LIPOFILLING

WHAT IS LIPOFILLING? - BREAST SURGERY


Lipofilling is a filling and sculpting procedure which uses a person’s own body fat to smooth out irregularities and wrinkles. This is an alternative to using implants or a chemical filler and can be effectively used to enhance and rejuvenate looks by replacing volume where needed.
Lipofilling can be used in body contouring as well as facial rejuvenation to augment cheeks or lips or correct problems such as hollowness around the eyes. It can also be used in facial reconstruction and breast surgery.


HOW DOES IT WORK? - BREAST SURGERY


During this procedure fat is extracted from one part of your body, such as the abdomen or thighs or anywhere where this is excess fat, by way of liposuction.
Once removed the fat is placed into a centrifuge so that any impurities or toxins can be separated. The purified tissue is then re injected to the part of the body where volume is needed.
Lipofilling can be performed under either local or general anaesthesia. Local anaesthesia is normally used when only small only volumes of fat are required.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? - BREAST SURGERY


Lipofilling can not only enhance and rejuvenate your looks but it is also minimally invasive.
It uses a completely natural material, i.e. your own body fat, and can visibly improve both the recipient site from where the fat is harvested as well as the donor site.
In addition to adding volume, lipofilling can reduce scarring as well as improve the quality and elasticity of the overlying skin.

IS THIS PROCEDURE SUITABLE FOR ME? - BREAST SURGERY


If you have ever wished you could take unwanted fat from one part of your body and move it to a place where you would like more volume, then lipofilling may be for you.
People who have stubborn areas of fat and have other areas that they feel lack volume are the usual candidates for this procedure.
Your suitability for the procedure will be determined by a surgeon’s consultation which will take into account factors such as your medical history and condition.
It is important that you have realistic expectations of what lipofilling can achieve.

WILL IT LEAVE A SCAR? - BREAST SURGERY


Fortunately, fat is harvested through small incisions placed within skin creases or locations that are commonly hidden by clothing.
The fat is then injected through cannulas that are very small in diameter which leave virtually no scarring at the recipient site.
Of course, the exact location of the incisions will depend on the donor and recipient sites and this can be discussed with the surgeon before you proceed.

HOW LONG WILL THE RESULTS LAST? - BREAST SURGERY


The results of lipofilling are generally long lasting and although this procedure can improve your looks and make you look younger, it cannot stop the aging process. With lipofilling, there is a degree of resorption that takes places within a few months after the procedure. The amount of resorbed fat tissue depends to a large degree on the surgeon's experience, the cannulas used and the circulation supplying the implanted fat tissue. In general anywhere from 20%-60% can resorb and a second, follow-up treatment may be needed to achieve desired results.

HOW LONG WILL THE PROCEDURE TAKE? - BREAST SURGERY


Lipofilling can take between 45 minutes and 3 hours depending on the volume of fat to be transferred.

WILL I EXPERIENCE ANY PAIN? WHAT KIND OF POST-OPERATIVE CARE CAN I EXPECT? - BREAST SURGERY


Lipofilling is usually performed on an outpatient basis and most patients recover quickly. For lipofilling procedures involving larger quantities of fat, a general anaesthetic may be needed.
However, you may experience some pain and discomfort after the procedure as your body heals. You can expect to be sore, swollen and bruised and you should follow the surgeon’s instructions with regard to post op care.
After the procedure you will be given painkillers to help with any pain and discomfort you may be feeling. A compression garment may be used to reduce swelling and compress the skin.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY TIME? HOW LONG BEFORE I AM ACTIVE AGAIN? - BREAST SURGERY


This can vary and can take anything from two to four weeks. You are recommended to take at least a portion of this recovery time off work.
Most people return to work within a few days and resume normal activity within about two weeks.
However, you should not attempt any strenuous exercise for a minimum of 3 weeks and you should not attempt to lift any heavy objects for a minimum of 10 days.
Recovery periods can vary between patients and are dependent upon factors such as age, state of health, the procedure undertaken and your own bodies healing ability.

CAN LIPOFILLING BE COMBINED WITH OTHER PROCEDURES? - BREAST SURGERY


Yes. Lipofilling can be successfully combined with other procedures such as liposuction contouring, facial rejuvenation techniques, breast augmentation etc.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS INVOLVED? - BREAST SURGERY


In common with all types of procedures, there are certain risks involved. The majority of side effects often prove to be temporary but can include bleeding, oedema, infections, and temporary loss of sensitivity in the treated area.
Full information of the risks involved, and what you can expect to experience, will be provided to you by your surgeon before the procedure.

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