It is now possible to re-contour the face or provide definition to the cheeks and chin through a procedure called fat transfer. Also known as autologous fat transplantation or micro-lipoinjection, the procedure plumps up facial features with a patient’s own fat. For example, it is now possible to have fat liposuction from the thighs and then have this fat transferred to any area of the body that needs to be plumped up.

Results, however, vary from one part of the body to another. Re-injected fat lasts longer in areas of non-movement, such as sunken cheeks, because this area has minimal movement. Fat transfer has also become a popular alternative to wrinkle treatments as well as to correct atrophic ageing of the hands, post-surgical and post-traumatic defects. However, not every area of the body responds well to fat transfer, particularly the breasts. Injecting fat into the breast makes it much more difficult to detect breast cancer with mammograms.

Since fat transfer uses the patient’s own fat cells, the patient can never have an allergic reaction. After all, the fat is from the patient’s own body. Besides being non-allergenic, fat transfer to the face is also safe and natural. There is no downtime for the patient who can resume his or her normal activities following fat injections.

Any discomfort after the procedure can be controlled with medication. There may be some swelling at the treatment site, which can last up to 36 hours. If there is any bruising, this can be covered with make-up. The initial injection should last up to six months. Over the first few months, about 65% of the fat will be absorbed by the body. The remaining 35% will usually stay in place for years. For longer-lasting results, patients usually receive three or four treatments over a six-month period.