What is it
Facial lipofilling, also known as fat grafting or fat transfer, is a surgical procedure that involves removing fat from one area of the patient’s body and transferring it to the face to fill depressions, wrinkles, and folds and/or to increase the volume of the lips, cheeks, and chin.
The technique is used to improve facial contour and rejuvenate the appearance of the face in a natural and long-lasting way. The fat can be removed, for example, from the abdominal area, thighs, or back through liposuction.
Who is it for
Facial fat grafting, or facial lipofilling, is indicated for patients who wish to improve facial contour and rejuvenate the face in a natural and lasting manner, using their own body fat as a filling material.
This procedure can be indicated to:
- Fill facial grooves and wrinkles
- Improve the contour of the lips, cheeks, and chin
- Correct irregularities after previous surgery
- Treat some congenital or acquired facial deformities
It is important that the patient is in good general health and has an adequate amount of body fat available to be used in the technique.
Scars
The scars from facial fat grafting, or facial lipofilling, are minimal and usually imperceptible. The technique involves removing fat from an area such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs through a small incision, usually less than 1 cm, using thin and delicate cannulas.
The purified fat is then injected into specific areas of the face through small incisions or even fine needles, in places that do not leave visible scars. As a result, the scars are discreet and become practically invisible over time.
However, scar appearance may vary depending on the patient’s age, genetics, skin quality, and postoperative care. It is important to follow all the plastic surgeon’s instructions to minimise the risk of complications and ensure smooth healing.
Technical Description
The facial lipofilling procedure generally involves the following steps:
- Anaesthesia: The plastic surgeon administers local anaesthesia with or without sedation to ensure the patient feels no pain during the procedure.
- Fat removal: Fat is harvested from an area such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks through liposuction using fine cannulas.
- Purification: The collected fat is processed and purified to separate healthy fat cells suitable for grafting.
- Injection: The purified fat is carefully injected into specific facial areas to add volume or correct depressions, using small incisions or fine needles.
- Recovery: The patient is monitored for a short period before being discharged home. Recovery usually takes about one week before returning to normal activities.
- Follow-up: The surgeon schedules a follow-up appointment to assess the results of the procedure.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. It is important to discuss expectations and concerns with the surgeon and follow postoperative instructions carefully to ensure safe and successful recovery.
Type of Anaesthesia
There are generally two types of anaesthesia that can be used in facial lipofilling:
- Local anaesthesia: The surgeon applies a local anaesthetic to the donor and recipient areas to numb the region and prevent pain. The patient remains awake during the procedure.
- General anaesthesia: In some cases, general anaesthesia may be used, particularly if the patient is undergoing multiple procedures at the same time or feels anxious.
The choice of anaesthesia depends on the patient’s preference, the complexity of the procedure, and the surgeon’s recommendation. It is important to discuss the options in advance to ensure comfort and safety during the procedure.
Results and Benefits
Facial lipofilling can offer several aesthetic and psychological benefits, including:
- Restoration of facial volume and contour in a natural way
- Smoothing of wrinkles, grooves, and facial depressions
- Improvement in symmetry and facial harmony
- Long-lasting and natural results, since the transferred fat integrates with the patient’s own tissue
- Use of the patient’s own fat, reducing the risk of allergic reaction
- Increase in self-esteem and confidence due to rejuvenation and improved appearance
Results vary from person to person, and some resorption of the transferred fat is expected, which may occasionally require minor touch-ups.
Recovery
Recovery after facial lipofilling may vary from person to person:
- Swelling and discomfort: It is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort both in the donor and treated facial areas. The surgeon usually prescribes medication to control pain and inflammation.
- Dressings and wound care: Dressings may be applied to protect the treated areas and reduce swelling. Follow the surgeon’s instructions for cleaning and caring for the area.
- Activity restrictions: Avoid intense physical activity, sun exposure, and excessive facial movements for several days after the procedure.
- Return to normal activities: Most patients can return to daily routines within one week, though complete reduction of swelling and final results may take several weeks.
- Follow-up: The surgeon will schedule follow-up consultations to monitor healing and evaluate results.
Following all postoperative guidelines is essential to minimise complications and ensure the best outcome.
Post-operative Care
Postoperative care after facial lipofilling is essential for proper healing and optimal results:
- Rest: Avoid strenuous physical activity during the first few weeks after surgery.
- Diet: Maintain a healthy and balanced diet to promote healing.
- Hygiene: Keep the treated area clean, following the surgeon’s instructions. Use mild soap and warm water, avoiding excessive pressure.
- Medication: Take prescribed medication as directed to manage pain and swelling.
- Dressings: Keep any dressings clean and dry, following the surgeon’s recommendations.
- Sleeping position: Avoid lying face down or on the side to prevent pressure on the treated areas.
- Sun exposure: Avoid direct sun exposure for at least four weeks after the procedure.
- Follow-up visits: Attend all scheduled postoperative appointments for evaluation and guidance.
Recovery varies for each patient. Strictly following the surgeon’s instructions helps ensure proper healing and the most natural, lasting results.
