Facial Fat Injection in Ankara, Turkey

Facial fat injection is a natural and biocompatible aesthetic procedure performed to address aging, volume loss, or to enhance facial contours. Fat tissue harvested from the patient’s own body is processed and injected into the face, providing both volume restoration and an improvement in skin quality.

Fat is typically harvested from the abdomen, waist, or thigh, purified through special processes, and then injected with fine cannulas into areas such as the under-eye region, cheekbones, cheeks, around the lips, and the jawline. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia or sedation.

In addition to naturally restoring facial fullness, stem cells found in fat cells help improve skin quality, radiance, and elasticity. Full-face rejuvenation can be performed in the same session.

A portion of the injected fat is absorbed over time; therefore, final results become more apparent within 2–3 months. Although longevity varies depending on individual factors, when performed with the right technique, long-lasting and naturally appearing results can be achieved.

What Is Facial Fat Injection?

Facial fat injection is the procedure of processing fat tissue harvested from the patient’s own body through special steps and injecting it into the facial area. The aim is to restore volume loss, reduce wrinkles, and achieve a younger appearance. Fat is usually harvested from the abdomen or thigh and applied to areas such as the cheeks, lips, chin, and under-eye region. Because it is natural in content, it is a biocompatible aesthetic method that can provide long-lasting results.

Why does our face age, and how does volume loss change the face?

When you look in the mirror, the origin of the changes you see on your face begins much deeper than the skin—starting even in the bone structure. We can liken a youthful face to a grape that is completely full, firm, and smooth. Over time, this structure loses its water and fullness, changing form like a grape that has begun to dry out. The skin becomes looser, the supporting structures beneath it decrease, and the effect of gravity becomes more apparent.

Our face consists of harmonious fat pads located just beneath the skin that give us a youthful, dynamic expression. In our twenties, these pads sit like a tight puzzle over the cheekbones, around the eyes, and in the temples. However, from the thirties onward, both thinning (atrophy) begins in these fat tissues and, with the loosening of retaining ligaments, these tissues shift downward. In addition, the facial skeleton undergoes millimetric bone resorption over time. In other words, the framework over which the skin is stretched becomes smaller, the filler material inside decreases, and as a result, “the garment starts to fit loosely.” Simply tightening the skin on a face that has lost its inner volume can create an unnatural “wind-tunnel” look. At this point, what truly needs to be done is to restore that lost volume through natural means.

The areas where volume loss is most prominent during the aging process are:

• Temple area
• Under-eye grooves
• Over the cheekbones
• Mid-cheek area
• Jawline
• Lips

What is autologous fat injection, and how is it different from synthetic fillers?

The term “autologous” means that the material used is obtained from the person’s own body—completely belonging to you. Although ready-made hyaluronic acid–based fillers offer a practical solution today, fat injection belongs to a very different category in terms of biological compatibility and longevity. No matter how high-quality they are, ready-made fillers are “foreign” substances for the body and provide temporary volume. The body metabolizes and dissolves these materials over time. Therefore, the procedure must be repeated at certain intervals to maintain the effect.

Fat injection, on the other hand, is a tissue transplantation procedure. The transferred fat cells become vascularized in the area where they are placed, integrate into the blood circulation, and become an established part of that region. Successfully retained fat tissue remains there throughout a person’s life, ages with the person, and changes in volume as they gain or lose weight. In addition, while giving full-face volume with synthetic fillers can reach very high costs and may carry reaction risks at high volumes, fat injection makes it possible to obtain a plentiful amount of material from the person’s own reserves.

The main advantages of autologous fat transfer over synthetic fillers are:

• Full biological compatibility
• No risk of allergy
• Long-lasting longevity
• Rich stem cell content
• Improves skin quality
• High volume capacity

How do the stem cells within fat tissue rejuvenate the skin?

For many years, fat tissue was regarded in medicine merely as the body’s energy depot and insulation material. However, modern scientific research has proven that fat tissue is actually the richest and most easily accessible source of stem cells in the body. These cells, referred to as Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs), contain hundreds of times more mesenchymal stem cells compared to bone marrow.

The “regenerative” power of these cells elevates fat injection beyond a simple filler procedure. These smart cells within the transferred fat tissue have the ability to repair damaged tissues in the area they reach, stimulate new blood vessel formation, and increase collagen production. We call this a “biological transformation.” In other words, in skin that has undergone fat injection, not only are hollows filled; the skin tone also brightens, pores tighten, elasticity increases, and that dull, tired look gives way to a lively glow. Especially in damaged tissues that have undergone radiotherapy or in chronic non-healing wounds, the healing power of fat injection is based on this cellular mechanism.

What should be considered during the preoperative preparation process?

The foundation of a successful result is built on proper planning and evaluating whether the patient is suitable for the procedure. Not every patient may be suitable for fat injection. Alternative methods should be considered for very thin patients who do not have sufficient fat reserves or for those with serious systemic diseases. During the consultation, it is very important that the patient’s expectations are realistic and that they are aware of facial asymmetries.

One of the most critical factors that directly affects the success of the operation is smoking. Smoking constricts capillaries in the body (vasoconstriction) and disrupts blood circulation. The survival of transferred fat cells depends on their ability to receive oxygen from the surrounding tissue during the first days. In a patient who smokes, this nutrition chain is broken and most of the injected fat dissolves; the risk of infection may also increase. Therefore, quitting smoking at least 3 weeks before the operation is essential. In addition, some medications and supplements that increase bleeding risk must be discontinued.

Substances that should not be used before the operation include:

• Aspirin-derived medications
• Vitamin E supplements
• Ginkgo biloba
• Ginseng
• Green tea
• Omega-3 supplements
• Garlic pills

Which areas of the body are preferred for fat harvesting?

Maintaining the viability of fat cells is vital for the final success of the procedure. Therefore, the donor area is not chosen randomly. Areas that are genetically prone to fat storage and are resistant to diet and exercise are generally preferred. Fat cells in these areas are metabolically more resilient and better maintain their longevity when transferred to the facial region. Studies indicate that fat harvested from the abdominal area has a higher stem cell concentration compared to other areas.

The most commonly used donor areas are:

• Abdominal area
• Flanks (waist sides)
• Outer thighs
• Inner thighs
• Inner knees

During fat harvesting, a special method called the “tumescent technique” is applied. A special fluid that reduces bleeding and loosens fat cells is infused into the area. Then, instead of the high vacuum power of classic liposuction devices, lower-pressure syringes or tissue-gentle systems are generally used. The goal here is to collect delicate fat cells in an “atraumatic” way, preserving their viability without damaging them.

What processes do harvested fat tissues undergo before injection?

The material aspirated from the body is not pure fat. Along with fat cells, the syringe contains blood, serum, fragmented cell debris, and the fluids we infused before the procedure. Injecting this mixture directly into the face can lead to excessive swelling, inflammation, and poor fat retention. Therefore, the material must be purified.

The most common and reliable method is centrifugation. The fat is spun in special sterile tubes at a specific speed and duration. As a result, layers form inside the tube: water and blood at the bottom, free fatty acids at the top, and in the middle, the purified, viable fat tissue that is invaluable to us. Only this middle layer is collected and prepared for transfer.

In addition, we can mechanically refine the fat tissue to obtain different forms. For example, in the “Nanofat” technique, the fat tissue is passed through special filters and strainers multiple times until it becomes liquid. During this process, fat cells are broken down and lose their volumizing property, but the stem cells within them are released, forming a highly concentrated “cellular cocktail.” This liquid is used not for filling, but entirely to improve skin quality.

The forms obtained by processing fat include:

• Macro fat
• Micro fat
• Nano fat
• SVF gel

Which areas of the face can receive fat injection?

The anatomical structure of the face is a whole, and fat injection is applied to strategic points to achieve this harmony. Each area has different needs, and the thickness of the fat used is chosen accordingly.

• Temples and Forehead: One of the most subtle signs of aging is hollowing in the temples. Loss of volume in this region can cause the eyebrows to descend and the face to look skeletal. Deep injections into the temples refresh the gaze. Application to the forehead provides a more convex, feminine, and smooth profile.
• Eye Area: This is the most sensitive region of the face. Since the under-eye skin is very thin, coarse fat particles are not used here. Nano fat or very fine micro fat is usually preferred. It is highly effective in camouflaging under-eye dark circles and filling hollows.
• Midface and Cheekbones: Full cheeks are the most important sign of youth. Injections over the cheekbones lift the face upward (lifting effect) and erase a tired expression. Volumizing this area also plays a critical role in softening the lines that run from the side of the nose down to the lip (nasolabial folds).
• Chin and Jawline: In cases where the chin is small or recessed, fat injection acts like a natural implant. Applications along the jawline define the facial oval and can help camouflage the appearance of a double chin.

How long-lasting is the injected fat?

The question patients wonder about most is undoubtedly longevity. Here, honesty and transparency are essential: not all transferred fat cells can survive. For these cells to live in their new home, they must be nourished by diffusion from the surrounding tissues in the first few days and then become part of the circulation as new vessels form. During this adaptation period, an average of 40% to 60% of the injected fat (depending on metabolism and smoking status) is absorbed by the body. However, the portion that remains and becomes vascularized is permanent for life.

This longevity does not mean it will disappear after 1–2 years like fillers. That fat tissue is now part of your face. If you gain weight, the fat in your face also increases in volume; if you lose weight, it may shrink somewhat. Since surgeons know this expected loss rate, they typically inject slightly more than the planned volume during the procedure (over-correction). In this way, when swelling subsides and some fat is absorbed, the desired level of fullness remains.

Factors that affect the fat retention rate include:

• Technique used
• Patient’s age
• Smoking
• Quality of the donor area
• Postoperative care
• Dietary habits

What is the postoperative recovery process like?

Although fat injection is an outpatient procedure that typically does not require a hospital stay, it is advisable to set aside a few days before returning to social life. It is completely normal and expected to have noticeable swelling and occasional bruising on the face after the procedure. The first 48 hours are the peak period for swelling. During this time, patients may feel their face is very swollen, but this is temporary.

By the end of the first week, most of the swelling subsides, bruises turn yellowish, and they can be easily concealed with makeup. From the third week onward, facial contours begin to look more natural. However, tissue settling, the fat taking its final shape, and the skin achieving its radiant appearance can take between 3 and 6 months. During this period, it is necessary to be patient and respect the body’s healing pace.

Rules patients should follow during recovery include:

• Keeping the head elevated
• Applying cold compresses
• Avoiding strenuous exercise
• Staying away from hot environments
• Not massaging the face
• Sleeping on the back

How do techniques used during the procedure affect safety?

Facial fat injection is a very safe procedure when performed by the right hands and with the correct techniques. Today, instead of sharp needles, we use blunt (rounded-tip) cannulas. As cannulas advance through tissue, they do not cut vessels and nerves; they gently push them aside. This both minimizes bruising and swelling and eliminates the risk of intravascular injection, which is the most serious complication of the procedure.

Instead of injecting a large amount of fat into a single point, the “microdroplet” technique should be used, distributing it like pearls by creating small channels within the tissue. This ensures that each fat cell is surrounded by living tissue and its nourishment is secured. Fat injected in large clumps can lead to cyst formation or firmness due to inadequate nourishment of the cells in the center.

Possible side effects and complications include:

• Prolonged swelling
• Asymmetry
• Infection
• Fat cysts
• Under-correction
• Irregularities

Can this procedure be combined with other aesthetic surgeries?

Fat injection is the best “complementary” procedure in aesthetic surgery. It produces excellent results on its own, and it also multiplies the impact of other surgeries. For example, in a facelift, we reposition sagging skin and muscles, but we need fat injection to improve skin quality and correct midface deflation. Fat injection combined with a facelift gives the patient not only a tighter look but also a “fresh and baby-like” appearance.

Similarly, during eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), nano fat injection into hollows around the eyes increases the success of the surgery in erasing a tired expression. Subtle enhancements to the chin tip or forehead combined with rhinoplasty are an excellent tool to achieve facial profile balance (profiloplasty).