What is lipofilling?

Lipofilling, as the name suggests, is based on the use of fat to compensate for the loss of facial volume. The technique was developed in the 1990s by Dr. Sydney Coleman, an American plastic surgeon.

I quickly trained myself in this technique, which I have perfected over the years. For example, I chose to use very fine cannulas, also known as micro-cannulas, to carry out the injections, in order to minimize trauma to the entry points. I call this new technique micro-lipofilling, in reference to the cannulas I use.

During the procedure, I begin by removing a small amount of fat from the abdomen, knees or thighs with a cannula used in liposuction. This fat is then filtered and stripped of its fibers, to retain only the finest, highest-quality fat cells, or adipocytes. These cells are then injected according to the patient’s specific needs.

It’s important to inject each area in a precise and measured way, in order to fill it without taking the risk of overcorrecting.

The main indications for lipofilling are :

• Filling of dark circles, temples, cheeks, cheekbones and upper eyelids
• Wrinkle filling (nasolabial folds, mouth contours, crow’s feet, frown lines)

I usually combine this technique with a facelift or blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to achieve overall facial rejuvenation.

The arrival of a new technique: nano-lipofilling

Nano-lipofilling is based on the injection of stem cells and growth factors extracted from the patient’s own fat. Unlike traditional lipofilling, this technique does not seek to fill volumes, but to regenerate the dermis in order to improve skin quality, radiance and texture. The results seen by patients are a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, skin spots and scars.

Nano-lipofilling is also the only reliable and effective solution for the treatment of dark circles. This discoloration is mainly due to the thinness of the skin in this area, which reveals the vessels of the orbicularis muscle. Nano-lipofilling will therefore thicken the skin and reduce the transparency effect.

Clinical trials are currently underway to measure the scope of possible applications for nano-lipofilling. It could, for example, be used to create a genuine hair restoration in the treatment of baldness, thanks to its ability to stimulate hair regrowth, or in gyneco-aesthetics, to regenerate the vulvo-vaginal area.

The injection technique is similar to mesotherapy (injections made into the superficial dermis). However, whereas mesotherapy relies on the injection of a synthetic product, hyaluronic acid, nano-lipofilling does not introduce a foreign body into the patient’s body. There is therefore no risk of rejection or allergic reaction.

To conclude

In my opinion, lipofilling, micro-lipofilling and nano-lipofilling represent the future of cosmetic surgery and the treatment of facial aging. It’s no longer a question of pulling the skin to erase wrinkles, but of filling in lost volume using natural products. The use of fat cells also makes it possible to regenerate the skin, improving its intrinsic quality.

Depending on your needs, I’ll direct you to one or other of these techniques, for a deep, overall rejuvenation of your face.