INFO
Lipogems is the term used to describe the method of processing and purifying your own body fat for use as an injectable filler. Mostly used to volumise areas where tissue loss has occurred, when injected it has powerful rejuvenation and anti-ageing preventative effects.
Another advantage of the Lipogems process is that it does not require the addition of any chemicals to your own harvested fat substances prior to reinjection, greatly reducing the risk of a reaction. Lipogems offers an excellent alternative to conventional fillers.
The fat that is processed from your body using the Lipogems procedure is your adipose tissue, which is rich in MSCs, cytokines, growth factors, and stem cells. When re-injected, it can restore volume, tone, and texture.
It is particularly suited for facial rejuvenation as it is injected into tissue that is rich in vessels. Areas especially suited to Lipogems rejuvenation include the mid-face area, tear troughs (under the eyes), nasolabial folds, lips, and around the mouth (excellent for “smoker’s lines”). Traditionally difficult to treat, the backs of the hands can also benefit greatly from this procedure.
The Procedure
The time frame between fat extraction and reinjection in the Lipogems procedure allows the treatment to be performed in a single appointment. The Lipogems device is fully disposable with no reusable components, ensuring sterility.
The fat harvested from your body is collected using a very small liposuction system. Prior to the procedure, a formulation consisting of saline, local anaesthetic, and adrenaline is injected into the areas where the fat is extracted. This helps limit discomfort, bleeding, and swelling, and assists in separating the skin from the fat, minimising damage to the tissue during the liposuction process.
The Lipogems technique uses cannulae much smaller than those used in conventional liposuction. The volume of fat taken from the body (e.g., from the hip) varies depending on the volume required for the treatment area. For a typical facial rejuvenation, this is generally 50–80 mL.
Using a saline solution, Lipogems employs a mechanical system to wash away impurities from the harvested fat. This concentrates the MSCs, cytokines, and growth factors that comprise healthy fat cells.
A major advantage of the Lipogems process is that the fluids contain only natural material from your body, with no chemicals or enzymes added during processing.
The Lipogems device then breaks up the fat into small clusters of cells ranging in size from 0.5 to 0.9 mm. These clusters are small enough to inject easily and have increased potency compared to larger cell clusters. These cells aid tissue recovery and rejuvenation.
Fat processed with the Lipogems system has a higher-than-average graft survival rate and has been shown to improve the quality of surrounding tissue as well as the overall appearance of the overlying skin.
FAQ
Q. How long does the Lipogems procedure take?
A. The liposuction and re-injection process is completed during a single session of approximately 90 minutes.
Q. Is the procedure painful?
A. The Lipogems procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia, resulting in minimal discomfort.
Q. Is there any swelling after the Lipogems procedure?
A. All forms of liposuction result in some bruising and swelling as the fat is extracted, but this is generally minimal since only a small volume is removed. With no stitches required, the extraction site should fully recover within a few weeks.
Q. Is there any downtime?
A. Unlike many other fat transfer procedures, fat processed with Lipogems flows easily and does not cause significant discomfort during or after injecting. Pain or tenderness at the extraction site can be expected for a few days, along with minor bruising. Bruising at the reinjection sites is less common.
Q. What sort of results can I expect?
A. Lipogems provides volume enhancement in areas like the mid-face and under the eyes, while also improving the tone, elasticity, and vitality of the overlying skin.
Before and After
