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| LIPOSCULPTURE (Autologous Fat Transfer) |
A fat injection adds fat to the area beneath the skin, and has the effect of 'filling out the face' to a
more youthful state. Patients may be familiar with the use of fat injections for lip augmentation,
but there are many other uses in the face. For example, fat injections can also be used to
- lessen the lines around the mouth,
- fill out the cheeks and chin (areas which might have otherwise used facial implants), or
- as an all purpose filler in the face.
As we continue to understand the ageing process better, we have come to appreciate that in some
patients, rather than stretching tissues, adding soft tissue volume (such as fat) will make the face
look younger. We find ourselves using fat injections for ‘touch-ups’ and as a part of face lift
surgery.
Do fat injections last?
Some patients think that fat injections “do not last”. However, this is not the case. When properly
done, a large percentage of the injected fat cells do indeed survive. These are ‘permanent.' Since
some fat cells are lost, the effect of the fat transfer is not as dramatic after a few weeks. For this
reason, we tend to ‘overcorrect,' or inject more than we need to, knowing that after a few weeks
the final result will be more to the patient’s liking. If we inject less, the patient may be happy
with the initial result, but be disappointed over time as the results ‘disappear’.
What other parts of the body are fat injections or fat transfers done?
Fat transfers can be used for buttocks augmentation, also known as the brazilian butt lift. Fat is
first liposuctioned from the stomach or flank area and then processed in a special decanting
technique. The purified fat is then transferred or injected into the butt with special cannulas.
Using fat transfers for butt augmentation gives a very flattering, sensual, and natural look.
Buttock augmentation is done as a part of body contouring surgeries and usually combined with
liposuction and tummy tucks for a body makeover.
Another area which can benefit from a fat injection is the hands. Fat injections can give the hand
a fuller and younger contour.
How are fat injections different from injectible fillers like restylane?
Compared to injectable facial fillers such as Restylane, fat transfers are more of an involved
procedure because the fat has to be harvested from another part of the body. However, unlike
injectable fillers, fat transfers can be used in larger volumes to fill larger defects.
What is involved in the fat injection procedure for the facial area?
Fat injections can be done under local or sedation anesthesia. Using small syringes, fat is
harvested from the hip, inner or outer thigh, lower back, or lower abdomen. The fat is then
processed in a special centrifuge, and is then injected into the desired area. When performed
properly, a large percentage of the fat transfer will stay and the face will fill out to look more
youthful.
How much do fat injections cost?
The fee for fat injections to the face varies, depending on the area(s) to be injected. If the
procedure is done in conjunction with another facial procedure, a professional discount is usually
applied.
BACK TO TOP
What are fat injections or fat transfers?
The terms fat injection and fat transfer refer to
the process of taking fat from your stomach area
(or another area) and injecting it into your facial
area (or other area). The goal of the procedure is
to add fullness to
Facial fat injections, by virtue of the fullness, give
some lifting to the general facial structure.
Who can benefit from fat injection or
fat transfers to the face?
As you age, the dermis under your skin thins out.
This can leave the face looking too thin and has
the effect of making the skin look like it sags.
This happens to women of all body types: small
frame, medium frame, large frame.
The terms fat injection and fat transfer refer to
the process of taking fat from your stomach area
(or another area) and injecting it into your facial
area (or other area). The goal of the procedure is
to add fullness to
- the face,
- the lips,
- the buttocks or
- the aging hands.
Facial fat injections, by virtue of the fullness, give
some lifting to the general facial structure.
Who can benefit from fat injection or
fat transfers to the face?
As you age, the dermis under your skin thins out.
This can leave the face looking too thin and has
the effect of making the skin look like it sags.
This happens to women of all body types: small
frame, medium frame, large frame.