Facial Fat Injection (Lipofilling)
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Facial fat injection (lipofilling) is an aesthetic procedure in which fat tissue taken from certain parts of the body is injected into the facial area to plump facial contours, remove wrinkles and give a younger appearance.
Due to aging, weight loss or genetic factors, volume loss, hollowness and fine wrinkles may occur in the facial area.
With fat injection, these problems on the face are eliminated by using the person’s own fat tissue, which is a natural filling material.
Causes of Facial Fat Injection
Facial fat injection is applied to plump and rejuvenate facial contours.
The main reasons for fat injection:
- Volume Loss: The decrease in facial fat tissue with aging leads to loss of volume in the cheekbones, cheeks and temples.
- Depressions and Fine Lines: To provide fullness in areas such as under-eye hollows, nasolabial grooves (lines extending from the edge of the nose to the corner of the mouth) and forehead lines.
- Defining Facial Lines: Fat injection can be applied to make the jawline (jawline), cheekbones and lips more prominent.
- Asymmetry Correction of congenital or acquired asymmetries in the face.
- Tissue Repair Removal of scars, pits and irregularities on the face.
Suitable Candidates for Facial Fat Injection
Facial fat injection can be applied to people of almost any age group who experience volume loss and wrinkle problems.
Suitable candidates for the procedure:
- People with volume loss, collapse and fine lines in the face area.
- Those who want to plump and define their facial features.
- Individuals with a sufficient amount of adipose tissue in certain parts of the body (such as the abdomen, hips, thighs).
- People in good general health and able to tolerate surgical intervention.
Preparation Before Facial Fat Injection
Before facial fat injection, the patient’s facial structure, skin condition and aesthetic expectations are evaluated.
Things to consider before the procedure:
- Doctor Examination: The degree of volume loss and wrinkles on the face is determined.
The area where the fat will be removed is determined and the patient is informed about the procedure. - General Health Status: The patient’s medical history and general health status are reviewed.
In particular, the use of blood thinners, smoking habits and allergic conditions are evaluated. - Medication Use: The use of blood thinners should be stopped at least one week before the procedure. Smoking is recommended as it can negatively affect the healing process.
- Planning the Fat Intake Site: For fat injection, fat is usually taken from the abdomen, buttocks or thighs.
It is evaluated whether there is enough fat tissue in these areas.
How is Facial Fat Injection Performed?
Facial fat injection can be performed under local or general anesthesia and usually takes 1-2 hours.
The procedure consists of three stages:
1. Degreasing:
In the first step, fat is removed by liposuction from areas of the body where fat tissue is dense, such as the abdomen, buttocks or thighs.
The fat is carefully removed using thin cannulas and collected in a sterile environment.
2. Preparation of the oil:
The fat is purified through a special process.
At this stage, only pure fat cells are obtained by separating blood, serum and other fluids from the fat tissue.
3. Injecting the oil:
The purified fat is carefully injected into the areas of the face that need it with the help of fine needles or cannulas.
The correct placement of the fat ensures a natural and balanced fullness of the face.
Recovery Process After Facial Fat Injection
The healing process after facial fat injection varies depending on the size of the treated area and the skin structure of the person.
Things to be considered during the healing process:
- Swelling and Bruising: There may be mild swelling and bruising at the injection site.
These effects usually subside within a few days. - Pain Mild pain may be felt in the area where the oil is removed and on the injected face.
This can be controlled with painkillers recommended by the doctor. - Cold Compress Cold compresses can be applied in the first days after the procedure to reduce swelling and bruising.
- Recovery Process: In the first weeks, some of the injected fat is absorbed by the body.
Permanent results are evaluated 3-6 months after the procedure. - Activity Restriction: For the first few weeks, activities that will strain the facial area and exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided.
Advantages of Facial Fat Injection
Facial fat injection is a natural and effective method used to eliminate volume loss and define facial contours.
Advantages of the procedure:
- Natural Filling Material: Since the person’s own fat tissue is used, the risk of allergic reaction is minimal and a more natural appearance is achieved.
- Lasting Results: Although some of the injected fat is absorbed by the body, the remaining fat cells remain for a long time.
- Versatility: Fat injection can be used to provide fullness in many areas of the face (cheeks, chin, lips, under the eyes).
- Tissue Repair: Stem cells in adipose tissue contribute to skin repair and regeneration.
Risks and Side Effects
Although facial fat injection is a safe procedure, it may have some risks and side effects:
- Infection Injections that are not performed under sterile conditions carry a risk of infection.
Therefore, the procedure should be performed by a specialized surgeon. - Asymmetry The amount and placement of the injected fat can cause facial asymmetry.
This is minimized by careful application during the procedure. - Absorption of Fat: Some of the injected fat is absorbed by the body.
Therefore, less fullness than expected may be achieved after the procedure. - Cyst and Calcification: In rare cases, injected fat cells may form cysts or calcifications.