How Are the Fat Cells Removed by Liposuction Used?
Liposuction is one of the most commonly preferred aesthetic surgery procedures to reduce unwanted fat deposits in the body and achieve a slimmer, more proportionate silhouette. Fat that accumulates in areas such as the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, back and arms is removed by liposuction and the body is reshaped. In recent years, however, liposuction has evolved beyond being only a slimming procedure and has become a powerful tool for reshaping through fat transfer and fat injection.
So, how are the fat cells removed with liposuction used? In this article, we will look in detail at how this fat is processed, where it can be used for aesthetic purposes, and which advantages it offers.
Processing the Fat Removed During Liposuction
The fat tissue removed during surgery is not used directly. It first goes through several preparation steps:
- Collection: Fat cells are removed from the body with liposuction cannulas.
- Separation: The collected fat is separated from blood, serum and anesthetic fluids.
- Purification: Only healthy, viable fat cells are selected.
- Preparation: The purified fat is placed into fine syringes and made ready for transfer.
After these stages, the fat can be injected into selected areas of the face or body.
Where Can Fat Removed by Liposuction Be Used?
Facial Aesthetics
With ageing, volume loss, wrinkles and hollows become more pronounced in the face. Fat obtained through liposuction can restore natural fullness in these areas.
- Cheeks and cheekbones: To create a younger, more dynamic look
- Lips: To achieve longer-lasting fullness
- Under-eye area: To improve hollows and a tired appearance
- Jawline (chin and jaw contour): To create a more defined lower face
- Nasolabial folds: To soften deep lines between the nose and mouth
Buttock Aesthetics (BBL – Brazilian Butt Lift)
One of the most common uses of liposuction fat is buttock augmentation.
- Fat is injected into the buttocks to achieve a fuller, rounder and more aesthetic shape.
- At the same time, the waist can be contoured and narrowed, while the buttocks are enhanced, helping to create an hourglass figure.
Breast Aesthetics
In breast augmentation, fat injection can be used as an alternative to silicone implants or as a complementary technique.
- Ideal for mild volume increases
- Provides a natural look and soft tissue feel
- Can be used to correct contour irregularities in breast reconstruction
Hand Rejuvenation
Hands are among the first areas to lose volume with ageing. Fat injection reduces the prominent appearance of veins and bones, giving the hands a smoother and more youthful look.
Leg and Calf Contouring
In patients with straight or asymmetric legs, fat transfer can be used to create a more aesthetic leg line. It is also preferred to enhance the contour of the calves.
Advantages of Using Fat Removed by Liposuction
- Natural filler material: Because the patient’s own fat is used, the risk of allergy is extremely low.
- Double benefit: Excess fat is removed while areas that lack volume are augmented.
- Long-lasting results: A large portion of the injected fat cells remain viable for many years.
- Versatile use: Can be used in the face, buttocks, breasts, hands and legs.
- Improvement in skin quality: Stem cells within the fat tissue contribute to skin regeneration.
Recovery After Fat Injection
Mild swelling and bruising may occur in the injected areas during the first days.
- Swelling usually decreases within 1–2 weeks.
- Stable, long-term fat survival is achieved within 3–6 months.
- The fat cells that remain after this period are considered permanent.
During recovery, it is important for patients to avoid smoking and alcohol, maintain a healthy diet and follow their surgeon’s instructions.
Limitations of Using Fat Removed by Liposuction
Although it is a highly advantageous method, fat transfer also has some limitations:
- A portion of the injected fat cells (around 20–40%) may be reabsorbed by the body.
- In some patients, an additional session may be needed to improve or maintain volume.
- For very large volume increases (for example, major breast enlargement), fat alone may not be sufficient and may need to be combined with implants.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can the fat removed by liposuction be reused?
Yes. After purification, it can be injected into the face, buttocks, breasts, hands and legs.
- Is fat injection more long-lasting than fillers?
Yes. While dermal fillers generally last 6–12 months, fat cells that survive the healing process can remain for a lifetime.
- Is a single session enough?
It is sufficient for most patients, but in some cases an additional session may be recommended.
- Does the injected fat dissolve over time?
A part of it is absorbed during the first months, but the remaining fat cells are permanent.
- Is fat injection safe?
Because the patient’s own tissue is used, the risk of allergic reaction is minimal. When performed with the correct technique by an experienced surgeon, it is considered a safe procedure.
Natural and Long-Lasting Results with Re-Using Fat in Aesthetic Surgery
Making use of the fat removed with liposuction is one of the smartest approaches in modern aesthetic surgery. Removing excess fat to contour the body and re-using the same fat to enhance the face, buttocks, breasts or hands provides both natural and long-lasting results. With appropriate patient selection, professional surgical planning and consistent postoperative care, fat transfer after liposuction offers long-term benefits for both body and facial aesthetics.
Physician Information
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sedat Tatar is a Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery specialist who is Double Board Certified by two international boards. He holds the titles of Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (FEBOPRAS).
His international professional memberships include ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) and ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
His clinic is located in Istanbul and is officially authorized by the Turkish Ministry of Health as a Health Tourism Center. His company is registered in the United Kingdom & Wales.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Telephone No : +90 (555) 100 10 83
Contact Link : [email protected]
Address : Levent District, Karanfil Araligi Street No: 18 Besiktas/ISTANBUL
