Fat Injections (Liposculpture)

Fat injections can be used to augment or enlarge flattened or hollow cheeks, fill out the hollows of the face, deep frown and nasolabial lines and the lines running down from the corners from the mouth (marionette lines).

Fat injection for liposculpture has been performed for over 20 years but has recently gained popularity. Many injectable fillers have associated problems such as allergic reactions, infections, granulomas or may harden. Some fillers are too short lived and others though semi-permanent are painful when injected.

Fat cells are, of course, the patient’s own tissue and therefore do not invite infection, allergic reactions or rejection. Fat cells are usually plentiful, easy to harvest and provide a cheap permanent filler even though only about 40% of the fat cells survive.

The necessary overcorrection means that the patient will have to hide away for several days and may need treatment over 2 or more sessions. The procedure involves liposuction of fat from one area of the body (usually the abdomen or thighs) and the injection of this fat into the hollows and grooves (usually of the face). It is a relatively quick procedure and can be done on our medical premises under local anaesthesia or as an adjunct to a hospitalized procedure performed under general anaesthesia.

Recent studies have shown that fat contains very high numbers of stem cells. This in turn means that fat injections not only fill the tissue but also greatly enhances the blood supply and the quality of the subcutaneous tissues and overlying skin and may reverse the effects of sun exposure and aging. 
Mr Turner recently attended the International Symposium on Plastic Surgery at the Bologna University School of Medicine, Italy for the XI Congress of Italian and American Plastic Surgeons. It was at this conference that the amazing results of fat stem cell transfer were featured in the use of the healing of wounds, ulcers and the rejuvenation of the face. The possibilities and future use of fat injections and stem cells is very exciting and a principle embraced and already in use by Mr Turner in his practice.

A MOMENT OF REFLECTION