Lipofilling
LIPOFILLING REQUIRES LIPOSUCTION FIRST
Suction-assisted fat removal

​
You are born with a certain number of fat cells. When fat cells are removed these cannot be replaced by the body but each fat cell can become very large if you put on a lot of weight after the surgery. This can make it seem as if liposuction has not taken place. Liposuction is NOT a form of weight loss but rather a re-contouring of the natural body curves.

The surgery is performed by using a hollow metal surgical instrument known as a cannula that is inserted through small skin incision(s) and is passed back and forth through the area of fatty deposit. The cannula is attached to a vacuum source, which provides the suction needed to remove the fatty tissue. There are a variety of different techniques used by plastic surgeons for liposuction and care following surgery. Liposuction may be performed under local (For small areas) or general anaesthesia. Tumescent liposuction technique involves the infiltration of fluid containing dilute local anesthetic and adrenaline into areas of fatty deposits. This technique can reduce discomfort at the time of surgery, as well as reduce post-operative bruising. Support garments and dressing are worn to control swelling and promote healing after the procedure.
LIPOFILLING
The process for harvesting the fat is exactly the same as in liposuction but instead of the fat being discarded it is used to fill other areas such as the Breast.
The fat is carefully extracted, cleaned, spun to remove any debris and then very specifically re-injected into the body to plump out areas deficient in fat. This can be a skin divot, to enlarge the breast or into the face.
The fat cells can only live again in the body when they get a blood supply. This means that about 10-15% of the injected fat will not live and may die and then is called FAT NECROSIS. This will eventually melt away over 3-4 weeks with careful massaging.

The postoperative care is mostly that of LIPOSUCTION as this is the area that needs compression afterwards. The area where the fat is re-injected just needs simple support such as a bra.

Please see LIPOSUCTION for more information about the surgery.