Fat Injection

Application of Stem Cell-Enriched Fat Injection

One of the most frequently asked questions today is, "What should I do to rejuvenate my face?" Nobody wants to age, and everyone desires to look young and well-groomed. Whether you call it nature or the Creator, our body has stored cells to help fulfill this desire. Scientifically, we have known for years that stem cells exist in bone marrow and are responsible for producing new blood cells. However, the discovery in 2003 of stem cells stored in fat tissue, known as ADSC (Adipocyte-Derived Stem Cells), has revolutionized both reconstructive and aesthetic applications.

These stem cells can transform into various cell types, such as bone, cartilage, nerve, and fat cells. They adapt to the needs of the region they are injected into and support local cells. During this transformation, they release specific molecules that enhance the vascular structure and nourishment of the targeted area. These scientific findings have opened the door to facial rejuvenation procedures using stem cells. Stem cells harvested from fat tissue are mixed back with fat and injected into the face. The primary goal of fat injection is to restore the volume lost in specific areas of the face due to aging.

Let's not forget: "A little fat covers a lot of flaws." Even if we maintain the same weight as we age, the loss of subcutaneous fat in the face is inevitable. Smoking and sleepless nights can further exacerbate the appearance of aging and poor skin health. Therefore, for those asking, "What should I do to rejuvenate my face?" my first answer is to quit smoking and adopt a lifestyle with regular sleep. Fat injection replenishes lost volume and supports surrounding cells, making the face appear brighter, younger, and healthier. The main purpose of stem cell-enriched fat injections is to enhance the longevity of the injected fat. Stem cells increase blood flow in the area, ensuring more fat cells survive.

Fat and stem cell injections can be performed on both men and women. Interestingly, they are often preferred by men for their natural appearance.

For facial fat injection, fat is harvested from areas such as the abdomen, lumbar region, and inner and outer thighs. The harvested fat is processed through special filters and separated into micrografts, nanografts, and stem cells. The amount of fat required depends on the volume loss in the face. Individuals with signs of aging, reduced mid-face fullness, prominent under-eye hollows, and sunken temples may require 40 to 60 cc of fat injection into the face.

After the procedure, minimal bruising may occur, and a recovery period of five days is usually sufficient to return to work with makeup. Swelling in the face is common and subsides after approximately two weeks. To improve the longevity of fat injections, smoking should be avoided. As a surgeon, my most effective method is to perform stem cell-enriched fat injections. The effectiveness of fat injections becomes apparent within three months, and if necessary, second and third sessions can be performed after six months or a year.

Fat injections offer the significant advantage of using the patient's own tissue, eliminating the risk of allergic reactions. Facial fat injections support the functions of skin and its structures, resulting in a visibly rejuvenated and healthier appearance. Patients with under-eye circles and deep hollows can also benefit from fat injections.

Fat injections are typically performed in an operating room under anesthesia. The facial areas commonly treated include the forehead, temples, under-eyes, mid-face, cheekbones, nasolabial folds, chin tip, and chin corners. These injections not only rejuvenate and enhance the skin but also restore volume deficits and harmonize facial proportions.

For example, fat injections to the chin tip and corners can significantly enhance the appearance of individuals with less-defined jawlines. Compared to dermal fillers, fat injections are more long-lasting due to the volume provided and the fact that fat cells are living cells. To avoid the overfilled face appearance, which is one of the most significant aesthetic issues of our time, fat injections are typically performed in one or two sessions.

In addition to the face, fat injections can also be applied to the breasts, hands, and buttocks. High-volume fat injections are often required for the breasts and buttocks. Fat injections to the back of the hands help reduce the appearance of veins and dry skin, giving a more youthful appearance. Breast fat injections are similar to facial applications and may require multiple sessions. Results are generally permanent.

Fat injections to the buttocks, known as Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), are one of the most durable applications. However, BBL carries certain risks due to its novelty, including fat embolism, as the injection is applied to a highly vascularized area. Therefore, discussing the procedure in detail with your doctor is essential.