Today, fat injection-also called fat transfer or fat grafting-is one of the most commonly used techniques in cosmetic and aesthetic surgery. It is widely preferred because it can help achieve a refreshed and more youthful appearance, especially in patients who experience volume loss over time.
Because fat is among the best-tolerated materials by the body, its use in aesthetic procedures has increased significantly. When a fuller look is desired-particularly in areas such as the face and hands-the natural volume provided by fat tissue can create a softer, smoother contour and support a more youthful appearance.
One of the main advantages of this approach is that the injected material comes from the patient's own body (autologous fat transfer). This means the body does not perceive it as a foreign substance, and the risk of allergic reaction is generally very low. For individuals who want facial rejuvenation without large surgical incisions and without significant scarring, fat transfer may be an appealing option.
It is also important to know that not all transferred fat cells survive permanently. If some of the injected fat cells do not remain viable, the fullness in that area can decrease over time. For this reason, the technique used-ranging from fat harvesting to processing and injection-plays a critical role in outcomes. Methods that minimize trauma to fat cells may support better long-term volume retention and more predictable results.
For information about the procedure and fat transfer costs, a personalized clinical evaluation is recommended.
Common Areas for Fat Injection (Where Fat Transfer Is Used)
The most frequently treated area with fat transfer is the face. Fat injection is often used to enhance facial balance, restore youthful contours, and support a fresher look. The reason facial fat transfer is so widely requested is simple: the face tends to show signs of aging earlier and more visibly than many other body areas.
With age, the natural fat pads in the face can decrease in volume, contributing to:
- hollow or sunken areas
- mild sagging
- deeper folds and a tired appearance
By injecting fat into areas that have lost volume, facial contours can appear more supported and refreshed. In some individuals, certain hollow areas may be present even at younger ages due to natural anatomy, and fat grafting can also be used to improve facial aesthetics in these cases. For this reason, fat injection may be suitable for different age groups, depending on individual needs.
- Frequently treated areas include:
- Face (cheeks, midface volume restoration)
- Lips
- Chin / jawline
- Forehead
- Hands (hand rejuvenation)
- Scars
- Areas with contour irregularities after liposuction
- Eyelid region (in selected cases, based on evaluation)
- In addition, fat grafting may be used to improve skin contour irregularities and uneven surface texture. Scars can appear more prominent when the skin surface has depressions or raised unevenness. By filling depressed areas with fat, the skin surface may appear smoother and more even, helping reduce the visibility of contour-related irregularities.
Before starting fat injection (fat transfer / fat grafting), the patient's concerns and expectations are evaluated in detail. During the consultation, the reasons for choosing the procedure and the desired outcomes are discussed clearly. The patient is also informed about the technique, process, and expected recovery, and then the treatment plan is finalized.
Key steps of the procedure typically include:
- Blood-thinning medications (such as aspirin and similar drugs) are usually discontinued before the procedure to reduce the risk of bruising or bleeding. However, patients should never stop regularly prescribed medications without consulting their physician.
- Pre-procedure photographs are taken to document the treatment area and support follow-up evaluation.
- The fat to be injected is harvested from the patient's own body-commonly from areas such as the abdomen or waist, or another suitable donor site. Special medical instruments, including vacuum-assisted cannulas, are used for gentle fat collection.
- The harvested fat is then processed and purified using specific techniques so it becomes suitable for injection.
- Finally, based on the personalized plan made during evaluation, the prepared fat is carefully injected into targeted areas to restore volume and improve contour.
Fat injection (fat transfer / fat grafting) can be performed under local anesthesia when a small area is treated. If a larger treatment area is planned-or depending on the patient's medical status-the procedure may also be performed under general anesthesia. Since the patient is under anesthesia, it is not expected to feel pain, discomfort, cramping, or stinging during the procedure, and many patients describe the experience as relatively comfortable.
Below is what patients can generally expect during the post-procedure period:
- This treatment usually does not require hospital stay or extended rest. Patients can typically return home shortly after the procedure.
- It may be beneficial to rest and limit social activities for one day before returning to normal routine.
- Mild swelling (edema) can occur in both the fat-donor area (where fat is collected) and the treated area (where fat is injected). This is expected and usually not a cause for concern.
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Swelling and mild puffiness generally improve on their own within a few days.
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Light sports activities can often be resumed after approximately one week, depending on individual recovery and the surgeon's recommendations.
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If the desired fullness decreases very quickly, a second fat injection session may be considered around the second month, based on clinical evaluation and patient needs.
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The procedure typically does not require dressing changes or stitch removal.
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The final appearance and "settling" of the transferred fat may take up to two weeks to become clearly visible.
Will There Be Scarring After Fat Injection?
Many patients considering fat injection (fat transfer / fat grafting) ask not only how the procedure is performed, but also whether it leaves scars. In most cases, fat injection is considered a minimally invasive procedure rather than a classic surgical operation involving large incisions. It is performed using fine instruments such as a cannula, which allows fat cells to be placed under the skin through very small entry points.
Because the openings are extremely small, there is usually no need for stitches, and the skin typically heals without noticeable marks. For this reason, visible scarring is generally not expected, and the procedure is commonly used even for delicate areas such as the face.
In carefully selected patients, fat transfer may also be applied to sensitive regions such as the eyelid area or lips, depending on anatomical suitability and the physician's assessment. Another key advantage is that fat injection can support a natural-looking result, especially when volume restoration is planned conservatively. In many cases, others may not be able to tell that a cosmetic procedure has been performed-only that the face looks more refreshed.
How Long Does Fat Transfer Last?
The longevity of fat injection varies between individuals and depends on factors such as metabolism, tissue characteristics, the technique used, and the treated area. Not all transferred fat cells survive permanently, and some degree of absorption is expected over time.
Clinical experience shows that a portion of the injected fat may remain long-term. In some cases, around 40% of the transferred fat volume may still be present after approximately 6 months, though this can differ significantly from person to person. If volume loss occurs sooner than expected, the procedure can be repeated when medically appropriate-without necessarily needing to wait a long time.
Where Is the Fat Taken From for Fat Injection?
Fat used for injection is harvested from the patient's own body (autologous fat transfer). The donor site is selected based on where sufficient fat is available and what best fits the treatment plan. Common donor areas include:
- abdomen
- waist/flanks
- hips
If needed, fat may also be collected from the arms or legs, depending on the patient's body structure. A physical examination helps determine the most appropriate donor area.
Can Fat Be Enriched With Stem Cells?
In some cases, harvested fat can be processed and enriched with regenerative components (commonly described as stem cell-enriched fat transfer). This approach may support improved fat survival and potentially reduce the absorption rate. However, stem cell enrichment is not mandatory for successful outcomes, and satisfactory volume restoration can often be achieved without it.
Does Fat Transfer Last Longer in Certain Areas?
The duration of volume retention may also differ depending on the area treated. Observations suggest that regions with less movement may retain volume longer. For example:
- areas like the cheeks or temples may show longer-lasting fullness
- areas that move more frequently, such as arms or legs, may show a comparatively lower long-term retention
Is Fat Injection Safe?
Because the injected material comes from the patient's own body, the risk of allergic reaction is generally very low. The body typically recognizes the transferred fat as natural tissue rather than a foreign substance. As with any medical procedure, complications cannot be completely ruled out, but with appropriate technique and patient selection, fat injection is widely considered a safe and well-tolerated option in aesthetic practice.
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