Facial lipofilling: definition and general information

Lipofilling (the transfer/injection of fat into the face, or facial lipostructure) is an innovative surgical technique for compensating fat loss, permanently filling wrinkles and dark circles, masking the color of dark circles and, in some cases, regenerating skin tissue. This is the treatment of choice for overall facial rejuvenation. The idea is to reinject fat into certain areas, using the patient’s own fat, which has been liposuctioned and then treated.

Several types of facial lipostructure

There are different types of lipofilling (or lipostructure) depending on the indications. First, there is volumizing lipofilling, which involves adding autologous fat (taken from the patient) to restore facial volumes that have melted with age. The areas to be filled with facial lipostructure are determined on a case-by-case basis. These may include dark circles, temples, cheeks, cheekbones, etc.

Facial fat injections can also be used to treat wrinkles. In this case, Dr. Hayot injects into the nasolabial folds, the wrinkles around the mouth and crow’s feet. This procedure fills in skin breaks to achieve a definitive, natural result. Finally, your practitioner offers an innovative method: nano-lipofilling, also known as nano-lipostructure. Here, the treatment involves extracting stem cells and growth factors, then restoring volume by reinjecting them into the dermis.

The benefits of facial fat injection

The main advantage of facial fat injections is that they are safe, since the fat comes from the patient himself. This differs from hyaluronic acid injections, which, although natural, still present certain risks of rejection. With lipostructure, there is no risk of allergy, and the results are much more harmonious.

What’s more, when the technique is mastered by a specialized aesthetic surgeon like Dr. Hayot, the effects are natural and discreet, a dimension much sought-after by patients today. They don’t have to deal with a swollen or puffy face for the first few days. Especially since the doctor limits the appearance of hematomas and bruises by using micro-cannulas that do not attack the face.

Another major advantage over filler injections is that lipofilling offers a definitive result.

The main stages of facial lipofilling

Certain medications must be stopped before the procedure: the anesthetist and surgeon will inform you. The procedure lasts approximately 1h30, longer if other procedures are combined, such as blepharoplasty or a facelift of the oval and neck.

A general anaesthetic is used. For facial lipofilling, fat is generally taken from the abdomen or the inside of the knee. It is rinsed, filtered, defibrosed and broken up before being reinjected via a micro cannula into the upper third of the face.

You must follow your surgeon’s postoperative recommendations.

Facial lipostructure: how long does it take to recover?

After facial lipostructure, it is advisable to rest for a few days to avoid traumatizing the fat. However, unlike a facelift, which entails a few days’ downtime, facial lipofilling does not prevent you from returning to work immediately. As for post-operative pain, it is virtually non-existent. You may simply notice some discrete bruising and swelling in the first few days.

Possible risks and complications after facial lipofilling

A distinction must be made between complications in donor areas (similar to those of liposuction) and in recipient areas. For the latter, the risks are the same as for any surgical procedure: infection, hematoma, bruising… It should also be noted that all anesthesia carries risks and can lead to complications.

By choosing a surgeon qualified in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, you can minimize these risks. As a specialist in lipofilling, I welcome you for a consultation in my Parisian practice (Paris 8) to reassure you and explain my techniques in detail. Please do not hesitate to contact me.