Fat Injection to the Face

Fat Injection to the Face: The volume loss that occurs in our face with age causes the skin to lose its elasticity and vitality. Loss of prominence in the cheekbones, under-eye hollowness, sagging around the lips, and general volume reduction lead to a person looking more tired and older. One of the methods that has been used for many years in aesthetic surgery against these problems and has gained popularity in recent years due to its natural results is fat injection to the face.

ENT Specialist Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen, who serves in his own clinic in Istanbul, achieves effective results that provide both rejuvenation and improvement in skin quality by using the patient’s own tissue in fat injection applications to the face.

In this content, we will discuss in detail topics such as what fat injection to the face is, how it is performed, who it is suitable for, how the post-procedure recovery process is, possible risks, and frequently asked questions.

What is Fat Injection to the Face?

Fat injection to the face (fat graft transfer) is the process of injecting fat tissue taken from one area of the body (usually from areas such as the abdomen, waist, or thigh) into the areas of the face experiencing volume loss after being purified through special procedures.

This method offers a completely natural approach unlike synthetic fillers. It has both high tissue compatibility and can last longer. Fat tissue not only adds volume but can also improve skin quality thanks to the stem cells it contains.

Applications areas include:

• Enhancing the prominence of cheekbones
• Eliminating under-eye hollowness
• Softening nasolabial (nose-mouth area) lines
• Shaping the cheek and jawline contour
• Adding volume to the lips
• Filling the forehead and temple areas

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen advocates that the face should be evaluated as an aesthetic whole and plans fat injections considering not only volume but also proportion and balance.

Who is Fat Injection to the Face Suitable For?

Fat injection to the face gives ideal results for individuals who want to make their facial features more prominent or who are experiencing volume loss in the period before skin sagging begins.

Ideal candidates are:

• Middle-aged and older individuals experiencing volume loss in the face
• Those who do not have genetically prominent cheekbones or jaw structure
• Those who prefer their natural tissues instead of synthetic fillers
• People who are in good general health and have sufficient fat tissue for the procedure
• Individuals with realistic aesthetic expectations

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen determines the areas where injections will be made on an individual basis by analyzing each patient’s facial structure in detail.

How is Fat Injection to the Face Performed?

Fat injection to the face is a comfortable and minimally invasive procedure that is usually performed under local anesthesia. The procedure takes between 1 and 2 hours, and the patient can be discharged on the same day depending on their condition. The application is carried out in three basic stages:

Fat Extraction (Liposuction):

Fat tissue is taken from areas of the body with high fat content, such as the abdomen, waist, hips, or thigh, with the help of thin cannulas. During this process, the fat is extracted using special techniques that will not cause trauma, preserving its vitality.

Purification and Preparation of Fat:

The extracted fat is purified by centrifugation (spinning), filtering, or washing methods. This separates blood, water, dead cells, and particles other than fat. Only live, healthy fat cells are included in the process.

Fat Injection:

The prepared fat is carefully injected into previously planned areas of the face in small amounts, layer by layer, using thin and special syringes. This technique allows the fat to make easier contact with blood vessels and increases its long-term permanence.

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen performs this procedure with great precision, aiming to add volume while preserving the natural lines of the face and achieving a proportional aesthetic appearance.

Recovery Process After Fat Injection to the Face

The recovery process after fat injection is generally fast and comfortable. However, as with any injection procedure, some temporary effects may be seen here as well:

Swelling and bruising: Edema may occur in the injected areas. This situation usually decreases within 5-7 days.

Tissue sensitivity: There may be sensitivity in the applied areas for a few days.

Absorption of some of the fat: 30% to 50% of the injected fat is absorbed by the body. This is a normal and predictable process.

Return to work: Since slight swelling and bruises can be camouflaged, patients can usually return to social life within 3-5 days.

Setting of results: It may take an average of 3 months for the fat tissue to fully integrate with the face and for the final result to emerge.

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen follows the recovery process of his patients in detail and, if necessary, plans a second session to naturally complete volume deficiencies.

Risks and Complications of Fat Injection to the Face

Fat injection to the face is generally a safe procedure because the patient’s own tissue is used. However, as with any surgical application, there are some potential risks here as well:

Asymmetry: Slight asymmetries may develop as a result of different rates of fat retention in different areas.

Infection: A rare condition and can be prevented with appropriate antibiotics.

Cyst formation: Some of the injected fat may remain isolated from the surrounding tissue, forming small cysts.

Insufficient volume permanence: After absorption of some of the fat, less fullness than expected may remain. This condition can be corrected with additional injections.

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen both increases volume retention and minimizes the risk of complications by applying layered and homogeneous injection techniques in fat injection.

Is fat injection to the face permanent?

Although the permanence of the injected fat varies from person to person, fat cells that are not absorbed within the first three months are permanent for life. 50% of the application is considered permanent.

Does it look natural after the procedure?

Yes. Results look quite natural in applications made by an experienced surgeon with correct patient selection. An exaggerated or artificial expression does not occur.

Is one session sufficient?

One session is sufficient for many patients. However, a second session may be required in some cases.

Can it be applied if I don’t have enough fat in my body?

Yes. Generally, very little fat is required. Fat can be taken from appropriate areas even in thin individuals.

Is fat injection better than filler?

Both have advantages. Fat injection has a natural, long-lasting effect and improves skin quality due to its stem cell content.

Fat injection to the face is a safe, natural, and effective method applied in facial aesthetics to both add volume and improve skin quality. It does not carry any foreign material risk thanks to the use of the patient’s own tissue and offers long-lasting results. It is an ideal option for individuals who want to reshape the aesthetic lines of the face, alleviate signs of aging, and obtain a young, vibrant expression.

ENT Specialist Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen, who serves in his own clinic in Istanbul, combines scientific and aesthetic approaches in fat injection procedures to the face, offering unique, natural, and balanced solutions to each of his patients.

If you are also complaining about volume loss in your face or want to gain a more vibrant appearance, you can contact Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen to create a detailed examination and evaluation plan.