Fat injections (lipostructure) refer to a technique refined by Doctor Sydney Coleman of New York. Fat is taken from your own body and injected into other parts of the body to "fill out" a deficiency. Fat injections are used most commonly for lip enlargement but may help to soften creases or folds such as those at the corners of the mouth or between the eyebrows. As we age, our faces don't just sag; they also shrink.  The full, round cheek of youth may flatten and become grooved (naso-jugal groove).  The lips may shrink and furrows develop at the corners of the mouth (oral commisures) and above (nasolabials).  Fat injections are an excellent way to provide substantial amounts of bulk, for example turning a thin lip into a full pout.

Fat injections are commonly performed under a general anaesthetic as a day patient. Minimal discomfort will be experienced but substantial swelling can result particularly if a large correction is planned. This is particularly true where lips are enlarged substantially. The swelling resulting from enlarging lips may last two weeks or more. If a large correction is performed then the swelling will be very obvious at first, and may well restrict your activity. Fat injections are most useful with patients undergoing such surgery as face or brow lift who expect to be somewhat confined to the house by swelling and bruising from those procedures. Where a rapid recovery procedure is preferred, then Juvederm or Restylane injections may be a faster way to enlarge lips or soften lines with recovery time measured in days not weeks.

Fat injections are actually grafts of fatty tissue usually taken from the abdomen via a small (2mm) puncture wound. A little bruising of the abdomen may be seen. The fat is then centrifuged to concentrate it and the oil and blood removed. The fat cells are then gently injected into the sites to be filled out through 1mm puncture wounds. As mentioned above much of the swelling has resolved by two weeks.

By two to three months the amount of fat that has survived will become clear. Initially much of the enlargement is due to swelling alone. Fat grafts may fail or leave a disappointing result with insufficient correction. If this occurs then they can be repeated. On the other hand, fat grafts may rarely prove excessive or lumpy. Again, re-operation may be required to smooth these down. Fat grafts are living tissue requiring the capture of new circulation for survival. As such they seem to work less well in those who smoke. Smokers may be better served with the injectable methods such as Restylane or Juvederm.

What are the risks of fat grafting?
All surgery carries with it some risks. Bleeding and infection are common risks in all surgery. Avoid medications that are prone to make you bleed prior to surgery. These include aspirin, high doses of vitamin E and arthritis pills. Red wine and smoking also increase your risk of bleeding.

Rarely fat grafts can become infected. You will be given antibiotics at the time of surgery to reduce your risks of infection.

The area from which the fat is taken may become a little bruised. Only a tiny 2mm scar is required to remove the fat. The bruising will usually settle in a week or two.

The area into which the fat is injected will swell and may also bruise. Most of this is gone by two weeks but can occasionally last longer. Lips are particularly prone to become swollen.

Fat grafts may vary in the degree to which they "take" and successfully enlarge an area. This may lead to asymmetry which may require correction. Bumpiness may also occur and the fat grafts may melt away more than hoped for.

Fat grafts may fail completely and not achieve the result desired. People that smoke are at more risk of having this occur.

How do I plan my surgery?
Contact Dr. Scamp's office at (07) 5539 1000and his staff will be able to give you an idea of the costs of surgery, including anaesthetic and day hospital fees. Fat grafting is not covered by Medicare or your health insurance. You will be sent some information to read on the surgery and it is wise to make a list of questions to ask Doctor Scamp at consultation.

Preparation for surgery

Where will I have my surgery?
Fat grafting is usually performed under a brief general anaesthetic as a day patient. If you prefer, a stay in hospital can be arranged. Make sure that you have someone to take you home from the day theatre and to stay with you until the next morning.

What is done at surgery?
At surgery fat is harvested from elsewhere in the body (usually the abdomen, but thighs or hips are possible) centrifuged, concentrated and filtered. Small puncture wounds are made at the site where the fat is to be injected and a needle is passed in to these small holes to allow the passage of the fat.

How long will I take to recover?
Expect swelling for one to two weeks. In general the degree of swelling is proportional to the amount of fat that is injected. Thus if a subtle enhancement of the lips is performed, swelling is usually not terribly remarkable. However, if a large models "pout" is desired then more swelling can be expected.