In the course of skin ageing from the age of 30, there is an increasing shrinkage of the epidermis, the dermis and the fatty tissue, especially on the cheeks and in the nasolabial area. Often, deep hollows also form under the lower eyelids as the skin sinks. These changes can be treated very advantageously with an autologous fat transplant (lipofilling). Wrinkles are filled from beneath with this well-tolerated autologous fat padding. Exclusively the body's own fat is used as a filler.
How does lipofilling work?
First, fatty tissue has to be obtained. This is taken from fat-rich regions such as the buttock area, the lateral hips or the abdomen. Using a pump, a special fluid (tumescent solution) is infiltrated into the region to be aspirated, which makes it painless and bleeding-free and softens the fatty tissue. The fatty tissue is then gently obtained using blunt cannulas (liposuction). The obtained fat is sedimented and the living fat cells are filled into sterile cannulas. After a small puncture incision under local anaesthesia, these fat cells are injected with special blunt cannulas into the region where padding is desired.
What complications are to be expected?
Swelling occurs for a few days; occasionally bruising can also occur, which usually disappears within 7–10 days. Infections, so-called oil cysts and fat-tissue granulomas can occur, but these complications are all very rare and can be treated well. Lipofilling is a good complement to other cosmetic measures, such as filler implantation and botulinum toxin treatment. The duration of the success varies greatly from person to person and ranges from months to years.
