Is Natural Facial Rejuvenation Possible with Fat Injection?

What Is Facial Fat Injection?

Facial fat injection, or fat grafting, is a cosmetic procedure in which fat harvested from the patient’s own body is purified and injected into various areas of the face. It is biocompatible, natural, and particularly effective in treating signs of aging such as volume loss, wrinkles, and sagging.

The goal is not just to add volume but also to improve skin quality, contour definition, and to restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance.

The Role of Volume Loss in Facial Aging

Facial aging affects not just the skin but also the subcutaneous fat, muscles, and even bone structure. Volume loss typically occurs in:

• Cheeks
• Temples
• Under-eye area
• Jawline and chin

This leads to:

• Deeper wrinkles
• Sunken eyes
• Hollow cheeks
• A tired or aged appearance

Fat injection reverses these changes by restoring lost volume and providing structural support.

Where Can Fat Be Injected in the Face?

Fat grafting can be applied to multiple facial zones, including:

• Cheekbones: Adds fullness and youthful contour
• Temples: Restores support and softens hollows
• Under-eye area: Reduces dark circles and hollowness
• Nasolabial folds: Softens deep lines
• Chin and jawline: Enhances definition and symmetry
• Forehead: Improves upper face balance and volume
• Perioral area (around the mouth): Corrects marionette lines and lip contour

Procedure Steps and Techniques

The rejuvenation process involves three main steps:

1. Fat Harvesting

Fat is usually extracted from areas like the abdomen, flanks, or thighs using fine cannulas under local anesthesia.

• Only a small amount is needed
• Provides the added benefit of body contouring

2. Fat Purification

The harvested fat is centrifuged to remove blood, fluid, and damaged cells. Only healthy fat cells are selected for reinjection.

• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) may be added to enhance outcomes
• Nanofat and microfat techniques can be used for skin quality improvement

3. Fat Injection into the Face

Using microcannulas, the fat is injected in precise layers into targeted areas. This ensures a natural look, avoids overfilling, and promotes better cell survival.

• Layered injection technique for seamless integration
• No incisions, no visible scars

How Does Fat Injection Rejuvenate the Face?

The rejuvenating effect of fat grafting is twofold:

1. Volumization: Restores youthful contours by filling hollow or sunken areas.
2. Cellular Renewal: Fat tissue contains adipose-derived stem cells, which can improve skin tone, elasticity, and hydration.

Benefits include:

• Healthier, more radiant skin
• Reduction in fine lines and surface wrinkles
• Improvement in skin texture and elasticity
• Softer, rested, and younger facial expression

Thanks to regenerative cells in fat, skin appears firmer and more youthful over time.

How Long Do the Results Last?

• Around 30–40% of the injected fat is absorbed within the first 2–3 months.
• The remaining fat becomes permanent and integrates into the tissue.
• Final results are seen after about 3 months.
• On average, results last 2 to 5 years, especially with stable weight and proper skin care.

Key Advantages

• 100% natural and biocompatible
• No allergy or rejection risk
• Multiple facial areas can be treated in one session
• Improves both volume and skin quality
• Scar-free and minimally invasive
• Simultaneous body contouring benefit

Important Considerations

• Mild swelling or bruising may occur; resolves within 3–7 days
• Avoid strenuous exercise, sauna, and tanning for 2 weeks
• Weight fluctuations may affect long-term results