Lipofilling

What is lipofilling?

Lipofilling involves a small amount of liposuction to harvest fat cells which are then washed and injected into another part of the body. 

Why should I have lipofilling?

Lipofilling is commonly used after breast surgery to improve the long-term cosmetic result.  If following wide local excision or breast reconstruction there are areas on the breast that are thin and lacking volume, fat can be borrowed from elsewhere and used to smooth the area out.

How is the surgery performed?

You will have a general anaesthetic. The area where the fat is to be taken from (commonly abdominal wall, flank or thighs) is injected with local anaesthetic and saline. Liposuction is used to take a variable amount of fat away as required.  It is generally not a large enough volume to see a difference in this site. The fat is then washed, placed in syringes and then injected into the site where it is required. Any wounds are closed with dissolvable sutures and/or Steri-Strips.

What are the risks of lipofilling?

Bleeding/bruising. Infection.  Dimpling to the site of harvest.  ~ 30 – 40% of the injected fat survives, often people will need multiple operations to achieve the desired cosmetic result.

Before the operation

You cannot eat or drink for 6 hours before the operation. You are admitted on the day of your operation. The areas where fat is taken from and where it is to be injected are marked in the pre-operative area.

After the operation

Most people will stay for one night in hospital. You should take regular pain relief.  The site where the fat is taken from tends to bruise and can be quite tender, it is a good idea to use pain relief on a regular basis to stay on top of the pain. You will be followed up in the rooms in 6 weeks’ time for review.