Combining Facelift and Fat Transfer for Optimal Facial Rejuvenation

• May 8, 2025
• Mr Mrinal Supriya

Last updated on June 24, 2025

Facial ageing is not a one-dimensional process. Over time, most people experience a combination of sagging skin, volume loss and changes in facial contours, particularly around the cheeks, jawline and under the eyes.

While traditional facelift techniques address structural descent, they don’t always resolve the hollowed or deflated appearance that can result from fat loss. That’s why combining a facelift with fat transfer has become an increasingly popular approach to achieving natural, harmonious facial rejuvenation.

Lifting and Repositioning with a Facelift

A facelift is designed to lift and tighten sagging skin, targeting common concerns such as jowls, deep creases and skin laxity in the lower face and neck. At British Face Clinic, the Deep Plane Facelift offers a more advanced technique.

By repositioning the deeper SMAS layer, this method achieves longer-lasting results and a natural appearance that avoids the overly pulled look often associated with traditional lifts.

This deeper approach allows for:

• Restoration of youthful facial structure
• Improved definition along the jawline
• Enhanced facial movement and expression

Restoring Volume with Fat Transfer

While a facelift elevates tissues, it doesn’t replace the volume lost with age. That’s where fat transfer — or Facial Fat Grafting — plays a key role.

This technique involves harvesting fat from another area of the body (such as the abdomen or thighs), purifying it and carefully reintroducing it into areas of the face that have become hollow or sunken over time.

Common areas treated with fat grafting include:

• Mid-cheeks
• Temples
• Tear troughs (under-eye area)
• Nasolabial folds

In addition to restoring fullness, fat transfer can subtly improve skin quality in the treated areas thanks to the regenerative properties of the transferred cells.

Why Combine the Two?

Although each treatment offers significant benefits on its own, they are most effective when performed together. A facelift repositions facial tissues and defines the structure, while fat transfer softens contours and restores volume for a more natural finish.

The result is a balanced facial rejuvenation that:

• Addresses both sagging and deflation
• Creates smoother facial transitions
• Enhances symmetry and proportion
• Offers longer-lasting, natural-looking results

Rather than focusing solely on lift or volume, this combined approach treats the ageing face more comprehensively, providing refinement without exaggeration.

Who Might Benefit from a Combined Approach?

Clients experiencing both facial laxity and volume depletion are typically the best candidates for this combined treatment. Common indicators include flattened cheeks, deep facial folds, visible jowls, or an overall ‘tired’ appearance. Those seeking long-term results with fewer maintenance treatments may also find this dual procedure appealing.

As with any facial procedure, suitability is determined during a detailed consultation, where factors such as facial structure, skin quality and aesthetic goals are carefully assessed.

Final Thoughts

Facial ageing is complex, and treating it effectively requires an approach that addresses both the visible and structural changes that occur over time. By combining facelift surgery with fat transfer, it’s possible to achieve a more complete rejuvenation: one that not only lifts but also restores the natural volume and contours that define a youthful face.

If you’re exploring options for facial rejuvenation, a personalised consultation can help determine whether this combined approach aligns with your goals and anatomy.

How to Schedule a Consultation

To schedule a consultation, you can either call us on 0333 252 6373, book online via our website, schedule a video consultation or visit us at one of our clinics in London, Milton Keynes, or Northampton.

FAQs

What is the difference between a facelift and fat transfer?

A facelift lifts and tightens sagging tissues, while fat transfer restores lost volume for a fuller, more youthful facial contour.

How does fat transfer improve facelift results?

Fat transfer enhances facelift results by softening hollow areas and restoring natural volume, creating smoother facial transitions.

Should I combine a facelift and fat transfer?

If you’re concerned about both sagging skin and volume loss, combining a facelift and fat transfer can offer more comprehensive rejuvenation.

What areas of the face benefit from fat grafting during facelift surgery?

During facelift surgery, fat grafting is commonly used to enhance the cheeks, temples, under-eyes and around the mouth.

How long do fat transfer results last after a facelift?

Fat transfer results are long-lasting, with most of the transferred fat that integrates during healing remaining permanently after a facelift.

Is fat transfer better than fillers during a facelift?

Fat transfer uses your body’s own tissue and offers longer-lasting results compared to temporary fillers, especially when performed alongside a facelift.