What does Fat injection Surgery Involve?
The fat cells taken from one part of your own body are injected back into the desired area such as the cheeks, lips or chin replenishing the skin’s collagen layer, smoothing lines and wrinkles and plumping out the treated area.
What areas can be treated?
The most common areas for treatment are frown lines and crows feet. They can help fill out deep facial wrinkles, creases and furrows, sunken cheeks, skin depressions and some types of scars. They can also be used to add a fuller, more sensuous look to the lips.
How is the treatment performed?
A fat-injection procedure is a two-step process. First the donor site is cleansed and then anaesthetised. Then fat is harvested through a liposuction cannula (tube) from the abdomen or hips and once extracted is aspirated and washed in saline to remove damaged fat cells prior to injection. Once treated the fat cells are then injected with a small syringe (after the area has been numbed) into the desired locations such as the cheeks, under the eyes, the lips or around the mouth and lips. Multiple injections are required to achieve the desired result. The treatment usually takes about 90 minutes depending on how many injections are needed to achieve your goals. You should be able to leave the same day that you have the treatment.
How long does it last?
The long lastingness of the fat injections varies significantly with each individual patient. Some patients have reported results lasting a year or more, but the majority of patients find that at least half of the injected fullness disappears within 3-6 months. Repeat injections may, therefore, be necessary.
How long will the treatment and recovery take?
Recovery time will depend on the extent of the procedure but normally is a week to 10 days. Patients can usually return to work within a few days to a week.
Are there any side effects?
As with any medical procedure there can be side effects. Most people experience some swelling and redness for the first 24-48 hours. Itching and mild discomfort is not uncommon. There is no risk from allergic reaction because the fat is harvested from your own body. Infection is extremely rare and if needed antibiotics will be given for 5 days.