Coleman fat injections (structural fat grafting)

Coleman fat injections (structural fat grafting) For some patients a lower lid blepharoplasty can be combined with fat injections to enhance the cheeks or midface where there is hollowing. In this procedure, fat is removed from the outer aspect of the flank, buttock or thigh using very light finger suction with a syringe and blunt cannula to avoid damaging the fat. This can be done under “twilight anaesthesia” or under general anaesthesia. A single small “stab” incision is required in the skin and this is closed with a single stitch. The fat is then spun in a centrifuge for a few seconds, separating the fat cells from blood and local anaesthetic solution. The fat cells are then transferred to 1 ml syringes (see Figure below). The fat is then injected into the midface via the blepharoplasty incision or via an additional small “stab” incision in a laughter line, in tiny quantities. Several passes of a small blunt tipped cannula are made to ensure an even distribution and the best chance of the fat gaining a blood supply in the facial tissues and thereby surviving. There is nevertheless a risk of up to 20% that the fat will not survive this process. The risk of failure is higher in smokers. The procedure can be repeated but the fat has to be harvested again as it cannot be stored. (Stored fat does not survive). This is a surgical technique that is commonly used for reconstructive surgery (facial hollowing following trauma, degenerative conditions e.g. Romberg’s hemifacial atrophy, and for the volume augmentation of an eye socket following the removal of an eye) as well as for cosmetic surgery to enhance cheeks and hollow temples.



Fat prepared ready for injection

Consultants who undertake this procedure:

Saj Ataullah
Anne Cook
Brian Leatherbarrow