Facial Fat Grafting (Lipofilling) Procedures South Africa

Dr Nerina Wilkinson has a set standard of individualised care and expertise which is reflected by the entire team. Our team of experts has a wealth of knowledge and continuously delivers outstanding results by using state of the art medical devices and products and sparing no expense to create a safe and luxurious environment where all your skincare concerns can be addressed.

We are passionate about educating our clients on safe, results-driven treatments and we design each client’s Skincare Treatment Plan individually to deliver optimal results. To achieve this, we start with a computerised VISIA Skin Analysis that objectively measures and maps your skin followed by a detailed consultation with your Skincare Specialist during which specific concerns are highlighted and discussed.

Each facial fat grafting (lipofilling) procedure is completely bespoke and formulated around each individual’s concern and desired results. Book an appointment to consult with Dr. Nerina Wilkinson.

The best candidates are those who fully understand the procedure and have realistic expectations about the results.

Facial Lipofilling can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal or cause other people to treat you differently.

Before you decide to have this procedure, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.

The best candidates are men and women who are physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in their expectations.

As with any surgical procedure, it is best to discuss your specific medical history and needs with your doctor. Book an appointment to consult with Dr. Nerina Wilkinson.

This procedure replaces the volume using a 360′ approach to create youthful, soft contours that lift and illuminate the whole face. A syringe is used to suction the subcutaneous fat from the donor site. The fat is purified using specialised techniques to create lipografts and nano fat.

A multi-plane technique precisely transplants the fat and stem cells to the face at different levels and layers to improve facial contours and create an uplifting effect. First the bone in the mid-face, then muscles and mid structures, and finally the nano fat is layered very superficially under the skin harnessing the potential of the rich stem cells to improve the quality of the skin.

This can cause excessive swelling in the first 7 to 10 days and then settles quickly. Although most patients only need one procedure as we continue to age and lose volume in the face another session may be required at a later stage.

Lipofilling usually takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure. Fat will be harvested from an area of the body with the fattiest deposits – abdomen, flanks, inner thighs or knees.

Patients should see final results after about six months, though improvement should start to become apparent just a few days after surgery.

Surgeons often slightly overfill the targeted area because it is normal for a certain percentage of cells not to survive. After about six months, the fat cells remaining should be enduringly established and last a lifetime. Most patients only need one procedure as we continue to age and lose volume in the face another session may be required at a later stage.

Before a fat grafting procedure

Schedule and complete any pre-operative tests requested by Dr Wilkinson. STOP SMOKING – nicotine reduces blood flow to the skin and causes delays in wound healing.

Stop taking aspirin, anti-inflammatories, herbal medicine, diet pills, etc. (2 weeks before surgery).

Ensure that you have arranged everything you will need for your recovery e.g. meals, pillows, straws, ice, books etc.

Arrange for someone to drop you off at the clinic and collect you after discharge.
You may not drive for 24 hours after receiving oral sedation.

Schedule a pre-operative consultation with Dr Wilkinson 2 weeks before surgery.

Day of procedure/during procedure

Lipofilling is performed under conscious oral sedation. You will be totally relaxed and drowsy throughout the procedure but have the benefit of not having the side effects associated with general anaesthetic.

Your surgery will be performed at Dr Wilkinson’s clinic, and you will be required to stay at the practice for +/- 1 hour after the procedure.

After fat grafting procedure

After surgery, you may experience some discomfort from the area where the fat was harvested but most of your discomfort can be controlled by the medication prescribed by your doctor.
If you feel any severe pain, inform the clinic staff immediately.

You can expect some swelling and bruising afterwards, which differs from patient to patient. It depends on the extent of the procedure as well as the individual’s tendency to bruise.

NO smoking after surgery as smoking may compromise wound healing. Dr Wilkinson will instruct you to keep your head elevated for several days, and to use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising.

You will be required to stay approximately 1 hour after the procedure and see Dr Wilkinson post-operatively for a check up as well as after +/- 2 – 4 days for a wound check, after 3 weeks and at 6 weeks for a surgical follow-up.

Failure to adhere to these instructions may lead to complications and jeopardize the results of your surgery.

Most people feel ready to go out in public (and back to work) in a week to 10 days after their facial fat transfer surgery. By then, depending on your rate of healing and your doctor’s instructions, you’ll probably be able to wear make-up to hide the bruising that remains.

You may be sensitive to sunlight, wind, and other irritants for several weeks, so you should wear sunglasses and sunblock when you go out. Dr Wilkinson will advise you to keep your activities to a minimum for 5 to 7 days and to avoid more strenuous activities for about 3 weeks after your fat grafting procedure. It’s especially important to avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, including bending, lifting, and rigorous sports.

Your new look

Healing is a gradual process and it may take time for you to appreciate the subtle changes in your appearance after lipofilling. Your satisfaction with lipofilling is likely to be greater if you understand the procedure thoroughly and if your expectations are realistic. The important thing is how you feel about it. If you’ve met your goals, then your surgery is a success.

To see if this is the best cosmetic surgery procedure for you, always start with a professional consultation with a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon for an in-depth analysis of your facial features and to reach a good understanding of your skincare concerns and goals.

Dr Nerina Wilkinson’s unique and comprehensive surgical consultation is available for you to discuss and analyse your concerns and goals and for her (together with her team of specialists) to provide bespoke advice. Schedule your facial cosmetic surgery consultation today!

The cost of the facial fat grafting/ stem cell procedure depends on the surgical time, but can be estimated at +/- R 20 000 – R 35 000. The extent of the surgery will only be determined once you have seen Dr Wilkinson for a full assessment/consultation.

Additional costs to expect:

• Consultation fee: R 2 450
• Medication required for surgery: +/- R 800 – R 1 500
• Additional overnight at our facility, other than recommended by us: +/- R 7 000
• Other investigations advised by Dr Wilkinson

(Please note that these fees are only estimates and can change once you have seen the doctor for your first assessment.)

Fractional laser is normally safe when performed by a qualified Plastic Surgeon/Aesthetic Doctor. Nevertheless, as with any surgery or aesthetic procedure, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding and/or infection. You can reduce your risks by closely following Dr Wilkinson’s advice both before and after your procedure.

Your health and lifestyle should always be assessed in conjunction with your expectations before undergoing a fractional laser treatment.

Facial Lipofilling is normally safe when performed by a qualified Plastic Surgeon. Nevertheless, as with any procedure, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding and/or infection.

The minor complications that occasionally follow Lipofilling include:

Persistent discolouration (bruising) and a slight asymmetry in healing. occasional numbness of the skin can occur but usually resolves within a few weeks but in some cases, may be permanent.

Dr. Nerina Wilkinson can provide more insight into any additional side effects, and address any concerns you may have regarding eyelid surgery. Contact us to find out more.

Facial fat grafting procedures are usually performed in private cosmetic clinics and other medical clinics that have a focus on aesthetic surgery.

Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates is a private, high end, a luxurious clinic located in the prestigious V & A Waterfront in Cape Town where Dr Wilkinson founded the House of Aesthetic Couture and Skin Science. Your surgery will be performed at Dr Wilkinson’s clinic, and you will be required to stay at the practice for +/- 1 hour after the procedure.

Lipofilling is performed under conscious oral sedation. You will be totally relaxed and drowsy throughout the procedure but have the benefit of not having the side effects associated with general anaesthetic.