Fat Injection (Lipofilling)

Fat injection is a natural volumizing and rejuvenation procedure performed by injecting fat tissue taken from the person’s own body into areas that need volume. This method is used to restore facial volume loss, soften wrinkles, define contours, and add fullness to specific areas of the body.

Thanks to the use of the patient’s own tissue and its rejuvenating effects, fat injection has become a natural and long-lasting alternative to synthetic fillers.

What Is Fat Injection?

Fat injection is the process of transferring fat harvested from areas such as the abdomen, waist, thighs, or hips—after special processing—into areas like the face, lips, jawline, cheekbones, under-eye area, buttocks, and hands. This method is frequently preferred for rejuvenation purposes due to its volumizing effect and its ability to improve skin quality.

Thanks to the stem cells contained in fat tissue, it promotes regeneration, healing, and tightening in the treated area. In this respect, it not only adds volume but also gives the skin a more vibrant, radiant, and healthy appearance.

Benefits of Fat Injection

• Natural fullness: Since it is obtained from the patient’s own tissue, the results look completely natural.
• Long-lasting results: The permanent portion of the injected fat maintains its effect for a lifetime.
• No allergy risk: Because fat tissue is biologically compatible, there is no risk of allergic reaction.
• Improved skin quality: Thanks to the stem cell effect, the skin appears more vibrant and youthful.
• Dual effect: Slimming in the areas where fat is harvested and fullness in the areas where it is injected.
• Wide range of application: It can be safely applied to many areas including the face, body, hands, buttocks, and breasts.

From Where Is the Fat Taken for Fat Injection?

The most commonly preferred donor areas for fat transfer are:

• Abdomen
• Waist and flanks
• Hips and saddlebags
• Inner or outer thighs
• Arms
• Under-eye bags (in suitable patients)

The fat tissue harvested from these areas is prepared for injection through special filtration and purification processes.

How Is Fat Injection Performed?

The procedure consists of several steps:

• 1. Fat harvesting: Fat is collected using fine cannulas via liposuction.
• 2. Separation: The harvested fat is purified using centrifugation or special filtration systems.
• 3. Injection: The prepared fat is injected into the required areas using fine cannulas and a layered technique.

Depending on the treatment area, the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia.

How Long Does Fat Injection Take?

Depending on the scope of the procedure, fat transfer typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes. Facial applications are usually completed in a shorter time, while fat transfer to the buttocks and breasts may take longer.

In What Setting Should Fat Injection Be Performed?

Although it may seem like a minor surgical procedure, harvesting, purifying, and transferring fat requires sterile conditions. Therefore, fat injection must be performed in an operating room environment and by specialist plastic surgeons.

How Long-Lasting Is Fat Injection?

After fat transfer, approximately 50–60% of the injected fat may be resorbed within the first 6 months. The remaining fat cells fully adapt to the treated area and become permanent.

The permanent retention rate is generally between 40–50%, and if needed, additional sessions can be performed to increase longevity.

Is It Possible to Increase Permanence?

• PRP-enriched fat
• Stem cell–assisted fat transfer
• Micro/nano fat graft techniques

These methods can increase fat survival rates and enhance the skin rejuvenation effect.

To Which Areas Can Fat Injection Be Applied?

Fat injection can be safely applied to many areas for both aesthetic and reconstructive purposes.

Facial Areas

• Cheekbones
• Lips
• Under-eye hollows
• Brow area
• Chin and jawline
• Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
• Facial oval

Body Areas

• Buttock lifting (BBL)
• Breast augmentation and shaping
• Correction of depressions in the legs and thighs
• Correction of deformities after liposuction

Hand Rejuvenation

Fat injection is a highly effective method for reducing the appearance of prominent veins and bones on the hands.

Non-Aesthetic Uses of Fat Injection

• Breast reconstruction after cancer
• Depressions caused by burns and trauma
• Repair of scars and contour deformities due to tissue loss
• Correction of facial volume loss after obesity surgery

Recovery Process After Fat Injection

Although the recovery process varies from person to person, it is generally quite comfortable.

• Mild swelling and bruising may occur after the procedure.
• Swelling usually decreases within a few days.
• Patients are often discharged on the same day.
• Social activities can usually be resumed after 1–2 days.
• Heavy exercise and pressure on the face should be avoided for the first few weeks.

Who Is Suitable for Fat Injection?

• Individuals with volume loss in the face or body
• Those seeking a more natural and long-lasting filler alternative
• Individuals who do not want synthetic fillers
• Those who want to improve skin quality
• Patients in need of reconstructive procedures

Fat injection is suitable for both female and male patients. It is important to be evaluated by a specialist plastic surgeon before the procedure.