Lipofilling is an advanced surgical technique that uses fat harvested from the patient themselves to fill, shape, or reconstruct other areas of the body, achieving natural and long-lasting results. Also known as fat transfer or fat grafting, this procedure represents one of the most significant innovations in modern plastic surgery, as it utilizes a completely biocompatible material — autologous adipose tissue — eliminating any risk of rejection or allergic reactions. The transferred fat also contains mesenchymal stem cells that help improve skin quality in the treated area.
Lipofilling involves three distinct phases. In the first phase (harvesting), the surgeon aspirates fat from a donor area rich in adipose tissue — such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, or knees — using thin microcannulas that minimize tissue trauma. In the second phase (purification), the harvested fat is processed through centrifugation, decantation, or filtration to separate viable fat cells from anesthetic fluid, oil, and cellular debris. In the third phase (injection), the purified fat is precisely injected into the treatment area through microcannulas, distributing it in small amounts across multiple tissue planes to promote vascularization and maximize graft survival.
Lipofilling is a versatile procedure indicated for numerous aesthetic and reconstructive situations: • Facial volume loss due to aging, with deflation of cheekbones, cheeks, and temples • Filling of depressed scars, acne marks, or skin defects • Moderate breast volume increase, as an alternative to implants or in combination with them • Buttock reshaping for a fuller and more toned appearance • Hand rejuvenation, which over time lose volume revealing tendons and veins • Correction of body or facial asymmetries • Skin quality improvement thanks to the regenerative properties of stem cells present in the fat
Lipofilling is not recommended in the following situations: • Patients with insufficient available adipose tissue, as a sufficient amount of fat must be available for harvesting from the donor area • Active infections in the treatment or harvesting area • Conditions that impair healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes or immunosuppressive therapies • Coagulation disorders or ongoing anticoagulant therapy • Unrealistic expectations regarding achievable volumes, particularly for breast augmentation where lipofilling is suitable only for moderate increases
The procedure takes 1 to 3 hours depending on the extent of the areas being treated and the amount of fat to be transferred. Facial lipofilling generally takes less time, while more extensive areas such as breasts or buttocks may require longer. Recovery varies by treatment area: for the face, 5-7 days are sufficient, while for larger body areas, full activity resumes in 1-2 weeks. Swelling and bruising in both the donor and recipient areas during the first post-operative days are normal.
Yes, the type of anesthesia varies based on the extent of the treatment. For small volumes, such as facial or hand lipofilling, local anesthesia with conscious sedation may suffice. For more extensive procedures involving large body areas, such as breasts or buttocks, general anesthesia is preferred to ensure maximum patient comfort and allow the surgeon to work under optimal conditions. The choice is agreed upon during the pre-operative consultation based on specific needs.
Initial results are visible immediately after the procedure, but it is important to know that a portion of the transplanted fat (approximately 20-30%) is physiologically reabsorbed by the body in the first few weeks. The final result stabilizes after 3-6 months, when the fat that has taken hold has integrated with the surrounding tissues and developed its own blood supply. The surviving fat becomes permanent and behaves like the natural adipose tissue of the treated area.
Lipofilling offers several significant advantages over synthetic fillers. By using the patient's own fat, the risk of allergies, rejection, or foreign body reactions is completely eliminated. The result is more natural in both appearance and touch, as the fat integrates perfectly with the surrounding tissues. Results are permanent for the portion of fat that takes hold, unlike fillers that require periodic reapplication every 6-18 months. Additionally, lipofilling has a regenerative effect on the skin thanks to the stem cells contained in the adipose tissue, improving texture, elasticity, and skin luminosity in the treated area.
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