What is facial lipofilling and what is it for
Over time, the face loses its fatty layer: the eyes can look sunken, the cheeks deflate and the cheekbones become prominent, giving an angular, gaunt appearance. This can be corrected with modern lipofilling—also called structural fat grafting (Coleman technique).
With lipofilling, adipose tissue is harvested from one area of your body and implanted in facial or body areas that have lost volume. It’s especially indicated for people who, with ageing, show marked resorption of subcutaneous facial fat.
Our facial expressions change constantly thanks to skin elasticity, the soft cushioning of subcutaneous fat, and facial muscles. Beneath the skin lies a supple fatty layer between skin and bone that softens bony contours and gives the face pleasing plasticity.
One of the most frequent ageing changes is progressive thinning of this fatty layer, particularly in the upper face—around the eyes, at the temples, and over the malar (cheekbone) region.
As this support diminishes, the skin appears lax and deflated. Lipofilling restores volume and a fresher, more youthful look.
How the Coleman lipofilling technique works
To perform lipofilling (structural fat grafting, Coleman technique), fat is gently aspirated with a syringe and fine cannula from an area with excess fat (e.g., hips or abdomen).
The harvested fat is immediately centrifuged to isolate the most viable fraction, which is then injected into the selected facial or body areas. Implantation uses micro-syringes with thin, blunt, atraumatic cannulas in the subcutaneous plane.
Lipofilling can restore volume to:
- Nasolabial folds
- Cheeks
- Lips
- Cheekbones
- Various body areas (such as breasts and buttocks)
The procedure may be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the case.
What is the postoperative period like?
Discomfort is typically minimal; swelling in the treated area lasts only a few days. Results are very natural and harmonious.
Part of the transferred fat survives permanently, while a portion is reabsorbed over time, which is why a slight overcorrection is usually performed.
If more volume is desired, a touch-up lipofilling session after several months or years can replenish the resorbed fraction.
Combining lipofilling with facelift (lipolifting)
Fat grafting can be combined with other cosmetic procedures, for example a facelift with “lipolifting”.
Lipolifting pairs the skin-tightening benefits of a facelift with lipofilling’s volume restoration to replenish age-related fat loss.
FAQ
Do you have questions about lipofilling?
Read this first.
Yes. It has been performed for over 25 years with high patient satisfaction, and millions worldwide have successfully undergone the procedure.
A slight overcorrection is performed because some fat is reabsorbed in the first weeks. The portion that engrafts will persist long-term and behave like your natural adipose tissue.
Yes. Autologous fat can be used to soften rigid, sclerotic scars and improve their texture.
Cheeks, temples, forehead, and breasts are among the most frequently treated areas.
Mild, temporary bruising may occur and fades within days. Scarring is virtually absent because implantation uses micro-cannulas.
No. The fat is autologous—harvested from the same person—so it is inherently compatible.
