Fat Injections
Fat Injections
Collagen production in the human body decreases as people get older, causing the skin to sag and wrinkle.
Fat injection is an efficient cosmetic procedure for treating skin defects, restoring volume and improving our body’s and face’s contours.
Patients who opt for fat injections look rejuvenated and feel more confident after treatment.
What Are Fat Injections?
Fat injection is the process of transferring fat from one part of the body to another to improve and rejuvenate the treated area.
Fat transfer can be particularly efficient when applied to the face because it works as a natural filler. Also known as fat grafting, this treatment enhances the skin’s volume, improves the face’s contours, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Facial rejuvenation with fat transfer is ideal for the cheeks, eyelids, lips, temples, and the wrinkles around the mouth (nasolabial and marionette lines).
Many patients combine fat injections with other facial plastic surgery, such as a facelift or brow lift, to reduce downtime and achieve optimal results.
In addition, fat grafting can be used as an adjunctive procedure to enhance the results of a breast augmentation or breast reconstruction plastic surgery the patient had had in the past.
Fat Injections Before & After Photos
What Does Fat Grafting Involve?
Step 1: Anesthesia
The first procedural step is local anesthesia with light sedation unless the fat injection is combined with another plastic surgery. In this case, general anesthesia will be performed by a certified anesthesiologist.
Step 2: Harvest Fat With Liposuction (or else, Limited Liposculpture)
In the first stage, the plastic surgeon performs the technique of liposuction to harvest fat from another body area where there is extra fat, such as the inner thighs, the love handles or the abdomen. He may perform one or more incisions of around 2 to 5mm small.
Step 3: Fat Injection
The aspirated fat is filtered and rinsed to produce pure liquid fatty tissue. The doctor immediately injects the pure fatty tissue into the area of interest. The injected fat is surrounded by healthy tissue that provides nutrients and oxygen.
Preparing for Your Fat Injections
Preparing for any medical procedure is crucial to ensure the best possible outcome. Here’s what you need to do before your fat injections.
- Consultation with an Expert:
- Schedule a consultation with Dr Stavrou who specialises in fat injections.
- During this consultation, discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure.
- Dr Stavrou will assess your suitability for fat injections and provide personalised recommendations.
- Medical History Assessment:
- Provide your complete medical history to the professional during the consultation.
- Inform them about any allergies, previous surgeries, or ongoing medications you are taking.
- This information will help determine if you are an ideal candidate for fat injections and ensure your safety during the procedure.
- Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Follow any pre-procedure instructions provided by your surgeon.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption leading up to your appointment as they can interfere with healing processes.
- Medication Management:
- If you regularly take blood-thinning medications, like aspirin or ibuprofen, consult with your doctor about temporarily stopping their use before the procedure.
- Certain supplements, such as fish oil and vitamin E may also increase bleeding risks; therefore, it is advisable to discontinue their use beforehand. Discuss all the details above with Dr Stavrou.
- Hydration & Nutrition:
- Stay well-hydrated before your appointment as proper hydration promotes optimal healing after surgery.
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that support skin health.
- Prepare Your Recovery Space:
- Create a comfortable recovery space at home where you can rest undisturbed following treatment.
- Gather necessary supplies such as clean towels, ice packs, and prescribed medications to have them readily available.
- Follow Pre-Procedure Guidelines:
- Dr Stavrou and his team will provide specific instructions regarding any preparations required before the procedure.
- Adhere closely to these guidelines for a smooth and successful experience with fat injections.
Duration
1 hour
Anaesthesia Used
Sedation or General Anesthesia
Hospital Stay
Outpatient Procedure
Pre Admission Tests
Blood Tests
Downtime
1 week
Driving
Next Day
Exercise
1 week
Final Result
1 month
Recovery After Fat Injection Treatment
Since the fat is taken from the patient’s own body and transferred back to another area of it, there is no risk of fat rejection or disease transmission.
After fat grafting treatment, the patient can leave the clinic or hospital on the same day and rest at home. Physical exercise or any other activity that can raise the heart rate or blood pressure should be avoided for at least one week post-op.
Mild swelling and bruising are normal and last for a few days after treatment. Keeping your head elevated while sleeping will help reduce potential swelling on the face if you had a facial fat injection.
Some percentage of the autologous fat is reabsorbed within the first 6 months after the procedure, while the remaining fat may last forever. However, changes in body weight might alter the results of fat injection.
What our patients say!
Advantages of Choosing Fat Injections:
Exploring Why Fat Injections Are Superior
Board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Stavrou, has expert knowledge of the face’s and body’s anatomy and an artistic eye, hence he knows where and how to perform fat transfer to help his patients look fresh, rejuvenated and more beautiful than ever.
Benefits of fat grafting for the face:
- Enhanced volume at cheekbones, cheeks and chin
- Reduced deep wrinkles & folds
- Correction of asymmetry in facial features
- Restoration of the fullness of facial tissue
- Improvement of skin quality & texture
- Fresh & rejuvenated appearance
- Boosted confidence and self-esteem
Benefits of fat grafting for the body:
- Improved contour
- Slimmer figure
- Breast Augmentation with autologous fat transfer (patient’s own tissue)
- Improved skin quality
- Volume restoration
- Self-confidence boost
Choosing the Right Clinic
Choosing the right clinic is a crucial step in ensuring a successful and safe fat injection procedure. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when selecting a clinic:
- Certification and Expertise: It’s important to choose a clinic with certified professionals who specialise in fat injections, such as experienced plastic surgeons or dermatologists.
- Reputation and Reviews: Research the clinic’s reputation by reading reviews from previous patients to gauge their satisfaction levels. A reputable clinic will have positive feedback from satisfied clients.
- Facilities and Equipment: Consider the cleanliness, modernity, and maintenance of the facilities and equipment at the clinic to ensure optimal safety during your procedure.
- Consultation Process: Look for clinics that offer thorough consultations where they assess your needs, discuss potential outcomes, address concerns, and provide detailed information about the procedure.
- Before-and-After Photos: Request to see before-and-after photos of previous patients who have undergone fat injections at the clinic you are considering to evaluate their work quality.
- Communication Style: Pay attention to how well the staff communicates with you during initial interactions – they should be attentive, knowledgeable, friendly, and willing to answer all your questions regarding fat injections.
- Cost Transparency: Ensure that pricing details are transparent upfront so there are no surprises later on in terms of costs associated with consultations, procedures, or aftercare services.
- Patient Testimonials: Reading testimonials from other patients can help gauge patient satisfaction levels as well as the overall experience at a particular facility.
Where Will Fat Grafting Take Place?
Dr. Stavrou performs fat injections in accredited medical centers in Cyprus (Nicosia and Limassol), Greece (Athens) and Malta (Sliema).
The procedure takes place in a safe and sterile operation room. The surgeon uses the most advanced medical equipment for plastic surgery. The staff involved is thoroughly trained and specialised in cosmetic procedures. Dr. Stavrou wants to ensure a safe, well-controlled and comfortable surgical experience for all of his patients.
After the procedure, the patient is transferred to the recovery suite and is closely monitored by the medical staff.
The European Institute of Plastic Surgery (EIPS) offers exceptional health care and meets the high standards of safety and care set by European laws. EIPS clinics provide individualised health care in an exclusive and luxurious environment.
Meet Dr. Demetris Stavrou
Dr. Stavrou is a board-certified Plastic Surgeon leading the European Institute of Plastic Surgery since 2012. He was trained in top Medical Institutions in Greece, London, Melbourne and Israel. He has extensive experience in all types of plastic surgery and an artistic eye. He is compassionate and always by the side of his patients to make them feel comfortable, secure and confident. For Dr. Stavrou, paying attention to the details is what makes the difference in cosmetic procedures.
- Assistant Professor, St George’s, University of London / Medical School at the University of Nicosia
- Honorary Tutor at the University of Cardiff, School of Medicine, UK
- MSc with Distinction in “Wound Healing and Tissue Repair”, University of Cardiff, School of Medicine, U.K
- Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS)
- International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) Instructor
- Fellowship in “Advanced Aesthetic Surgery” from the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery – Monash University, Australia
- Nicosia, Cyprus +357 70088002
- Limassol, Cyprus +357 70088002
- Greece +30 6971881572
- Malta +356 79317641
FAQs
How long fat transfer lasts?
The body absorbs a percentage of the transferred fat, between 20% and 50%, during the first months after fat grafting treatment. The remaining fat transfer and subsequent results are permanent unless the body weight changes drastically.
How painful is a fat transfer?
Fat transfer is a relatively painless cosmetic procedure with a short recovery time.
How long does it take for fat transfer to settle?
Fat transfer’s final results will take around three months to settle, because the body will reabsorb a percentage of the fat.
In general, the recovery time varies from patient to patient; thus, we cannot say with confidence how long it takes for every patient to heal and be able to see the final result of the fat transfer treatment.
Is facial fat transfer permanent?
The face absorbs a percentage of the injected fat, between 20% and 50%, during the first months after fat transfer treatment. The remaining fat transfer result is permanent.
Are fat injections safe?
Fat injections, also known as fat grafting or fat transfer, can be safe and effective when performed by qualified and experienced medical professionals in sterile clinical settings. The procedure involves transferring fat from one area of the body to another for augmentation or enhancement. Safety largely depends on the practitioner’s expertise, patient evaluation, precise injection technique, and post-procedure care. While potential risks exist, such as infection or fat absorption, fat injections can provide natural-looking and long-lasting results.
Can you drink after fat injections?
After fat injections, it is generally advised to avoid alcohol consumption for at least 24 to 48 hours. Alcohol can potentially interfere with the body’s healing process and increase the risk of swelling or other side effects. Following post-treatment instructions from your healthcare provider is essential to ensure the best results and minimise complications.
Can you exercise after fat injections?
After fat injections, light physical activities and non-strenuous exercises are generally allowed on the same day as the procedure, but intense workouts should be avoided for at least 24 to 48 hours. The body needs time to process the treated fat cells, and engaging in strenuous exercises too soon could interfere with the treatment’s effectiveness and increase the risk of complications like swelling or bruising.
Do fat injections hurt?
Fat injections may cause a mild to moderate burning or stinging sensation at the injection site during the procedure. However, doctors often use numbing techniques to minimize discomfort, and the pain is generally well-tolerated by most individuals. Temporary swelling, bruising, or tenderness in the treated area may occur, but these side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own.
Do fat injections tighten skin?
Fat injections can provide a mild degree of skin tightening by filling out sagging or loose areas, but their primary purpose is to add volume. For more significant skin tightening, surgical procedures or non-invasive treatments like radiofrequency or laser therapy are typically recommended.
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