| Plastic surgery | Lipostructure (lipofilling) |
Lipostructure is a technique for filling and reducing facial lines by grafting the patient’s own fatty cells. Durability is the major advantage this process has over the injection of hyaluronic acid. Many people resort to this solution following several years of treatment with resorbable substances.
Objective of the surgery
Lipostructure aims to restore the fullness of a drawn face, or one showing the first signs of ageing, by returning its volume and shape to lasting effect. The first results are visible after 2 to 3 weeks, with the full effect being achieved 3 to 6 months after surgery. The face is fuller and looks rejuvenated.
The surgery
Lipostructure is carried out under local or general anaesthetic. Removal and reinjection are performed in one single operation. The surgeon selects the precise areas for cell removal – stomach or thighs – then proceeds using a painless micro-incision with a fine suction cannula. Following centrifugation to isolate the fatty cells, the mircro-particles of fat are reinjected using a technique that enables the transplanted cells to integrate into the receiving tissues.
Surgery affter-effects and risks
There is usually very little post-operative pain. Tissue swelling (œdema) generally disappears after 5 to 15 days; the ecchymoses (bruises) fade within 10 to 20 days. Serious complications are rare. The most frequent is hyper-correction. The surgeon essentially injects an excess of fat to accommodate an average resorption of around 30%. In extremely rare cases, the excess fat is removed by micro-liposuction.