Lipofilling is a technique based on the aspiration of fat from some donor regions and its subsequent infiltration in other areas, with the purpose of filling or giving volume, or even improving the quality of the skin (scars, radiated areas, etc.), to certain areas with an aesthetic or reconstructive purpose (face, chest, thighs, etc.).
On which parts of the body is it performed?
The main areas on the face are cheeks, dark circles under the eyes, nasolabial folds and lips, etc. On the body mainly on the breast (reconstruction, asymmetries, etc.), buttocks and thighs.
How is the procedure performed?
The fat is suctioned through minimal incisions with small cannulas and syringes, which are specially designed for this purpose. The most common regions for fat extraction are the abdomen, pubic area, thighs, etc. although it may vary from one patient to another. Once the fat is obtained, it is prepared and purified to separate the adipocytes from the serum, so that they are as “clean” as possible before infiltration into the area to be filled.
The fat graft is injected into the areas to be treated by means of fine cannulas, creating tunnels in which the adipocytes (fat cells) are released in a controlled manner, ensuring the homogeneity of the graft.
What are the risks involved?
The main advantages of lipofilling with respect to other types of substances is its natural consistency, since it is the patient’s own tissue. Therefore, it does not produce allergies, there is a shortage of adverse effects and it has a long-lasting effect.
The risks are those inherent to any intervention such as infection, not achieving the desired effect, etc… although it is a predictable intervention with good results in most cases.
How long does lipofilling last and is it necessary to repeat it later?
It is not possible to predict with accuracy the amount of fat that can survive, although the fat that is attached to be a living tissue remains indefinitely in its new location, in addition to following the characteristics of the area. Sometimes it is convenient to perform a complementary session to complete the treatment, the specialist in Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery must study each case.