Fat injection is considered one of the cosmetic techniques that have gained widespread popularity in recent years. In this cosmetic procedure, a person's own fat is transferred from areas where there is an excess to other areas where it is needed, allowing for significant improvements in appearance. The importance of fat injection technology became particularly evident after numerous side effects of other injectable materials emerged, especially in certain parts of the body. Today, synthetic fats stand out as a new development in the world of cosmetics that can overcome many obstacles previously faced in cosmetic surgery, as explained by Dr. Joe Khoury, a specialist in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. 

What are the uses of fat in cosmetic injection procedures?

According to Dr. Khoury, the practice of body fat transfer began when a woman with a fatty lump on her back had the fat removed and injected into her breast, marking the beginning of this technique’s rise in the cosmetic field. While fillers and other injectable materials later became popular and effective, certain limitations soon emerged. For instance, breast injections with synthetic fillers are now prohibited. Although they do not cause cancer, they can create complications and mimic cancer due to the calcifications that appear. As a result, fat became the preferred material for breast injections.

On the other hand, fat is mainly used for injecting larger areas. The results achieved with fat injections are often longer-lasting compared to fillers, and the risk of allergies, reactions, or other side effects is lower. As Dr. Khoury explains, fat is harvested via liposuction from areas where it is typically abundant, such as the waist or buttocks, and then injected into target areas like the breasts or face. Importantly, only the patient’s own fat can be used, as the living cells it contains may trigger rejection if sourced from another person.

Are injectable materials better in certain cases?

There are several types of injectable materials. Permanent fillers, which have been linked to various side effects, are no longer widely recommended. Temporary fillers, most commonly made of hyaluronic acid, naturally fade over time. Some fillers interact with the body to increase in volume, while others, such as calcium hydroxylapatite, stimulate collagen production in the skin, providing long-lasting results. Semi-permanent fillers also exist, offering excellent results—particularly for areas like the jawline—but they cannot be removed once injected.

What problems can be faced with fillers?

Despite their effectiveness in the cosmetic field, Khoury emphasizes that injectable materials are still manufactured substances that can trigger allergic reactions in some cases. They are often temporary, requiring repeated treatments to maintain results. Their use is generally limited to smaller areas, as treating larger areas would require substantial quantities. For example, injecting large amounts into the buttocks is impractical due to high costs and the need for repeated procedures each time.

Is fat injection better than filler materials?

Khoury strongly favors fat injections, mainly because they carry a lower risk of allergic reactions and use the patient’s own body tissue, reducing the likelihood of side effects. However, he notes that some patients are reluctant to undergo liposuction to transfer fat from one area to another, which presents a challenge in the field, even though fat transfer is essential in many cases. Another consideration is that injected fat can fluctuate with body weight—expanding if weight is gained and shrinking if weight is lost. Since women’s weight naturally changes throughout their lives, this can eventually alter the shape achieved through fat injection.

How do synthetic fats differ from the natural fats in the body?

Synthetic fats come as a solution to a fundamental problem associated with natural fats. Natural fat injections require transferring fat from one area of a person’s body to another, which can be difficult or undesirable. Synthetic fats, known as allografts, are processed in a way that allows the body to accept them, as they contain no stem cells. This eliminates the need for repeated liposuction procedures for the same individual. In many cases, people may not wish to undergo liposuction, and fat cannot be transferred from another person. At the same time, however, the technique of injecting processed synthetic fats into the body is extremely expensive, according to Khoury. While it has certain applications, not everyone can afford its cost.