First an explanation of some terms
Lipofilling – the removed fat tissue is applied to the target area as a filler. It brings about the same effect as with the use of other fillers like for example, Colagen, Restylane and others. However, the use of fat as a filler is inherent to the body and has no complications. The disadvantage, as with some other fillers, is that the fat will be absorbed and lipofilling must be repeated.
Lipografting – fat transplantation is a more demanding procedure compared to lipofilling. The fat tissue removal method, the preparation of tissue for grafting and the performance of the transplant is different. It is true that swelling and sometimes bruising last longer after the lipografting operation, however the effect is permanent or, at least, long-term (several years).
Facial lipofilling or lipografting is recommended
1) In cases of natural signs of facial ageing.
With growing age the partial atrophy of subcutaneous fat tissue occurs, accompanied by depression resulting from gravitation. It results in depressed temporal areas, circles under the eyes, depressions in the cheek-bone area and in cheeks, depressed nasolabial folds and typical depressions on both sides of chin.
The aforementioned signs are usually indications for cosmetic surgeries including lower eyelid surgery, medial lifting and a facelift. These surgeries, however, have better results when more significant signs of ageing occur, particularly loose skin and deep wrinkles in the area of the neck, chin or mouth. Beginning changes, mainly in the area of the lower eyelids, cheeks and nasolabial folds and particularly those in younger people (35 – 45 years of age) may be solved effectively and with no scars using lipografting (respectively temporarily with lipofilling). In some cases lipografting may substitute for a lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), formerly often performed and not very wisely chosen, in place of a transition of lower eyelids in the cheek-bone area.
At this age women often undertake liposuction and it may be an advantage to combine both procedures.
2) Congenital dispositions
Some of the abovementioned signs do not have to be the result of ageing and often occur in young people with a congenital disposition. Usually, it includes upper eyelids visibly sunk under the upper edge of the eye socket, circles under the eyes, sunken cheeks or sharp nasolabial folds. In these cases lipografting is the best solution. Lipografting can also effectively enlarge thin lips.
3) Unnatural depression on any part of the body caused by an “over-suction” during liposuction or as a result of an injury or operation.A limited lack of fat tissue may also occur congenitally.
It may be concluded that lipofilling and lipografting can be performed independently but it is an advantage to combine these procedures with planned tumescent liposuction. The area treated by liposuction can be used for the extraction of fat. Tumescent liposuction is completed in the usual way while the extracted fat is prepared for transplant. Lipografting can also be combined with some facial cosmetic surgeries. The innovative rejuvenation facial operations not only remove and tighten tissues, but also are a suitable and gentle filling.