RESTORING NATURAL VOLUME
Also called fat transfer or fat injections, lipofilling uses your own fat to restore lost volume and smooth irregularities. The fat is harvested through tiny incisions, purified, and re-injected into areas like sunken cheeks, deep folds, or thinner lips.
THE PROMISE
Also called fat transfer and fat injections, fat grafting – lipofilling is a procedure that uses a person’s own fat to fill in irregularities and grooves. People usually choose to undergo lipofilling to improve aesthetic indications like sunken cheeks, the disappearance of fat from the cheekbones, deep grooves running from the nose to the corners of the mouth, and in some instances of lines between the lower eyelids and the cheek. It is also one of the most common methods used for lip enhancement. In addition, lipofilling can be used to smooth out all types of irregularities, such as those resulting from poorly performed liposuction or injuries.
The necessary fat is obtained by a limited liposculpture through one or several 3mm-5mm incisions. The aspirated fat is processed by centrifuging, filtering or rinsing. The result is pure liquid fatty tissue ready for injection. The fat is then injected where needed and evenly distributed into the area by injecting minute amounts in the tissues so that the injected fat is well surrounded by healthy tissue. This ensures that the transplanted fat remains in contact with the surrounding tissues that must supply it with oxygen and nutrients.
FROM INSTAGRAM
Short videos Dr Karatzias has shared on Instagram.
Harvesting and processing fat for grafting in theatre
Harvesting fat from the flank with a cannula
Purified fat, ready for grafting
Facelift with fat transfer — before, recovery diary and after
Possible side effects of the donor area include bruising, swelling, tenderness and up to 24 hours drainage of anaesthetic fluid. Possible side effects for the treated area are bruising, tenderness and swelling. The areas that have been treated and especially the lips will be rather swollen immediately after the operation. It is therefore important to use a cold pack and a compress in the first few hours to minimize the swelling. The swelling will increase until about the third day, but will then gradually subside. After about a week to ten days, you will feel confident about going out and resuming a normal social life. If any bruises have developed, they might remain visible for a little longer, but can be hidden reasonably well with makeup. The final result is assessed after three months.
We use the most advanced surgical technology, disposables and techniques when performing treatments and procedures to maximise your results and diminish the length of your recovery period. To reduce risks and maintain as much of the results for as long as possible we recommend that you refrain from smoking for a minimum of six weeks prior to the surgery and for the duration of your recovery period. Please also note that for this particular procedure if you become pregnant or lose a significant amount of weight, you should wait until after your body has reached a stable equilibrium.
AT A GLANCE
PROCEDURE TIME
1 hour
ANAESTHESIA
Sedation
DISCOMFORT
Mild post-operative discomfort
RECOVERY TIME
2 weeks
VISIBLE RESULTS
Immediately, final results in about 2 weeks
HOW LONG IT LASTS
Long-lasting
To determine if this procedure is right for you, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Karatzias. During the consultation, your concerns will be discussed in depth and the best surgical or non-surgical solution will be determined, always having your trepidations and expectations in mind.
To see if you are a candidate for this procedure or if you wish to learn more details about it, please complete our online consultation form or call at +357 22 275522.
+357 22 275522
BEFORE & AFTER CASES
Results vary from person to person.
Will the results look natural?
That is the aim. Because lipofilling uses your own fat rather than a synthetic filler, the restored volume tends to feel and move naturally. The fat is placed in small, even amounts so contours look softer and more harmonious rather than overfilled — the goal is a refreshed version of your own features, not an obviously "done" look.
Will I have visible scars?
Usually not noticeable. The fat is harvested through one or several tiny 3mm–5mm incisions, and it is re-injected through fine entry points rather than open cuts. These small sites typically fade well over time. The exact donor area and approach are chosen and explained at your consultation.
Does it hurt, and what are the bruising and swelling like?
Most people describe tenderness and swelling rather than sharp pain, helped by a cold pack and compress in the first hours. Some bruising at both the donor and treated areas is normal. Swelling — especially in the lips — usually peaks around the third day and then gradually settles; any bruising can typically be covered well with makeup.
How much time should I take off?
Most people feel comfortable going out and resuming normal social life after about a week to ten days. Any lingering bruising may stay visible a little longer but is usually easy to conceal. Your own recovery depends on how much fat was transferred and where, which is discussed at your consultation.
How long do the results last, and will I need a repeat session?
Some of the transferred fat is naturally reabsorbed in the first weeks while the rest establishes a blood supply and becomes a lasting part of the area; the settled result is assessed at about three months. Because the take varies between people, a top-up session is sometimes recommended to refine volume — your surgeon will be honest about this beforehand.
Can fat grafting be combined with other procedures?
Often, yes. Fat transfer is frequently used alongside other facial procedures to restore volume where it has been lost. Whether combining treatments suits your goals is decided during a consultation with Dr. Karatzias, where the best surgical or non-surgical plan for you is discussed in depth. To learn more, complete our online consultation form or call +357 22 275522.
RELATED PROCEDURES
Comprehensive rejuvenation of the lower two-thirds of the face for overall facial harmony.
Shortening the space between the nose and the upper lip to refresh the central face.
Book a consultation with Dr. Karatzias to discuss whether fat grafting is right for your goals. In-person in Cyprus.
CALL +357 22 275522
Staying at the forefront of medical advancement. Dr. Karatzias is proudly accredited by leading global organizations in both Plastic Surgery and Wound Management.
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