, assess facial volume and proportions, and create a personalised Facial Fat Transfer plan.

1

Preparation

Pre-operative health assessment, medication review and personalised guidance on nutrition, lifestyle, skin and tissue preparation.

2

Surgery

Facial Fat Transfer performed under local anaesthesia, using your own carefully harvested and prepared fat to restore volume to selected areas according to your individual facial anatomy and surgical plan.

3

Recovery

Structured clinical aftercare and personalised guidance for both the treated areas and the area where fat was harvested as swelling and bruising progressively subside.

4

Long Term Care

Ongoing clinical review, personalised skincare and selected treatments where appropriate to support skin and tissue quality and complement your result.

5

Your Journey

Recovery Timeline

1–2 Weeks

Initial swelling, bruising and tenderness are expected across the treated areas and the area where fat was harvested. These progressively subside as healing begins, with personalised guidance provided on sleeping position, activity and caring for the treatment areas.

2–6 Weeks

Swelling and bruising continue to reduce and the facial contours progressively settle. Everyday activity can gradually return to normal, with exercise reintroduced according to your recovery and the guidance of your surgical team.

6 Weeks–6 Months

The transferred fat and surrounding tissues continue to settle, allowing the facial contours and volume distribution to become increasingly refined and natural. The appearance of the treated areas may continue to evolve throughout this period.

6–12 Months

The longer-term result becomes increasingly established as the tissues fully settle. Facial volume, contours and overall balance continue to mature, revealing a more established representation of your result.

Long-Term Care

Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle can help support the longevity of your Facial Fat Transfer result. Where appropriate, LPG Endermologie®, ElixirMD Light Therapy, 111SKIN skincare, UltraClear laser resurfacing or selected non-surgical treatments may be recommended to complement your result and support long-term skin quality.

Your Journey

Post surgery activity guidelines

Shower

24 HOURS

Avoid unnecessary pressure on treated areas and keep incisions dry unless advised otherwise.

Driving

3-5 DAYS

Resume only when comfortable, alert and no longer taking strong pain relief.

Work

5-10 DAYS

Timing depends on your role, swelling and confidence returning to work.

Exercise

2 WEEKS

Begin gently and increase only once cleared by your surgeon.

Suitability & Safety

Am I suitable for Facial Fat Transfer?

Ideal Candidate Profile

Facial Fat Transfer may be suitable for patients who have:

Hollow cheeks or sunken temples
Tear trough hollowing
Loss of facial volume through ageing
Naturally thin facial features
Facial asymmetry

Suitability is confirmed during consultation. Even naturally slim patients often have sufficient donor fat available.

Risks & Complications

As with any surgery, risks may include bleeding:

infection, bruising, swelling
altered sensation, scarring
asymmetry, uneven fat survival
delayed healing and anaesthetic risks.

These risks are discussed in detail during consultation, along with the steps taken to reduce them through careful planning, surgical technique, and aftercare.

Your Surgeon

Dr Yannis Alexandrides

Dr Yannis Alexandrides is triple board-certified in Plastic, Reconstructive and Craniofacial Surgery and has spent more than three decades refining techniques that restore youthful facial structure while preserving natural expression and individuality.

His meticulous fat processing technique is designed to maximise the survival of healthy fat cells while preserving their regenerative potential.

Pricing

Overview

Every patient and procedure at 111 Harley St. is unique, which is why surgical pricing is tailored to your individual case rather than based on a one-size-fits-all approach.

The cost of your procedure will depend on factors such as your anatomy, the complexity of surgery, the technique required and your personalised treatment plan.

Following your consultation and assessment, our team will provide a clear, individualised quotation based on the surgery recommended for you.

Finance Calculator

Loan Amount: £5,000

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Term: 12 months

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First Payment

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*Interest rates are subject to status and individual credit score.

Resources

Reviews

     
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ellie Hook 
 3 September 2026
 
 
  I came to the 111 Harley Street for UltraClear laser treatment with Claudia Brand. She was absolutely incredible, talking me through the process and made me feel very safe. She was also brilliant throughout the process. I cannot wait to see my result! Thank you Claudia!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jenna Nicholls 
 2 September 2026
 
 
  Really lovely team - thank you Anna and Jamy for looking after me during treatment! Can’t wait for the results 🥰
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Edward Smith 
 31 August 2026
 
 
  Very Impressed With My Rhinoplasty I had been unhappy with the shape of my nose for years and finally decided to look into rhinoplasty. Choosing the right surgeon and clinic was extremely important to me, so I spent a lot of time researching before booking my consultation at 111 Harley St. The consultation was detailed and reassuring, and I appreciated the focus on achieving a result that suited my face rather than simply changing my nose. The whole process was handled professionally, from the initial consultation through to the follow-up appointments. My nose now looks much more balanced with the rest of my face, and the improvement is significant without looking artificial.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Louise F 
 28 August 2026
 
 
  I had my consultation with Anna and honestly couldn’t have been happier with the experience. She took the time to really listen to all of my concerns and went through everything with me in so much detail, including the different treatment options. I really appreciated how thorough and attentive she was, and the whole consultation felt very personal and tailored specifically to me rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. I felt really comfortable and well looked after. I’m really happy with the experience and will definitely be coming back for my treatment. Thank you so much, Anna!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Mily Barnett 
 27 August 2026
 
 
  Spoke to Anna about all my skin concerns over a consultation - she was super helpful, knowledgeable and can’t wait to start my journey with 111 Skin. Thank you Anna.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Mia Raggett 
 25 August 2026
 
 
  Had a lovely consultation with Anna, helped me so much with my questions and was very friendly. Thanks!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Yasmine Rabah 
 20 August 2026
 
 
  Just did the thermale treatment and the whole experience with the staff and the treatment and care has been superb. I highly recommend. Will let you know how it goes with the other treatments that I will do:)
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Kat M 
 19 August 2026
 
 
  Fantastic facial with Jamy and consultation with Anna. Would 100% recommend!
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Rosie Walker 
 17 August 2026
 
 
  A Wonderful Experience I decided to explore a Y Facelift after becoming increasingly unhappy with the loss of definition around my lower face. I was initially quite nervous about having facial surgery, so having a detailed consultation was really important to me. Everything was explained clearly and I felt comfortable asking lots of questions. I’m so pleased with the outcome my face looks fresher and more defined, but it still looks completely like me.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Anna 
 10 August 2026
 
 
  Amazing experience with Claudia. I was really nervous but she put me at ease and explained the process to me. I would definitely recommend coming here for all aesthetic treatments!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Altay Ali 
 7 August 2026
 
 
  Claudia Is always amazing, and I would highly recommend her services.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Robert White 
 4 August 2026
 
 
  Claudia was amazing! Really friendly, polite and professional. Will 100% be coming back.
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Jessica Thomas 
 4 August 2026
 
 
  The Best Decision I Made I had a facelift at 111 Harley Street. From my very first consultation, I felt completely comfortable and confident that I was in safe hands. The surgeon took the time to understand what I wanted to achieve and explained every stage of the process clearly, from the operation itself to the recovery and expected results. The care I received was outstanding from start to finish. Every member of the team was kind, professional, and incredibly supportive. They were always available to answer any questions, and I felt genuinely looked after throughout my entire journey. Now that I've fully recovered, I am absolutely delighted with the results. I look refreshed, younger, and far more confident, while still looking completely natural. The best compliment I've received is that people keep telling me I look really well without realising I've had surgery. It's exactly the subtle, natural result I was hoping for. Choosing 111 Harley Street was one of the best decisions I've made. The expertise, attention to detail, and exceptional aftercare exceeded all of my expectations. I would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone considering a facelift.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Hannah Lucy 
 31 July 2026
 
 
  I had a consultation with Anna who was so knowledgeable and extremely friendly. The team were welcoming and I look forward to starting treatment.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Aashika Balaji 
 31 July 2026
 
 
  Claudia is excellent and incredibly intuitive
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   William Julian Taranu-Lee 
 29 July 2026
 
 
  Had such a lovely consultation at 111 Harley St. I felt so welcomed and comfortable in their hands, and really appreciated their honest cosmetic advice. Would absolutely recommend having a consultation at 111 Harley St. You won’t regret it :)
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Bilgi P 
 28 July 2026
 
 
  +0
I had plastic surgery from doctor Ashvani in 2019 and he messed up my tummy completely. I lost all my sensation in my tummy area and after 7 years, I still regret of having tummy tuck with him. He stitched my whole tummy tuck area without leaving drainage after the operation. I ended up having this massive hole in my tummy area. I have the most horrible scars and I don’t wear bikini for not showing my belly button. You can see how bad his stitches are from the photo. Please do your research before you trust him so you don’t regret like I did. My friend had similar operation in Turkey and you would not even notice she had plastic surgery.my advice is  go to Turkey to have proper plastic surgery with surgeons who knows how do operate.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Georgia Westley 
 28 July 2026
 
 
  Had a consultation with Anna who helped with my skin concerns, she helped advice on treatments and products to support on my hyper pigmentation and dryness. Would highly recommend
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Chloe L 
 27 July 2026
 
 
  Really pleased with my consultation with Anna. She explained everything clearly, and the skin scanning was very insightful. Everyone was warm and friendly – I’d highly recommend.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Zara Walsh 
 27 July 2026
 
 
  Thank you so much, great experience!
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 856 reviews,showing our latest reviews

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Facial Fat Transfer different from dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers use synthetic hyaluronic acid to temporarily replace lost volume, whereas Facial Fat Transfer uses your own living fat cells. This creates a softer, more natural feel and offers significantly longer-lasting results while also providing regenerative benefits to the surrounding skin.

Will all of the transferred fat survive?

No. It is completely normal for a proportion of the transferred fat to be naturally reabsorbed during healing. Dr Yannis Alexandrides carefully plans every procedure with this in mind.

How long do Facial Fat Transfer results last?

Once the transferred fat has successfully established its own blood supply, it behaves like normal facial fat. Although natural ageing continues, surviving fat cells can provide long-lasting facial volume for many years.

Will I have scars?

The incisions required for Facial Fat Transfer are extremely small, carefully positioned in discreet locations, and typically heal exceptionally well, becoming almost imperceptible over time.

Can Facial Fat Transfer be combined with facelift surgery?

Yes. In fact, Facial Fat Transfer is one of the procedures most frequently combined with facial rejuvenation surgery. While a facelift restores facial position, Fat Transfer restores youthful facial volume for a more complete rejuvenation.

Is Facial Fat Transfer painful?

Most patients describe recovery as involving mild soreness rather than significant pain. Any discomfort from both the donor area and facial treatment sites is generally well controlled with prescribed pain relief.

Am I a suitable candidate if I am slim?

In many cases, yes. Only a relatively small amount of fat is required for Facial Fat Transfer, and even naturally slim patients often have sufficient donor fat available.

Can Facial Fat Transfer improve skin quality?

Yes. Fat contains naturally occurring regenerative cells that may contribute to improvements in skin texture, hydration and overall skin quality over time, helping the face appear healthier as well as fuller.