Fat Transfer (Microlipoinjection)

If you have considered undergoing a facial rejuvenation procedure but don’t think you’re ready for a face lift or other form of facial plastic surgery, you may wish to investigate facial fat injections. This injection method of facial fat sculpting, also called microlipoinjection, can restore attractive contours to your cheeks, chin, and under-eye area, and add volume to your lips.

What Is Microlipoinjection/Autologous Fat Transfer?

Microlipoinjection , also called autologous fat transfer, is a procedure in which an individual's own body fat is used to plump up sunken or emaciated areas of the face or to add volume where desired. The word "autologous" simply refers to the use of one's own tissues or fat. Because the patient's own fat is used, autologous fat transfer requires three steps. The first step involves the gentle liposuction of some excess fat (such as that found in the jowls, abdomen, thighs, or buttocks). The second step involves the isolation and cleansing of the fat cells. The third and final step involves the injection of the fat cells into the targeted facial areas (i.e., the fat cell transplantation).

Candidates for Facial Fat Injections

Facial fat injections can eliminate aspects of facial "wear and tear" that often appear with age, such as smile lines, frown lines, marionette lines (running from the sides of the mouth down to the chin), wrinkles and furrows, and hollows in the face (such as under the eyes or under the cheekbones). Lips that have lost volume may also be treated through fat transfer as can scars or depressions in the face from scars (such as those from acne). Individuals with one or more of these conditions may be good candidates for autologous fat transfer.

The Fat Transfer and Re-Injection Procedure

As mentioned above, the fat transfer and re- injection procedure is a three-step process, with the removed fat being cleansed and purified before being re-injected into the targeted facial area. Learn more about the steps in the fat transfer procedure.

Risks and Benefits of Fat Transfer

Facial fat sculpting offers several major benefits. In addition to correcting problems of the aging face, autologous fat transfer is natural. The material used is not from an animal, or a cadaver, or a synthetic product. It's also versatile; the fat can be used for many facial imperfections, including scars and depressions in the skin. The effects of facial fat sculpting are very long-lasting — facial fat injections last significantly longer than cosmetic injectables such as collagen, Restylane®, and Juvéderm. And facial fat sculpting is safe, since there are no allergic reactions to worry about, because the fat transplantation is from your own body.

Microlipoinjection is also an excellent complement to facial resurfacing procedures, such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels, and to BOTOX® Cosmetic injections and Lipodissolve™ on the chin.

The risks of fat transfer/fat injection are few and minimal. Soreness and swelling are possible, but they're not commonly experienced. One should consider all of the risks and benefits of fat transfer before undergoing treatment.

Fat Injection Cost and Financing Information

The cost of microlipoinjection treatment is dependent on factors such as the amount of fat transfer an individual patient needs, the extent of revision to be done, the geographic region where the cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist is located, and the physician's fee schedule. The cost of fat transfer is less expensive than that of some other types of facial rejuvenation options, particularly surgical procedures such as face lift.

Facial Fat Transfer FAQs

If you have further questions about facial fat transfer, such as whether it's appropriate for your unique facial rejuvenation needs, or how it compares with other facial filler procedures, we have compiled a list of facial fat transfer frequently asked questions to provide prospective patients with additional information about the procedure.

Let DocShop Help You Find a Skin Specialist

If you’ve been considering facial volume enhancement with autologous fat transfer, your next step should be to find a dermatologist near you who is qualified to help you decide on the best method of fat injection. He or she can get you started on your way to a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance.