Fat injection is a procedure that allows us to increase the volume of the face and restore its youthful, plump lines. The aging process has also been documented to involve the descent of fat pads as well as fat atrophy. Fat transfers can be performed to improve cheek fullness in the mid-face area, to fill the cavities or depressions in the face, to add volume to the eyelids and to correct the jawline. In addition to increasing facial volume, fat injections can also be used to restore the beauty and youthfulness of your hands that lose volume during the aging process.
Local anesthetic or light sedation is used during this outpatient procedure. Then, fat is taken from a part of the body such as the abdomen, hips or thighs. A very small cannula is used for fat transfer. Since fat is not a foreign substance, it is included as living tissue and there is no risk of rejection. There is usually a period of mild bruising and swelling for the first two weeks.
Fat Injection and Injectable Fillers
Fat transfer to the face means the use of one’s own fat as a filler on the face. Fat is taken from the body, living fat cells are separated and re-injected into areas such as the temple, tear trough, cheek, jaw line, around the mouth and chin. Fat injection adds volume to the face, plumps your skin to make it look fresher and younger.
Fat grafting is considered much longer-term than injectable fillers, and fat transfer results last for several years. You will continue to lose facial fat as you age, and you are likely to benefit from additional fat transfer sessions as you age.
Injectable fillers provide immediate results, but usually break down within 6-12 months, depending on the filler. Injectable fillers require several sessions to achieve results like those from fat transfer; this can be more costly especially if you factor in repeating this every 6-12 months.
Fat grafting is generally better for treating larger areas with volume deficiencies such as under the eyes, temples, cheeks and jawline.