Fat Injection (Lipofilling)

What is Fat Injection (Lipofilling)?

Fat injection, also known as fat transfer or Lipofilling, is a cosmetic procedure that involves removing fat from one area of the body and injecting it into another. This technique has gained popularity over the years as it offers a natural solution to volumize, contour and rejuvenate various body areas.

In this article, we will explore what Fat Injection is, how it is performed, the benefits and risks, who is a good candidate, the types of procedures available, recovery time and long-term results.

Benefits and Risks

Benefits

Lipofilling offers several advantages compared to synthetic fillers. One of the most important advantages is that by using the patient’s own fat, it eliminates the risk of allergic reactions or rejection. This natural procedure not only reduces the likelihood of complications, but also provides a more harmonious integration with the surrounding tissues, resulting in a more natural and long-lasting improvement.

Another advantage of fat injection is that it can be performed under local anesthesia, reducing the risks associated with general anesthesia. This not only minimizes the potential complications associated with sedation, but also allows for a faster recovery time, allowing patients to return to their daily activities sooner.

Risks

Infection, although rare, is a potential complication that can be minimized by following proper postoperative care instructions. Bleeding and scarring are also possible risks, but with meticulous surgical techniques and proper wound management, the likelihood of these complications is significantly reduced.

Furthermore, asymmetry is a potential risk associated with fat injection. Achieving perfect symmetry is a challenge in any surgical procedure and this procedure is no exception.

Who is a Suitable Candidate for Fat Injection?

Fat injection is ideal for those who want to add or enhance volume in areas such as the face, breasts, buttocks or hands.

It is important that candidates have sufficient fat reserves in their donor area. This ensures a sufficient supply of suitable fat for transfer. During the initial consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the patient to determine if they are suitable for the procedure.

How is it Performed?

The first step of the procedure is the removal of fat through liposuction. Small incisions are made near the donor area and a thin cannula is inserted to draw out excess fat. The extracted fat is then carefully purified and processed to preserve the best quality fat cells.

Once the fat has been extracted, it undergoes a purification process to remove any impurities or unwanted substances. This purification process ensures that only the purest and healthiest fat cells are used for the fat injection.

After purification, the fat is carefully processed to preserve its vitality and integrity. This process involves separating the fat cells from excess fluids or debris, resulting in a concentrated fat cell solution ready for injection.

The next step is the injection of purified fat cells into the targeted area. Using a small needle or cannula, the surgeon carefully injects the fat cells to achieve the desired volume.

Multiple injections may be required to ensure even distribution and natural-looking results.

Once the fat cells are injected, they integrate with the surrounding tissues and create a blood supply that allows them to survive and thrive in their new location. Over time, these fat cells become a permanent part of the body, providing long-lasting volume enhancement.

Which Areas Can Fat Injection Be Applied?

Under the eyes, fine lines between the nose and lips, cheekbone, chin tip, cheeks, genital area, penis, breast and butt areas are among the areas of fat injection application. In addition to all these, fat injection operation can also be used to eliminate the curvature of the legs.

In fat transfer to the face, fat cells are injected into areas that have lost volume or have deep wrinkles, such as the cheeks, lips and under-eye areas.

Breast augmentation involves using fat injection to increase the size and shape of the breasts. This procedure offers a natural alternative to breast implants and can also improve breast symmetry.

The Brazilian butt lift uses fat injection to enhance the size and shape of the buttocks. Excess fat is removed from areas such as the abdomen or thighs and injected into the buttocks to create a fuller and rounder appearance.

Things to Consider Before and After Fat Injection

• Blood thinners should not be taken for 10 days before the operation.
• If the patient is taking regular medications, he/she should inform his/her doctor before the procedure.
• After the operation, a cold compress should be applied to reduce edema.
• There is no harm in washing the application area the next day.
• Moisturizer can be applied to the injection area the day after the procedure.
• 4-5 days after the application, the procedure area can be gently massaged. (Massage will help to dissipate the edema.)
• Avoid excessive heat and steam after the procedure (heat and steam may cause increased edema).

Post Implementation Process

There is no harm in the patient returning to his/her daily routine 3 days after the operation, but heavy activities should be avoided. Swelling and bruising may be experienced after the operation, this situation returns to normal spontaneously within 10 days. Although a significant difference begins to be felt 1 month after the fat injection procedure, the permanent effect becomes fully evident 6 months after the operation. After the permanent effect is achieved, the patient feels much more comfortable both psychologically and socially, and does not experience self-confidence problems.

Recovery Time

The recovery time for fat injection varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the area treated.

Most people can resume light activities within a few days, but more strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for several weeks. It is important to follow the surgeon’s guidelines for optimal recovery and to minimize the risk of complications.

Long Term Results

Fat injection offers long-lasting results compared to other temporary fillers. While some of the transferred fat may initially be reabsorbed by the body, the remaining fat cells create a blood supply and become permanent. These cells behave like normal fat cells, expanding and contracting with weight fluctuations.

The longevity of the results depends on factors such as the patient’s age, lifestyle and genetics.

Permanence of Fat Injection?

The permanence of the fat injection procedure varies depending on many factors. The technique of removing the fat cells used, the techniques used to remove the fat cells, the area where the fat cells are injected, the area where the fat is removed are among the factors affecting the permanence of the procedure result.

The mobility of the application area is also one of the factors affecting the permanence. While the procedure lasts longer in relatively immobile areas, it is unfortunately not possible to achieve long-term permanence in fully mobile areas such as the lips. 40% of the injected fat becomes permanent within 6 months. After 6 months, the fat cells that continue to exist are permanent for life.