Facial fat injection is an effective aesthetic procedure aimed at correcting volume loss in the facial contours due to the aging process, improving skin quality, and achieving a natural rejuvenation. In this method, fat taken from areas of the body that contain adipose tissue is injected into the parts of the face that have lost volume. Since your own tissue is used, the procedure yields highly natural results and poses no risk of allergic reactions. Thanks to modern techniques that lead to successful outcomes, complications such as asymmetry or swelling are quite rare. Facial fat injection is planned according to your individual needs, ensuring a healthy and balanced appearance of your face.
To restore volume loss in the face, achieve a younger appearance, soften fine lines and wrinkles, and accentuate facial contours.
Indications
Volume loss due to aging, wrinkles, hollowness, filling in scar indentations, asymmetry, skin renewal, and the need for aesthetic enhancement.
Application Areas
Cheekbones, cheeks, nasolabial folds, around the lips, hollows under the eyes, jawline, temples.
Method
Fat is obtained by liposuction from an area of the body with excess fat (abdomen, hips, thighs), purified, and then transferred to the required facial areas using a micro-fat injection technique.
Type of Anesthesia
Local anesthesia (for small areas) or general anesthesia (for more extensive applications).
Duration of the Surgery
1-2 hours, depending on the amount of fat to be harvested and the area to be treated.
Recovery Time
Mild swelling and slight bruising may occur in the first 1-2 weeks; complete recovery in 3-6 weeks. Adaptation of the injected fat and settling of the results may take 3-6 months.
Possible Complications
Swelling, partial reabsorption of the fat, infection, asymmetry, irregularities under the skin.
Longevity of Results
A portion of the injected fat is naturally reabsorbed by the body; the remaining fat is permanent. Long-term results can be achieved.
Preoperative Preparation
Quitting smoking, avoiding blood-thinning medications, determining the areas from which fat will be taken and where it will be injected.
Postoperative Care
Light activities are recommended, cold compresses can be applied for swelling, avoid trauma to the treated areas, and attend regular doctor check-ups.
What is Facial Fat Injection?
Facial fat injection, an important application in aesthetic surgery, has undergone remarkable developments for more than a century. First performed in 1893 by German surgeon Gustav Neuber, the patient’s own fat tissue was used to fill soft tissue defects, pioneering the use of autologous fat grafting. In 1910, Eugene Holländer suggested mixing human and sheep fat to reduce absorption issues, an early attempt to make the process more efficient.
The introduction of liposuction by Yves-Gerard Illouz in 1977 made it possible to harvest fat more efficiently, a major turning point. In 1986, Sydney Coleman emphasized the need for gentle handling and purification of fat, laying the foundation for modern fat injection techniques. The Coleman technique is still considered a reference today.
In the 1990s, Roger Amar aimed to improve graft survival by focusing on the facial muscles with the Facial Autologous Muscular Injection (FAMI) technique. In recent years, the contributions of regenerative medicine and the role of fat stem cells in improving skin quality and extending graft longevity have come to the fore.
These historical developments have advanced both the theoretical and practical aspects of facial fat injection, enabling more natural, predictable, and long-lasting results.
Who is a Good Candidate for Facial Fat Injection?
Facial fat injection is a suitable option for individuals experiencing volume loss in the face, desiring to improve facial contours, or aiming to enhance skin quality. Typically recommended for the following cases:
Over time, fat loss and hollowing can occur in the cheeks, temples, and under-eye areas. Facial fat injection restores the lost volume, providing a younger and more dynamic appearance.
Fat injection is highly effective in correcting congenital or post-traumatic facial asymmetries, balancing the overall facial appearance and ensuring aesthetic harmony.
Depressed scars caused by acne, surgery, or trauma can be significantly minimized with fat injections.
This method is ideal for patients seeking a more defined jawline, fuller lips, or more balanced facial contours.
Serious facial volume loss due to illnesses such as HIV can be effectively treated with fat injection.
Contact us for detailed information and to book an appointment about Facial Fat Injection!
Although facial fat injection is generally considered safe and effective, it may not be suitable for everyone. A detailed medical evaluation is crucial before the procedure. Patients with an active infection should wait for it to heal, as proceeding otherwise may lead to complications. Those with bleeding disorders or using blood thinners face a higher risk of hematoma and excessive bleeding, requiring control of bleeding risks before the procedure.
Individuals with autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus or scleroderma) may have poor tissue healing, increasing postoperative complications. Similarly, patients with a history of keloids or hypertrophic scars have a higher likelihood of abnormal scar formation, potentially affecting aesthetic outcomes.
People with severe cardiovascular conditions should avoid the procedure due to the risks associated with anesthesia and surgery. Pregnant and breastfeeding women typically postpone elective procedures for the safety of both mother and child. Patients with psychological disorders or unrealistic expectations should be carefully assessed, as dissatisfaction or adjustment problems may occur post-procedure.
How is Facial Fat Injection Performed?
Facial fat injection is a procedure requiring technical precision to achieve natural and effective results. The process consists of three main steps: fat harvesting, fat processing, and injecting the fat into the facial area.
The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or under general anesthesia. For small-volume fat transfers, local anesthesia may suffice, whereas for more extensive applications, general anesthesia ensures patient comfort and procedural safety.
Fat is typically harvested from fat-rich areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or hips. Using small incisions and blunt-tipped cannulas, fat is gently aspirated. The Coleman technique involves low-pressure suction that minimizes damage to the fat cells, increasing the chance of the fat surviving in the face.
The harvested fat is processed and purified to isolate fat cells for injection. This involves centrifugation, decantation, and filtration to separate blood, fluid, and unwanted materials. The proper technique ensures that only living and healthy fat cells are used.
The purified fat is then carefully injected into the target facial areas. The layered injection technique places small amounts of fat into multiple layers. This approach helps achieve natural contours and improves the integration of the grafted fat with surrounding tissues. Overfilling is done with the understanding that some fat will be absorbed. The cannula technique reduces the risk of tissue damage and increases procedural safety.
In recent years, innovative techniques like SEFFI have shown effective results on superficial wrinkles and fine lines. This method improves the skin tissue, providing a smoother and more youthful appearance.
What Are the Side Effects of Facial Fat Injection?
When performed with the correct techniques, facial fat injection is generally safe and effective. However, as with any medical intervention, certain side effects and complications may occur. Common side effects include bruising and swelling in both the fat donor and injection sites. This is a normal part of the body’s natural healing process and usually resolves completely within a few weeks. Additionally, patients may experience temporary numbness or sensory changes in the treated areas, which typically resolve over time. Mild pain or tenderness, easily managed with pain relievers, is also common.
Less frequent complications include infection, asymmetry in fat distribution, or surface irregularities. It is expected that some of the injected fat will be reabsorbed by the body, potentially leading to some volume loss. A rare but serious complication is the inadvertent injection of fat into blood vessels, resulting in vascular complications or embolisms. Such outcomes can largely be prevented by using proper injection techniques.
In extremely rare cases, fat cell death (fat necrosis) or allergic reactions may occur. Patients should be informed about every possible complication before the procedure, and risks should be minimized by having the treatment planned and performed by an experienced specialist.
How Successful is Facial Fat Injection?
Facial fat injection is a reliable method chosen for both aesthetic and functional reasons. However, the success of the procedure largely depends on how long the grafted fat survives in the facial area. The survival rate of transplanted fat can vary between 26% and 83%. Various studies show an average retention rate of approximately 41-47%. These figures indicate that results differ among individuals and are influenced by various factors.
The technique applied directly affects the procedure’s success. The methods used in harvesting, processing, and injecting fat determine the survival rate of fat cells. The vascularization and tissue quality of the recipient area are also critical for the long-term integration of the graft. Good blood circulation in the area promotes better integration of the transplanted fat.
Additionally, the patient’s overall health and lifestyle play important roles. Smoking negatively impacts vascular health, reducing the retention rate of the fat. Some studies have observed positive effects of adding stem cells to the fat graft, although more research is needed to confirm this method’s effectiveness.
How to Prepare for a Facial Fat Injection?
Proper preparation is essential for achieving successful results and a smooth recovery after a facial fat injection. Both physical and psychological factors come into play, and open communication between patient and surgeon is crucial.
In the initial stage, the patient’s overall health is assessed. Conditions that may cause complications during the procedure, such as bleeding disorders or allergies, are carefully analyzed. Psychological evaluation is equally important to ensure that the patient’s expectations are well understood and realistic.
At least two weeks before surgery, stop taking aspirin, NSAIDs, and herbal supplements that increase bleeding risk. If the patient is a smoker, quitting at least two weeks before the procedure is recommended to avoid negatively affecting the healing process. Alcohol and caffeine should be avoided in the 24 hours preceding the operation.
Fat is usually harvested from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or hips. These areas are evaluated to ensure sufficient fat availability, the absence of surgical scars, and no previous procedures.
During fat harvesting, special techniques minimize damage to the fat cells. The harvested fat is then cleaned and enriched before injection. During this process, blood, fluid, and other unnecessary materials are removed from the fat tissue.
The areas to be injected are marked in advance, and an aesthetic plan is formed according to the desired outcome. The patient is thoroughly informed about all steps of the procedure, potential risks, expectations, and postoperative care. This briefing ensures that the patient participates in the process well-informed, facilitating a smooth recovery period.
How to Care for Yourself After a Facial Fat Injection?
Careful postoperative care after a facial fat injection is crucial for accelerating healing and ensuring the long-term success of the procedure. Swelling and bruising after the procedure are normal. Regularly applying cold compresses for the first 48 hours helps reduce these effects. Swelling typically begins to subside within a week and shows significant improvement by the end of two weeks.
Mild discomfort is common and can generally be controlled with prescribed pain relievers. Physical activities should be limited during the first week of recovery. More intense exercises are best avoided for at least three weeks. Sleeping on your back with your head elevated helps the fat settle optimally in your face.
Keeping the incision areas clean prevents infections. Carefully following the cleaning instructions provided by the surgeon is crucial. Adopting a balanced diet and avoiding smoking increases the survival rate of the fat cells. Smoking is strongly discouraged after the procedure, as it negatively affects blood circulation.
Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor the healing process. Makeup applications can usually be resumed after the first week. It should be remembered that about 50% of the injected fat is permanent. To maintain the results, avoid weight fluctuations and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Turkey is one of the best places abroad for facial fat injection. This is due to the medical comfort and patient satisfaction rate. Turkey performed close to 470,900 cosmetic procedures in 2022 showing its great expertise. The country receives more than 1.2 million medical tourists each year, many of whom seek cosmetic surgeries. Turkey is among the top 10 countries worldwide in terms of health tourism. The healthcare system of the country has 40 health facilities accredited internationally by the best standards. Further, due to its geographic position between Europe and Asia, Turkey is easily accessible to patients. Turkey is a popular destination for facial fat injections abroad due to expert medical professionals, state-of-the-art facilities, and patient-centric care provided by Turkish health and tourism executives.
Facial fat injection, also known as fat grafting, is usually safe in Turkey when performed by veteran surgeons in trusted clinics. The satisfaction rates of patients are quite high. As per the survey, 80% to 90% patients are happy with the results. Completeness: The procedure has a 98 % success rate. Furthermore, research indicates that around 70% to 80% of the fat transferred will survive, contributing to the long-lasting results. Although the procedure is relatively safe, it does have some risks like infection, asymmetry, and fat absorption. Nonetheless, if the process is under the care of a team that is incorporated in an office, then this risk lowers down. The medical tourism sector in Turkey is well regulated meaning that the clinics are well managed and run. With high success rates, patient satisfaction and safety records that the experts have, facial fat injection is a viable and safe option for people seeking facial rejuvenation in Turkey.
Facial fat injection, or autologous fat grafting, has become a popular procedure across the world. As per estimates, more than five hundred thousand facial fat injections are performed every year, showing its acceptance. Many studies have shown that patient satisfaction rates are between 78% and 100%. In Turkey, the success rate of facial fat injection procedures is remarkable, with some clinics reporting a facial procedure success rate of 98.5%. The overall complication rate is quite low—less than 2%—with mostly minor issues such as temporary swelling and bruising. Also, because the patient’s existing fat is employed, the chances of having an allergic response are lessened. What these statistics mean is that undergoing facial fat injection abroad, particularly in countries with reputable clinic has a reasonable justification that can achieve natural and durable facial rejuvenation.
Facial fat injection in Turkey requires approximately 5 to 7 days stay. This time allows for the procedure and recovery and follow-up prior to going home. The surgery takes a little less than one hour to carry out and most patients can return to their routines in a week. Nonetheless, it may take weeks for swelling and bruising to completely disappear. You’ll want to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least four weeks after your surgery. Aftercare is essential to ensure the transferred fat cells survive and give the desired results as per your surgeon’s instruction.
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