What Are The Complications That May Occur in Fat Injection Procedure?
Fat injection is a frequently preferred method for aesthetic purposes such as increasing body volume, removing wrinkles or improving the skin. Although the use of own fat tissue provides a more natural result for the body, it carries some risks and harms like any medical procedure. The harms of fat injection may vary depending on the characteristics of the treated area, the health status of the person and the points to be considered during the application. This article will discuss the possible harms and complications of fat injection and important factors to consider before performing this procedure.
What are the Methods of Fat Injection?
Fat injection is usually performed with two main methods: lipoaspiration and injection technique. In the first stage, fat is extracted from the desired area of the body by lipoaspiration method. After this fat is purified by special processes, it is injected into the targeted areas.
The injection technique is the process of administering this purified fat directly under the skin. Fat injections can be applied for aesthetic purposes such as shaping facial contours, lip fullness, increasing volume in the cheek or chin area. The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia and is carefully planned to ensure a natural appearance.
What are the Complications that may occur in Fat Injection Procedure?
Fat injection is a frequently preferred application in the field of aesthetics, but as with any surgical procedure, it has some risks and complications. Here are some potential complications of this procedure:
- Infection: Bacterial infection may develop at the application site. The infection may manifest itself with symptoms such as swelling, redness, pain and fever.
- Bruising and Swelling: Swelling and bruising are common side effects after fat injection.
- Fat Absorption: Some of the injected fat may be absorbed by the body over time. In this case, the effect of the application may decrease and re-injection of fat may be required.
- Subcutaneous Lumps: As a result of the fat cells not being distributed properly, lumps or hardening may occur under the skin.
- Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions may develop to the substances used during fat injection.
- Cyst Formation: Cysts may sometimes form in the areas where fat injection is performed.
What are the Treatments of Complications that may occur in Fat Injection Procedure?
In case of infection, contact your doctor. Bruising and swelling usually disappear within a few days, but if the swelling persists for a long time, cold compresses or medication may be required. Fat absorption may be the result of the body absorbing the fat, especially in the area of injection. In order for the fat injection to be effective, it can be followed up after the procedure and additional fat injection can be performed if necessary. Treatment of subcutaneous lumps can be achieved with massage or surgical intervention if necessary. Allergic reactions may present with symptoms such as swelling, itching or redness and can be treated with antihistamines or corticosteroids. Severe allergic reactions may require emergency medical intervention. Although cyst formation usually shrinks over time, large cysts can be surgically removed.
What are the Usage Areas of Fat Injection Procedure?
Fat injection is a treatment method performed for aesthetic and medical purposes using the body’s own fat tissue. This procedure is usually applied by injecting fat taken from different parts of the person’s body into the areas needed. The areas where fat injection is commonly used are listed below:
- Facial Aesthetics: It is used to shape facial contours, reduce wrinkles and eliminate volume loss.
- Under Eye Bags: A natural filling can be provided with fat injection for volume loss or bruises under the eyes.
- Cheek Filling: It is applied to correct facial depressions and to obtain a fuller appearance on the cheeks.
- Body Contouring: It is used to add volume and contour to certain parts of the body.
- Lip Augmentation: It is preferred to add natural lip volume or to shape thin lips.
What are the Differences Between Fat Injection and Fillers?
The differences between fat injection and fillers are evident in terms of the materials used and the permanence of the results. In fat injection, fat cells taken from another part of the body are injected into the area to be treated. This procedure offers the advantage of using the body’s own cells while providing a natural filling. Fillers are usually made of synthetic compounds such as hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite and provide superficial filling with directly injected substances. The permanence of fat injection may be longer, because the injected fat cells can settle and grow permanently over time. Fillers, on the other hand, are usually temporary, lose their effect after a certain period of time and may need to be reapplied.
In Which Areas Can Fat Injection Be Applied?
Fat injection can be applied for aesthetic purposes in different parts of the body. It is widely used on the face, especially in areas such as under the eyes, cheekbones, cheeks, lips and jaw line to eliminate volume loss and wrinkles. In the body, it is applied especially in the abdomen, hips and legs to increase volume, shape and achieve a younger appearance.
Is Fat Injection Permanent?
Fat injection is an application that usually provides permanent results, because the injected fat cells are permanently settled in the body. However, after the application, the body may absorb some of the injected fat cells over time. Nevertheless, the majority of the injected fat remains permanently in place. The results obtained after fat injection are directly related to the body’s metabolism and aging process. The fat cells in the application area are accepted by the body over time, which ensures that the aesthetic change is long-lasting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fat Injection
How Long Does Swelling and Bruising Last After Fat Injection?
Swelling can reach its peak in 3-5 days and then slowly begins to decrease. Bruising usually disappears within 7-10 days.
Is General Anaesthesia Required for Fat Injection?
The fat injection procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia. This allows the patient to be comfortable by temporarily blocking the sensation in the area during the procedure. However, if the procedure covers a large area or if it is aimed to provide comfort in line with the patient’s preference, general anaesthesia can also be applied.
When Can I Return to My Normal Activities After Fat Injection?
After fat injection, the recovery process is usually quick, but each individual’s situation may be different. Most patients can begin to return to their daily activities immediately following the procedure, but it is important to avoid excessive exercise or heavy physical activity.
