Some women experience sunken temples, hollowed cheekbones, and depressed cheeks, which can make them appear more tired. Many opt for autologous fat grafting to address these concerns. As the name suggests, this procedure involves extracting fat cells from your own body and injecting them into desired areas to achieve a fuller appearance. While this cosmetic surgery boasts a high success rate, it's crucial to understand the following key points about autologous fat grafting.
What should you know about autologous fat grafting?
1. Fat donor site selection requires careful consideration
During autologous fat grafting, fat particles are harvested from various body areas, and the choice of donor site is critical.Clinically, the most common donor sites are the abdomen, inner thighs, inner knees, and buttocks. A skilled surgeon will select the area with the best fat cell quality based on the patient's individual circumstances to maximize fat survival rates.
2. Avoid Overfilling
Some women request larger volumes during injection, believing it boosts survival rates and improves results. This is counterproductive. Fat cells thrive when stabilized in new locations. Injecting small volumes at multiple sites allows cells to integrate with surrounding tissues, enhancing survival. Overfilling leads to an unnatural, puffy appearance.
3. Consider a Second Session Based on Results
Autologous fat typically requires 1-3 months to fully integrate with the body. After this period, some fat may be metabolized, so the final results are generally established by three months. If you're dissatisfied with the outcome, you may request a second session based on your specific situation.
4. Injections won't make your face larger
Some women worry that fillers will make their face appear overly large overall, but this isn't the case. Typically, autologous fat grafting doesn't enlarge the face—it can even make it appear smaller. This is because the fat fills in sunken areas, creating fuller, more sculpted contours that enhance facial proportions.
5. Results are permanent
Since the filler uses your own fat, once fat cells are absorbed, they remain permanently within the tissue. They are not metabolized and do not disappear. After survival, the volume may change over time, but the effect is permanent. Compared to other fillers, it lasts significantly longer.
Note: Autologous fat grafting is currently favored by many women due to its noticeable results and long-lasting effects, making it a solution for facial hollows. However, exercise caution when selecting a hospital and surgeon. Professional practitioners and facilities enhance success rates and minimize risks of complications during the procedure, preventing surgical failure and adverse effects.