Various terms are used to describe the transfer of fat from one part of the body to another, such as fat grafting, fat transfer, and fat injection. All these terms refer to the method of using fat injection as a natural filler to enhance appearance. Fat transfer is used to increase volume, reshape contours, reduce wrinkles, and rejuvenate the face. This procedure also helps restore facial tissues that have been lost with aging. Additionally, research has shown that it improves skin quality and texture.
The fat injection process includes the following steps:
Anesthesia: Fat injection is performed on an outpatient basis, and the patient returns home the same day. The procedure is conducted under local or general anesthesia. At this stage, oral sedatives, sterile saline, lidocaine, light intravenous sedatives, or local anesthesia may be used.
Fat Harvesting: The patient’s own fat (typically from the abdomen, flanks, thighs, or buttocks) is extracted using a small hypodermic needle or a special cannula with limited suction.
Fat Purification: The extracted fat is placed in a centrifuge to remove excess fluids and damaged cells, leaving only healthy, intact fat cells for injection. In some cases, other substances (e.g., vitamin C, serum albumin) are added to enhance the longevity of the procedure.
Fat Reinjection: Using a needle smaller than a hypodermic needle, the purified fat is gently injected through tiny skin incisions into the recipient area using a micro-droplet technique to ensure optimal results.
Fat Injection to the Face
Fat injection to the face improves skin tissue quality. It is commonly used for areas such as the cheeks, lips, eyelids, temples, and wrinkles around the mouth (marionette lines and nasolabial folds).
Fat injection to the face enhances volume and rejuvenates contours but provides minimal lifting or tightening of tissues. Individuals with significant skin laxity in the face and neck may benefit from other lifting methods. To determine the best facial rejuvenation option suited to your goals, consult an experienced specialist.
Facial rejuvenation through fat transfer is an excellent option for those who want to enhance volume in specific facial areas or restore volume lost due to aging. The injected fat increases volume and improves contours. This method can improve deep smile lines, marionette lines, hollow eyes, and sagging cheeks. During a consultation, the doctor will assess your concerns, desired changes, and medical history to determine if fat injection is suitable for you. Health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, kidney disease, heart issues, or other serious conditions will be evaluated.
Fat Injection to the Breasts
One advantage of fat injection to the breasts is that women can remove unwanted fat from areas like the buttocks, abdomen, or thighs while simultaneously increasing breast size. Another benefit is the greater flexibility in shaping the breasts. Implants come in standard (though varied) sizes, but fat injection allows the surgeon to shape the breasts according to the patient’s preferences.
Fat transfer for breast augmentation is not suitable for everyone. For women seeking to increase breast size by two or three sizes, implants are a better option, but fat injection is ideal for a one-size increase. It is also beneficial for women who want to correct minor breast asymmetry or for those who have had implants but are dissatisfied with the results and wish to address potential imperfections.
Fat Injection to the Buttocks
For many women today, a full, round buttocks is highly desirable. Various methods exist to improve buttock shape, firmness, and contour, including non-surgical injections, implants, fat injection, skin removal, liposuction, and energy-based devices. Fat injection is a suitable choice for those seeking a fuller, rounder buttocks with natural, long-lasting results. It is used to create a more curved buttocks with the desired shape and volume without the need for implants.
Preparation for Fat Injection
- Avoid smoking for at least six weeks before the procedure.
- Refrain from taking aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs: Advil, Motrin, Aleve), vitamins, or homeopathic regimens that may increase bleeding risk.
- Regardless of the procedure type, hydration before and after fat injection is crucial.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours.
Benefits of Fat Injection
✔ Low risk of allergic reactions.
✔ Natural, long-lasting, and safe results.
✔ Can be easily combined with other rejuvenation methods.
✔ Cost-effective method.
Risks of Fat Injection
Fortunately, complications from fat grafting are rare, and the procedure is typically performed without major issues. Risks and potential complications are localized and should be discussed during the consultation. Risks are similar to those of most surgeries. Some potential complications of fat injection include:
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Hematoma (accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin that may require removal)
- Infection
- Changes in sensation
- Scarring
- Allergic reactions
- Damage to underlying tissues
