Restoring the oval of the face with fat

The growing trend towards fat injections for facial contouring is explained by their ability to deliver more natural, longer-lasting results, while presenting a lower potential for complications compared to other filling materials. That said, the choice between fat and hyaluronic acid will depend on the patient's specific needs, expectations and the doctor's advice.

Why does the oval of the face sag?

Sagging facial contours can be attributed to a number of factors, including the natural ageing process. With age, the skin loses its elasticity and tone, which can loosen the muscular and connective tissues that support the oval of the face. The loss of subcutaneous fat that comes with ageing also contributes to this, as it reduces the volume and structural support of the face. Other factors play a part too, such as genetics, weight fluctuations, smoking, excessive sun exposure and a poor diet. Significant weight loss, for example, can reduce the volume of fat in the face, which accentuates the sagging of the oval.

What is the advantage of fat in facial restoration?

Restoring the oval of the face with fat injections is an interesting technique that appears to offer several advantages over hyaluronic acid injections, particularly for structural and aesthetic changes to the jawline:

• Improved facial oval: fat injections in the jawline can help improve the appearance of the facial oval by reducing the lower cheeks and slightly tightening the contour. The result is a natural lifting effect.
• Preventing facelifts: this technique can postpone the need for a facelift or a lift of the oval of the face, which is particularly useful for patients wishing to avoid or delay more extensive surgery.

What's the difference with hyaluronic acid injections?

When it comes to jawline, fat injections appear to offer superior results to hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid, when injected in large quantities, can give the jawline a squarer appearance because of the swelling it causes. Fat injections are also valued for their natural look and their durability, as the grafted fat ages gradually with the patient.

What precautions should be taken before facial contouring with fat?

While fat injections offer many benefits, it's important to note that they must be performed by an experienced practitioner. As with any aesthetic procedure, there are specific risks and considerations, particularly in terms of fat harvesting, processing and injection, as well as managing patient expectations.