Facial Fat TransferAssoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal
The procedure

Facial fat transfer, explained properly

Fat grafting is simple to describe and demanding to do well: harvest fat gently, purify it carefully, place it precisely. Every detail below exists for one reason — keeping your fat cells alive so the result lasts.

01

Gentle fat harvest

A small amount of fat is taken by fine liposuction from a donor area — usually the abdomen, flanks or inner thighs — under sterile, low-trauma technique to keep fat cells alive.

02

Purification

The harvested fat is processed to concentrate healthy, viable fat cells and remove fluid and oil — preparation quality is a major driver of how much fat survives.

03

Microfat placement

Using fine cannulas, fat is placed in many tiny threads across the right depths and planes — sculpting volume gradually rather than injecting blobs.

04

Nanofat where it belongs

For skin quality — fine lines, dark under-eye skin, texture — fat can be emulsified into nanofat, which carries regenerative cells rather than volume.

05

Deliberate slight over-correction

Because a portion of transferred fat is naturally resorbed in the first months, placement accounts for it — the honest arithmetic behind lasting results.

06

Settling & final result

Swelling resolves over 2–3 weeks; the surviving fat stabilises its blood supply and the true result is judged at about 3–6 months.

Microfat

Structure and volume.

Microfat is purified fat with intact cells, placed through fine cannulas as many tiny threads across the right depths — rebuilding cheek projection, filling temples, supporting the jawline, softening folds. This is the volume work people picture when they think of fat transfer, and placement quality is what decides how much of it survives.

  • Fine-cannula, multi-plane placement — every thread close to blood supply.
  • Deliberate slight over-correction — honest arithmetic for natural resorption.
  • Restraint where it matters — especially under the eyes.
Nanofat

Skin quality, not bulk.

Nanofat is the same fat emulsified until volume cells are gone — leaving a fluid rich in regenerative cells. Placed superficially, it targets fine lines, crepey texture and dark under-eye skin. Effects build gradually over months and vary between patients: a genuine tool, honestly framed as a bonus rather than the headline.

Nanofat vs microfat in depth
Anaesthesia & setting

A day procedure, done properly.

Facial fat transfer is usually performed as a day case under sedation (or local anaesthesia with sedation) in an accredited Istanbul facility, with the full sequence — harvest, purification, placement — performed personally by Dr. Erdal. Larger combined plans (with facelift or blepharoplasty) use general anaesthesia and are planned individually.

The donor site

Where the fat comes from.

A modest amount is harvested by fine, low-pressure liposuction from the abdomen, flanks or inner thighs — volumes are small, and even lean patients usually have enough. Entry marks are a few millimetres, hidden in creases. Expect gym-soreness there for a few days.

Donor areas explained

Is fat transfer right for your face?

Send photos for a free, honest assessment — including whether filler or another approach would serve you better.

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Free assessment

Send photos, get an honest opinion

Share face photos in neutral light. Dr. Erdal will personally tell you where volume is lost, what fat transfer can realistically achieve, and outline a tailored plan and all-inclusive quote — with no obligation.

  • Reviewed personally by Dr. Erdal
  • Honest, realistic expectations
  • Clear all-inclusive quote upfront

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