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Basic Information about Fat Injection and Hyaluronic Acid

Overview and Procedure of Fat Injection

Fat injection involves liposuction from areas like the thighs or waist, processing the fat, and then injecting it into areas such as the face or chest.
This is a surgical procedure that usually requires general anesthesia.
Since liposuction is involved, there is a need for compression and certain post-treatment restrictions, such as avoiding baths, which can lead to some downtime.
The fat does not 100% "take" immediately, and the full results are seen about 6 months after treatment.
Once the fat has integrated, it remains semi-permanent.

Overview and Procedure of Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid, which is artificially created, is injected into areas like the face.
Since this is a non-invasive procedure, it’s quick and involves minimal downtime.
Changes are visible immediately after treatment, but since hyaluronic acid dissolves over time, regular treatments are needed.

Differences Between Fat Injection and Hyaluronic Acid

Both treatments aim to restore lost volume, but the injected materials differ.
The processes used to create the substances differ as well, which affects anesthesia, cost, and downtime.
The precision of the results also differs between the two treatments.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fat Injection

Main Advantages of Fat Injection

One of the main benefits of fat injection is that it lasts semi-permanently.
Once the fat has integrated, it won’t dissolve and doesn’t need touch-ups.
Since it uses your own tissue, it is a safer option, as it avoids the risks associated with foreign substances, such as allergies or granulomas.
The ability to avoid foreign materials is a big plus for many patients.

Main Disadvantages of Fat Injection

A major downside is the extended downtime. Since liposuction is involved, compression is required, and there are restrictions on bathing.
Another downside is that once fat is injected, there’s no method to dissolve it if there are issues with the design or if it mistakenly enters a blood vessel.
For lean individuals, the fat integration rate may be lower, requiring multiple treatments to achieve the desired outcome.

Risks and Precautions with Fat Injection

Fat injection should not be considered a light procedure, as liposuction is involved.
Careful consideration is necessary before proceeding.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hyaluronic Acid

Main Advantages of Hyaluronic Acid

The biggest advantage is its ease and convenience.
Hyaluronic acid can be injected gradually in multiple sessions, making it more flexible for patients.
Additionally, since it can be dissolved if any issues arise, it offers a safer option in case of complications.

Main Disadvantages of Hyaluronic Acid

A key disadvantage is the need for repeated treatments.
Over time, hyaluronic acid dissolves, meaning re-injections are necessary.

Post-Treatment Progress of Hyaluronic Acid

After treatment, bruising or swelling may occur, but the final result is typically achieved within two weeks.
Downtime is minimal, and most patients can resume their usual activities almost immediately.

Combination of Fat Injection and Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits of Combining Both

Starting with fat injection can provide a base volume, reducing the amount of hyaluronic acid needed for touch-ups later.

Drawbacks of Combining Both

The main disadvantage is the need for multiple visits to the clinic to complete the process.
You will be exposed to the risks associated with both fat injection and hyaluronic acid injection.

Physician's Opinion on Combining Treatments

It may be better to choose one treatment rather than combining both.

Procedure Order and Important Notes

Order of Fat Injection and Hyaluronic Acid Treatments

Fat injection should be done first to create a general volume, and hyaluronic acid injection should follow for finer adjustments.

Downtime After Treatment

There will be downtime after fat injection.
Hyaluronic acid injections should be done after the fat injection has integrated, about three months later.

Anesthesia and Pain During Treatment

For fat injection, general anesthesia (sedation) is usually required for the liposuction portion.
A dull pain may persist for a while after the procedure.
For hyaluronic acid, anesthesia is usually not necessary, though the injection may cause a stinging sensation.

Yoshiko Kuno