Facial Aesthetics
Facial Fat Transfer in Istanbul
Facial fat transfer uses a small amount of your own fat, gently harvested by liposuction, to restore volume in areas such as the cheeks, temples and under-eyes. It can be performed alone or combined with a facelift. Retention varies, and results vary between individuals.
Quick facts
- Procedure
- Facial fat grafting
- Anaesthesia
- Local with sedation, or general
- Typical procedure time
- 1–2 hours
- Hospital stay
- Day case
- Recommended stay in Istanbul
- 5–7 days
- Initial recovery
- 1–2 weeks
- Return to work
- 7–10 days
- Exercise
- Walking immediately; strenuous after 2–3 weeks
- Final results
- 3–6 months
- Follow-up
- Before departure, then remote
Typical ranges only — your specialist will advise on your individual plan. Results vary between individuals.
What is Facial Fat Transfer?
Loss of facial volume is a natural part of ageing and can make the face look hollow, flat or tired. Weight loss can also contribute. Restoring volume can soften these changes in a natural way.
Fat is harvested from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, purified and injected in small amounts into the face. Not all transferred fat survives: retention is variable, and some women need a second session. The fat that does survive is generally long-lasting.
Who may be suitable?
- Hollow cheeks, temples or under-eyes
- Volume loss after weight loss or ageing
- Sufficient fat available for harvesting
- Good general health and non-smoking
- Acceptance that more than one session may be needed
What can this procedure address?
- Hollow temples
- Flattened cheeks
- Under-eye hollows and tear troughs
- Deep folds
- Thin lips
Consultation & assessment
Your online assessment includes confidential photographs of your face and potential harvest areas, along with your medical history.
In Istanbul, your surgeon examines you before surgery is confirmed, discusses areas to treat and explains that retention is variable. Consented before and after photographs can be reviewed with you.
How the procedure is performed
Fat is gently harvested through small incisions using fine cannulas. It is then processed to remove fluid and damaged cells.
The fat is injected in tiny amounts using blunt cannulas into layers of the face. Many surgeons slightly overcorrect to allow for expected volume loss.
Anaesthesia
Facial fat transfer is often performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, or general anaesthesia if combined with other procedures.
Recovery timeline
Days 1–3
Swelling and bruising in the face and harvest area. Rest and keep your head elevated.
Week 1
Swelling begins to settle. Avoid pressure on treated areas.
Weeks 2–3
Most women feel comfortable socially.
Week 6
Some transferred fat is reabsorbed, and the result becomes more stable.
3–6 months
The surviving fat is established and the final result is visible.
What to expect during the first week
- Avoid pressure or massage on treated areas
- Keep your head elevated
- Wear compression on the harvest area if advised
- Avoid strenuous activity
- Report increasing pain, redness or fever
When can I fly?
Flying after facial surgery is usually possible within about a week, but your surgeon decides when it is appropriate for you, based on swelling, wound healing and your general health. Move during the flight and stay hydrated.
When can I return to work?
Most women return to desk-based work after 7–10 days, once swelling has settled.
When can I exercise?
Walking is encouraged. Avoid strenuous exercise for two to three weeks.
Scars
Small incisions are used for harvesting and injecting, usually healing as tiny marks.
Results
Facial fat transfer can restore a softer, more youthful contour. Retention is variable. Your surgeon may review consented before and after photographs with you. Results vary between individuals.
Results vary between individuals. Consented before-and-after images of similar cases may be reviewed with your specialist during consultation — before & after
How long do results last?
The fat that survives is generally long-lasting, although the face continues to age and weight changes can affect the result.
Potential risks and complications
All surgical procedures carry risks. Your surgeon will discuss the potential benefits, limitations and individual risks with you before you decide whether to proceed.
- Variable fat retention and need for further sessions
- Asymmetry or lumpiness
- Overcorrection
- Fat necrosis or oil cysts
- Infection
- Bruising and swelling at the harvest site
- Rarely, fat embolism causing serious complications, which is why technique matters
- General risks of anaesthesia
Choosing a surgeon
- Specialist training in plastic surgery or facial plastic surgery
- Registration with the Turkish Medical Association and relevant society membership that you can verify
- Experience with facial fat grafting
- Consented before and after photographs reviewed with you
- Hospital privileges and a clear aftercare plan
Facial Fat Transfer in Istanbul
Women choose Istanbul for facial fat transfer because of experienced surgeons and coordinated care. Depending on the surgeon and procedure, treatments may be performed at leading private hospitals in Istanbul, including LIV Hospital Vadistanbul, Memorial Bahçelievler and selected Acıbadem hospitals.
A stay of around 5–7 days is generally recommended.
The cost of facial fat transfer in Turkey depends on the surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, areas treated, combined procedures and accommodation. A personalised written quote follows assessment. Choose your surgeon and hospital based on medical quality, not price alone.
Costs depend on your surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, complexity and any combined procedures — see treatment costs in Turkey.
Your hospital
Depending on the surgeon and procedure, treatments may be performed at leading private hospitals in Istanbul, including LIV Hospital Vadistanbul, Memorial Bahçelievler and selected Acıbadem hospitals. Your written treatment plan confirms the hospital before you travel. Hospitals & Facilities
International patient journey
- 1
Confidential Enquiry
Tell us what you would like to change or understand. You can securely send photographs, your medical history or existing reports — or simply start with a conversation.
- 2
Medical Assessment
A patient coordinator reviews your information and directs your case to an appropriate specialist for an initial medical assessment, often by video consultation.
- 3
Specialist Recommendation
A physician assesses your case before any operation is recommended. Sometimes the right advice is a different approach, a staged plan — or no treatment at all.
- 4
Personalised Treatment Plan
You receive a written plan setting out the proposed treatment, hospital, doctor, recommended stay in Istanbul and the estimated recovery process.
- 5
Travel to Istanbul
Transfers, accommodation and appointments are coordinated before you arrive. You meet your surgeon in person, and pre-operative tests are completed before surgery is confirmed.
- 6
Treatment & Aftercare
Treatment takes place in a private hospital, followed by post-operative checks in Istanbul, a written recovery plan and structured remote follow-up when you return home.
Aftercare when you return home
- Avoid pressure on treated areas
- Maintain a stable weight
- Send photographs for remote review
- Seek medical attention for signs of infection
Facial Fat Transfer: frequently asked questions
How much of the fat survives?
Retention varies between individuals and depends on technique, the area treated and healing. Some women need a second session.
Is fat transfer better than fillers?
Fat transfer uses your own tissue and can be long-lasting, but it involves a surgical procedure and variable retention. Fillers are temporary and adjustable.
How long should I stay in Istanbul?
Most women stay around 5–7 days.
When can I fly home?
Flying after facial surgery is usually possible within about a week, but your surgeon decides when it is appropriate for you, based on swelling, wound healing and your general health.
What affects the cost of facial fat transfer in Turkey?
Cost depends on the surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, areas treated and accommodation. A personalised written quote follows assessment.
Can I see before and after results?
Consented before and after photographs can be reviewed with your surgeon. Results vary between individuals.
Information on this website is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace an individual medical consultation. Suitability for any procedure can only be determined following assessment by a qualified physician.
From the Women’s Journal
Further reading
Private & confidential
Get a Confidential Medical Opinion
Share your goals for facial fat transfer and any relevant medical history. A patient coordinator will review your enquiry and arrange a specialist assessment.