The loss of facial volume contributes to an aged aspect .While the old face appears "hollow" the young face is "full", smooth and well proportioned.
Over the years our faces "wither" like fruit. The face loses volume, which gives an unhealthy appearance. The forehead loses its curve, the temples are hollowed out, the cheeks sag and lose their fullness, the eyes are shadowed and the neck loses its tonicity.
"Lipostructure" is the copyrighted term used to describe a technique in which fat from one area of the body is used to fill out the face.
This technique allows the restoration of fullness and softness to a wasted face. Performed in combination with the various facelifts, it gives them a very natural aspect, but can in no way replace them.Fat injections have been around for a long time but survival of the fat has been enhanced by recent changes in technique. The transplant of tiny amount of fat is not an injection, it is a graft,and its results are proven, reliable and indisputable.
Since we can use the patient's own fat to restore the structure under the skin, it is now possible to restore youthful fullness to a face or to correct deformities in other parts of the body following injuries or surgery.
Recontouring with lipostructure requires precise evaluation of volume alterations by the surgeon and meticulous placement of the grafted fat.
As with facelifts, this is a long-lasting surgery, which is performed under general or local anaesthetic. Lipostructure may be combined with a facelift.
The fat will be completely integrated in the tissues; the patient will soon no longer feel the graft. Even if he can notice a difference, he will no longer pay attention to it. Pre operative pictures are all the more useful because the integration of this graft is so complete that you might think you have always looked this way!
Post-operative bruises are often very noticeable because of the numerous fat grafting sites. It is necessary to remain off during 1 to 3 weeks depending on whether the treatment addressed the whole face or only parts of it.
Some additional restructuring or minor touch up might be necessary.
The surgeon cannot anticipate this additional surgery in advance. Even if it rarely occurs, its cost must be taken into account before deciding
on the procedure.
Lipostructure is a major advance in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, since it is now possible to add a new dimension to already existing possibilities: restoring volume and face's youthful fullness.
In addition, it has an effect on the complexion since it improves blood circulation in the restructured tissues.
The results of this recontouring technique have proved to be enduring.
Not only can this technique obviate the need for a facelift, but it can also be a component of it.
The number of combinations thus increases, as well as the degree of personalisation and the refinement of the rejuvenating project.
Problems and complications
Bruising can occur although it has become less frequent since the use of drains and of compressive dressings. Infection is rare. Healing problems may be encountered in skins, which are already damaged (stretch marks). In some patients blood clots may occur in the legs, this requires prompt treatment. It is often characterized by a pain in the calf. Skin necrosis can occur in smokers.
