Lipoinfiltration is an injection procedure in which one�s own fat is taken from an area of excess fat, and in the same session placed in an area that is deficient in volume, indented, scarred or wrinkled.  Lipoinfiltration has several advantages including a high chance of permanence, a free source of the filler material, and the added bonus of liposuctioning an area of excess fat, thereby reducing the size of that area. For example, the inner knee is a site often used for harvesting fat for lipoinfiltration.

The results may be permanent or temporary depending on the type of filler injected.

Some fillers require testing for adverse/allergic reactions prior to injection (e.g. Collagen and Artecoll)

The Surgery:

Injections are usually done as office procedures under local anaesthetic and take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour to complete depending on the amount and extent of the injection. 

Patients can often return to work the same day.

Injections are usually carried out with fine needles, and therefore generally leave no visible scarring.  Slightly larger �cannulae� or suction tubes are used to suction the fat for lipoinfiltration.  Although larger than the injection needles, these tubes are still only a few millimeters wide.

There are relatively few risks and complications with injection procedures, patients may, however experience temporary localized pain or burning at the injection site. There may also be some mild swelling and redness at the site temporarily

Allergic reactions may occur with collagen injection.  Infection is rare, and contour irregularities depend in part on the material injected and technique of injection.

Recovery is rapid, and there is very rarely any bruising or external signs of the treatment.  For this reason, injectables offer a �less surgery, less down-time�  alternative to larger surgical rejuvenation procedures.

Depending on the material injected, results can last anywhere from a few months to permanently.

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