衛教單張

Autologous fat grafting

Subcutaneous adipose tissue shrinks easily because of aging. For those whose plump and elastic face turns sunken, and who often worry about their hollow cheeks, autologous fat injection is recommended to them to make their face plumper.

In addition, autologous fat transplantation can also be used to smooth the skin for the subcutaneous tissue defect and depression caused by trauma.

Autologous fat grafting procedures

Fat injection surgery is mostly performed under local anesthesia. The location of liposuction, such as the abdomen, buttocks, or thighs, is evaluated by the doctor. The fat removed is extracted by a centrifuge, and then injected into the desired area with a fine autologous fat gun. The operation is completed after the two sides of the fat filling site are symmetrical.

Autologous fat injection is a common plastic surgery. About 50% of the filled fat will be absorbed by the body after one year. The degree and time of absorption vary from person to person. During consultation in the clinic, you can discuss with your doctor about whether you can take more fillers to enhance the results, or have a second fat filling operation 3 to 6 months later.

Common sites targeted by the procedure

• Cheeks
• Traumatic tissue defects
• Forehead
• Temples
• Hollow eye sockets
• Smile lines, frown lines, apples of the cheeks
• Lips

Precautions before and after surgery

• Do not take anticoagulants (aspirin, etc.) one week before autologous fat grafting; otherwise, you shall inform your doctor. Do not take nutritional supplements (e.g. Antrodia cinnamomea, Ginkgo biloba, vitamins, fish oil, etc.) either, and reduce intake of foods, such as ginseng, that promote blood flow.
• After operation, apply an ice compress to the injection site 5 to 6 times a day for 20 minutes each time. In the first week after surgery, there is swelling and some blood stasis at the injection site. Please use ice compress to relieve pain and help eliminate the swelling.
• The stitches to the wound from liposuction do not need to be taken out. You can take a bath or shower by affixing waterproof tape to the wound. The liposuction site should be pressurized with an elastic bandage or by wearing girdles for a week.    
• Eat a normal diet and take rest after surgery; do not smoke or inhale secondhand smoke.
• Abnormal sensation (temporary) at the liposuction site after surgery is normal.
• One month after the injection, it is normal to feel a lump under the skin, and it will disappear slowly after a month.