Overview
Facial lipofilling, also known as lipostructure or autologous fat injection, is a cosmetic surgical technique that involves harvesting fat from one area of the body and then reinjecting it into specific areas of the face to restore volume.
Over time, the face can gradually lose volume. This phenomenon contributes to the appearance of:
- dark circles under the eyes
- less prominent cheekbones
- with sunken temples
- with a more tired look
- a loss of overall harmony
Lipofilling restores volume naturally by using the patient's own fat cells.
This technique has the advantage of using autologous tissue, without any synthetic materials.
Explanation of the technique
Facial lipofilling, also known as lipostructure, is a cosmetic surgery technique used to restore facial volume by transferring fat harvested from the patient’s own body.
Over time, the face gradually loses volume due to a decrease in subcutaneous fat and sagging tissues. This loss of volume can accentuate certain facial hollows and give the face a tired or aged appearance.
Lipofilling involves reinjecting autologous fat (taken from the patient) into various areas of the face to restore volume and improve overall harmony. This technique has the advantage of using natural tissue that is fully biocompatible.
The procedure generally consists of three main steps: harvesting the fat, preparing it, and reinjecting it into the treatment areas.
Fat removal
The first step involves removing a small amount of fat using a gentle liposuction technique performed with fine cannulas.
The most common sampling areas are:
- the abdomen
- the sides
- the thighs
- the knees
The choice of donor site depends on the patient's body type and the availability of fat. Liposuction is performed using a minimally invasive technique to preserve the quality of the fat cells that will be reinjected.
This step yields fat rich in viable cells, which is essential for the success of the transplant.
Preparing the fat
After extraction, the fat is processed according to a specific protocol to select the most viable fat cells.
This step may include various purification stages designed to:
- remove impurities
- remove excess fluid and blood
- preserve fat cells capable of surviving after transplantation
The quality of this preparation is essential for ensuring that the fat is properly integrated into the facial tissues…
Reinjection into the face
The purified fat is then reinjected into areas of the face that require volume restoration. The injection is performed using very fine microcannulas, which allow the fat to be deposited in the form of micrografts distributed across different tissue layers.
This technique makes it possible to achieve:
- an even distribution of fat
- better graft take
- a result that looks and feels natural
The areas of the face most commonly treated with lipofilling include:
- the cheekbones, to restore volume to the midface
- the temples, which often become sunken with age
- the nasolabial folds, which run from the nose to the corners of the mouth
- dark circles, to reduce the hollow appearance of the eyes
- the jawline, to enhance the definition of the face's contours
- the chin, to restore balance to the profile
The filler is injected gradually and precisely to achieve a harmonious and natural-looking result.
Une partie de la graisse injectée peut être résorbée dans les semaines suivant l’intervention. La graisse qui persiste s’intègre durablement dans les tissus et contribue à restaurer les volumes du visage sur le long terme.
Overview of the procedure
The process for facial lipofilling begins with a specialized consultation to assess whether the procedure is appropriate and to identify the areas that could benefit from volume restoration.
During this consultation, a clinical examination of the face is performed to assess volume distribution, skin quality, and any hollows caused by aging or natural facial structure. This analysis helps identify the areas to be treated and discuss realistic goals for the procedure.
You will receive detailed medical information and a personalized quote, in accordance with the legal cooling-off period. Medical photographs may be taken to facilitate preoperative analysis and monitoring of results.
Before the procedure, a preoperative evaluation is ordered, and a consultation with the anesthesiologist is scheduled when necessary.
Facial lipofilling is performed in a clinic under local anesthesia with sedation or under general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure and the areas to be treated. The procedure involves harvesting small amounts of fat from a donor site on the body, processing it, and then carefully reinjecting it into the areas of the face that require volume restoration.
The procedure typically lasts between 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes. It is usually performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.
Postoperative Care and Expected Results
Postoperative care is generally straightforward. In the first few days following the procedure, it is common to experience:
- facial swelling
- minor bruises
- a feeling of tension
- transient sensitivity
These symptoms gradually subside in the days following the procedure.
Activities are gradually resuming :
- light daily activities: after a few days
- sedentary work: usually after about a week
- sports activities: usually after 3 to 4 weeks
A post-operative follow-up appointment is scheduled to monitor healing and the progress of the results.
Facial lipofilling helps create a more balanced, refreshed, and natural-looking face. The expected benefits include:
- restoration of facial volume
- sharpening of edges
- reduction of certain dips
- natural result
- improved facial harmony
Some of the injected fat may be naturally absorbed by the body in the weeks following the procedure. The fat that remains becomes permanently integrated into the tissue.
The final results become apparent gradually over the months following the procedure, as the contours settle.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Facial Lipofilling
Some of the injected fat is naturally absorbed by the body. The fat that remains permanently then behaves like normal fatty tissue.
The incisions made to remove fat are only a few millimeters long and are generally very inconspicuous.
Yes, lipofilling can be combined with other facial procedures, such as a facelift or blepharoplasty.
These two techniques are used for different purposes. Lipofilling uses the patient's own fat and can provide long-lasting results.
Complications are generally mild and can be effectively managed with simple treatment.
>> This page is intended to provide general information. Only a consultation with Dr. Vairinho will allow for an accurate assessment of your situation and the recommendation of an appropriate treatment plan. A personalized quote is provided only during a consultation.
