Facial Fat Injection (Fat Transfer)

Facial fat injection is a natural and long-lasting rejuvenation method performed by injecting fat tissue taken from the person’s own body into the facial area through special procedures. This procedure, medically known as fat transfer (lipofilling), restores the volume that decreases with age, clarifies facial contours and gives the skin a vibrant, youthful expression.

With the effect of time, the fat tissues in the face decrease, the subcutaneous support tissue weakens and facial features lose their clarity. This can give the person a tired, pale expression. Facial fat injection aims to compensate for this loss of volume naturally, restoring both the youthful radiance and the aesthetic balance of the face.

In which cases is facial fat injection preferred?

This procedure can be applied to people with deformities such as volume loss or collapse in different parts of the face. Although it is applied in many areas of the body such as buttocks and breasts, the most preferred application areas in the face area are the following areas:

  • Cheekbones
  • Nasolabial groove (lines extending from the edge of the nose to the edge of the lips)
  • Lip contour and lips
  • Under-eye hollows
  • Temple areas
  • Jaw line and chin tip

Facial fat injection not only provides fullness; it also improves skin quality thanks to the stem cell richness it contains. With this feature, it is both a shaping and regenerative application.

How is facial fat injection performed?

Fat injection is often performed in combination with other surgical procedures. Therefore, it is performed under general or local anesthesia in a short time and comfortably, depending on the necessity of the accompanying operation.

In the first step, the adipose tissue taken from the patient’s body – usually from the abdomen, waist or thighs – with the help of thin cannulas is purified through special processes and the living and healthy fat cells are made suitable for injection. The prepared fat is carefully placed in the needed areas of the face with fine-tipped injectors. By transferring the appropriate amount of fat to each area, it is aimed to recreate the natural curves of the facial contours and to create a refreshed, rested and balanced expression on the face.

Recovery process after facial fat injection

The recovery process after facial fat injection is usually quite comfortable. Although mild edema or bruising may be seen in the treated areas, this condition disappears spontaneously within a few days. Most patients can return to their social life within 2-3 days.

In the first weeks, the face may look fuller, but this is due to the body’s natural adaptation process. While some of the injected fat cells dissolve in the first weeks, the remaining cells become permanent and persist for many years. The result is a natural, youthful and healthy fullness of the face. In order to maintain the viability of the transferred fat at a certain level, care should be taken to pay attention to healthy living habits and especially to limit smoking.

Advantages of facial fat injection

Facial fat injection offers many advantages in terms of both natural appearance and biological compatibility:

  • Since your own tissue is used, there is no risk of allergic reaction, and the procedure can be repeated more than once.
  • It provides stem cell support under the skin and improves skin quality.
  • The results are long-lasting and natural.
  • It balances facial contours, giving a youthful and dynamic appearance.
  • It is a more biological and permanent solution than fillers.

In addition, this procedure does not create an artificial appearance as it progresses in harmony with the natural aging process of the face over time.

Other aesthetic procedures that can be combined with facial fat injection

Facial fat transfer is one of the cornerstones of facial rejuvenation procedures and is often combined with other procedures. The most common procedures it is applied together are as follows:

  • Face lift
  • Eyelid aesthetics (blepharoplasty)
  • Endoscopic forehead lift
  • Botox and filler applications
  • Jawline contouring

These combinations not only plump the face, but also improve skin quality, giving a youthful, bright and dynamic appearance.

Is facial fat injection permanent?

The results of facial fat injection are long-lasting. Fat cells that fully harmonize with the body continue to live in their new location. However, this permanence may vary depending on the person’s lifestyle, diet, smoking and metabolic rate.

In some cases, a “support touch” can be performed after 6-12 months to maintain the desired fullness. This procedure with natural tissue allows the face to mature gracefully with age.

Frequently asked questions about facial fat injection

  • Is fat injection a painful procedure? No, it is performed under general or local anesthesia; post-procedure discomfort is minimal.
  • How long do the results last? Depending on lifestyle changes, permanent fat cells tend to maintain their form for many years.
  • Will there be a scar? No, since the cannulas are very thin, there is no scarring.
  • Does facial fat injection look natural? Yes, since your own tissue is used, the result is extremely natural.