Awake face surgery
Awake Facial Fat Transfer in Ottawa
Facial fat transfer restores volume to areas such as the cheeks, temples, tear troughs and lips using your own fat. Because it is built on small-volume liposuction, it is often performed awake.
Facial Fat Transfer at a glance
| Typical operating time | About 1.5 to 3 hours |
|---|---|
| Awake suitability | Often suitable in selected patients |
| Typical return to desk work | Social downtime often about 1 to 2 weeks |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia with or without sedation. General anesthesia arranged if needed |
| Setting | Outpatient, with an anesthesiologist present throughout |
Times are typical ranges for planning, not promises. Your plan is individualized.
What is facial fat transfer?
Fat is gently harvested from a donor area, processed and injected in small amounts into planned areas of the face. Some of the fat survives and some is absorbed, so a second session is sometimes needed.
Who may be a good candidate
- People with facial volume loss from aging or weight loss
- Those who prefer natural filler options
- Patients with enough donor fat
Why awake facial fat transfer may work
Liposuction under tumescent local anesthesia is well supported by large safety series, and facial injection sites can be numbed with local anesthesia. For limited volumes, an awake approach avoids a general anesthetic and allows you to sit up and view the result in a mirror.
When awake may not be the right choice
Larger volumes or combined facial surgery may be better with deeper sedation or general anesthesia.
Your awake facial fat transfer journey
1. Before surgery (pre-op)
We map donor and recipient areas and discuss the possibility of a second session.
- A consultation to review your goals, health history, medications and previous surgeries, and a physical examination
- An anesthesia assessment to decide whether an awake plan is appropriate and safe for you
- Photographs, with your consent, and a written plan, quote and consent form
- Medication guidance, including when to stop blood thinners, certain supplements, and smoking or vaping
- Fasting instructions from the anesthesia team. Follow them exactly
- A ride home and an adult to stay with you after surgery
2. Day of surgery (intra-op)
A small donor area is numbed and harvested, and fat is injected into the face in thin layers.
- You arrive, change, and meet the surgeon and anesthesiologist, and your markings and plan are confirmed
- An IV and monitors are placed. The anesthesiologist stays with you from start to finish
- Local anesthetic is given. Expect brief stinging, then numbness, and light sedation if planned
- You can listen to music, talk with the team, and tell us at any time if you feel discomfort
- Afterward you rest in recovery, receive written instructions and go home with your driver
3. Recovery (post-op)
You are observed in recovery, given written instructions and pain-control guidance, and scheduled for follow-up. Call us or seek urgent care for fever, spreading redness, severe or worsening pain, heavy bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg pain or swelling.
| When | What is typical |
|---|---|
| Days 1 to 3 | Facial swelling and bruising. Donor area soreness. |
| Week 1 | Swelling is visible. Avoid pressure on the face. |
| Weeks 2 to 3 | Swelling settles. |
| Months 2 to 4 | Final volume is clearer. |
Timelines are general and vary. Your surgeon gives you instructions specific to you.
Anesthesia options
Anesthesia options range from local anesthesia, with or without sedation, to general anesthesia. An anesthesiologist is present throughout your procedure and recommends an approach after reviewing your health, the extent of surgery and your preferences. If an awake approach is not suitable, general anesthesia is arranged. Plans can change during surgery if comfort or safety requires it, including deepening sedation or converting to general anesthesia.
Learn more: anesthesia options, levels of anesthesia, fear of intubation, and pain perception and music.
Alternatives
Fillers, other volume-restoring surgery, or no treatment.
Risks
Variable fat survival, asymmetry, bruising, swelling, lumpiness, donor-site irregularity and, rarely, serious vascular complications including vision-related problems. Anesthesia risks as discussed.
Anesthetic risks include reactions to medications, breathing or airway events, the need to deepen sedation or convert to general anesthesia, and, rarely, transfer for further care. All surgery carries risk, and results are not guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions about awake facial fat transfer
How much fat survives?
It varies. Some patients need a second session.
Is it permanent?
Surviving fat can last, but ongoing facial aging continues.
Can it be done awake?
Often yes for limited volumes.
Where is fat taken from?
Usually the abdomen or thighs.
Related procedures
Starting from $8,000 (CAD, before 13% HST), including surgeon, anesthesia and facility fees. Your written quote follows your consultation. See pricing and financing.
Explore your options at a consultation
References
- Boeni R, Waechter-Gniadek PV. Safety of tumescent liposuction under local anesthesia in 9,002 consecutive patients. Dermatol Surg. 2021;47(5):e184-e187. PMID 33899793
- Lozinski A, Huq NS. Tumescent liposuction. Clin Plast Surg. 2013;40(4):593-613. PMID 24093655