What is fat injection?

Fat injection (fat transfer / lipofilling) is a natural procedure in which fat taken from one area of the patient’s own body is purified and injected into another area to add volume, enhance contours, or rejuvenate the skin. It is commonly used for the face, breasts, hips, hands, and various body areas. Because the transferred material is the patient’s own fat, the method is safe, biocompatible, and long-lasting.

What issues can fat injection address?

Fat transfer is used in many aesthetic and reconstructive cases, including:

• Volume loss in the cheeks, temples, and midface
• Under-eye hollowness and dark circles
• Lip augmentation
• Hip and buttock enhancement (BBL)
• Breast contouring or small volume enhancement
• Hand rejuvenation
• Correction of depressed scars

How is fat injection performed?

The procedure consists of three main stages:

• 1. Fat harvesting: Fat is gently removed from areas such as the abdomen, waist, hips, or thighs using liposuction.
• 2. Purification: The collected fat is filtered and prepared for injection.
• 3. Injection: The purified fat is injected into the target areas using micro-cannulas for natural-looking results.

The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia depending on the treatment area.

What is the recovery process like?

Recovery is usually quick and comfortable. Mild swelling or bruising may appear in both the donor and the injected areas but typically resolves within a few days. Most patients return to daily activities within 3–7 days.

Because a portion of the injected fat naturally dissolves, the final shape becomes clear within 2–3 months.

Is fat injection permanent?

Approximately 50–70% of the injected fat survives permanently. Once the fat integrates with the surrounding tissues and establishes blood supply, it becomes a natural part of the body and provides long-lasting results.

What are the advantages of fat injection?

• Completely natural – no synthetic fillers
• No risk of allergic reactions
• Dual benefit: the donor area becomes slimmer while the target area gains volume
• Contains stem-cell-rich fat, improving skin quality and rejuvenation

Who is not suitable for fat injection?

• Patients who are very thin and lack enough donor fat
• Individuals with uncontrolled chronic illnesses
• Those who continue heavy smoking

What should be considered before the procedure?

Selecting an experienced plastic surgeon, stopping smoking, sharing all medical history, and discussing realistic goals are essential steps. Proper planning leads to the most successful and harmonious results.