Fat Aspiration Lift
A combined procedure that simultaneously addresses sagging skin and excess fat by performing facial fat aspiration and thread lift at the same time, achieving both a tightened facial contour and a smaller face effect without using a scalpel.
Recommended for
- Those with both fat accumulation and sagging in the lower jaw to facial line area
- Those who feel thread lifting alone is insufficient
- Those who do not wish for surgery as extensive as a surgical facelift, but are seeking noticeable results
- Those who want significant contour improvement while minimizing downtime
What is Fat Aspiration Lift?
Fat Aspiration Lift is a combined lift-up procedure that combines fat aspiration to the face (primarily the facial line, submental area, and cheeks) with cog-threaded PDO or PCL sutures (thread lift). By physically removing fat to reduce excess volume while using cog threads to pull and fix slack subcutaneous tissue upward, it simultaneously achieves a "clean contour + lifted appearance" that is difficult to obtain with a single procedure. Compared to incision facelift (SMAS lift), it is characterized by shorter downtime and the ability to be performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.
Mechanism of the Procedure
① Facial Fat Aspiration (Tumescent Method)
Tumescent solution (infiltration fluid) containing epinephrine is injected into the target area to lift fat cells and minimize bleeding, after which fat is aspirated using a fine-diameter cannula (2-3mm). A 2008 review (Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, DOI:10.4103/0974-2077.44159) supports the safety and efficacy of the tumescent method, showing that procedures under local anesthesia significantly reduce complication risk compared to general anesthesia. Since excess fat in the submental to facial line area is directly removed, the contouring improvement is immediate and lasting.
② Lift-Up with Cog Threads
An absorbable thread with cogs (barbs) is threaded into the subcutaneous layer to pull slack skin and fatty tissue upward and fix it in place. Cog threads gradually degrade within the body, but in the process promote collagen production, so tissue reconstruction continues even after the thread disappears. A 2021 study in Aesthetic Surgery Journal (DOI:10.1093/asj/sjaa238) objectively demonstrated approximately 5-6 years of rejuvenation effect with SMAS plication combined with fat grafting, confirming that combining with volume adjustment produces a synergistic effect.
Procedure Flow
① Consultation & Design: The physician assesses the degree of sagging, fat distribution, and skin quality, and determines the amount of aspiration, number of threads, and insertion sites.
② Anesthesia: Tumescent solution is injected into the target area and fully infiltrated (approximately 10-15 minutes).
③ Fat Aspiration: Excess fat in the facial line and submental area is uniformly aspirated using an ultra-fine cannula (approximately 20-30 minutes).
④ Cog Thread Insertion: Cog threads are threaded using a specialized needle from inconspicuous areas of the skin (temple, preauricular area, etc.) to lift slack tissue (approximately 20-30 minutes).
⑤ Compression Fixation & Finishing: After the procedure, the area is fixed with compression bandaging for several hours, the progress is confirmed, and you return home.
Downtime and Recovery Timeline
After fat aspiration, swelling and bruising occur in the submental to cheek area, but the facial line appears tightened immediately after the procedure. A general timeline of the main progression is as follows:
• Day 1-3: Peak swelling and bruising. Wearing a compression support garment is recommended.
• After 1 week: Swelling subsides considerably, making it easier to go out.
• 1-2 months: Puffiness gradually decreases and the facial line stabilizes.
• After 3 months: Final results can be confirmed. The lift-up effect from the threads is maximized over 2-6 months following the procedure.
Duration and Effect Maintenance
Since the fat cells themselves are removed, fat in the aspirated areas does not generally regrow (although remaining fat cells may enlarge with overall body weight gain). The facial line improvement effect from fat aspiration is considered semi-permanent. The lift-up effect from cog threads varies depending on the material and number of threads used, with PDO threads lasting approximately 6-18 months and PCL threads lasting approximately 2 years. For new sagging that develops with age, adding threads or combining with other lift-up procedures is effective.
Risks and Precautions
The main risks associated with fat aspiration lift include swelling, bruising, temporary sensory numbness, asymmetry in the amount of aspiration, and thread exposure or breakage (rare). A 2013 review (Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery, DOI:10.4103/0970-0358.118617) noted that most adverse outcomes from fat aspiration result from excessive or insufficient aspiration or inappropriate use, demonstrating that physician assessment and proper aspiration volume setting greatly influence results. Our clinic provides detailed pre-operative consultation and image analysis to minimize risks and offer safe procedures.
Features
Synergistic effect of fat removal and lifting
By physically removing excess fat while lifting tissue with cog threads, we simultaneously achieve a "clean and lifted" look that is difficult to obtain with single treatments alone. You can expect contour improvement that approaches a surgical facelift.
Removed fat does not return
Since fat cells are removed completely, rebounding is unlikely as long as standard weight management continues. The changes to the facial line after the procedure are persistent.
Same-day, local anesthesia procedure
Since the tumescent technique (tumescent anesthesia) is used, general anesthesia is not necessary and same-day discharge is possible. By eliminating the need for intraoperative sedation, we can avoid risks associated with general anesthesia.
Natural-looking results
By combining natural skin contraction from fat removal without forceful stretching and tissue traction by cog threads, we aim for a smooth facial line without unnatural tension.
FAQ
How does fat aspiration lifting differ from thread lifting alone?
With thread lifting alone, excess fat is not reduced, so the lifting effect may be limited in cases where there is significant subcutaneous fat in the lower jaw or cheeks. Fat aspiration lifting first removes fat to create a cleaner contour, then performs lifting, so particularly high results can be expected in cases where excessive volume and sagging coexist.
Ask ZetithAI about this →How much downtime is there?
For 2-3 days after the procedure, swelling and bruising are at their peak, and you will need to wear a compression support garment. In approximately one week, you can generally return to daily life and work. It takes 1-3 months for the facial line to completely stabilize. There are individual differences, so we will explain this in detail during the consultation.
Ask ZetithAI about this →How long do the results last?
Contour improvement from fat aspiration is semi-permanent if proper weight management is maintained. The lifting effect of cog threads varies depending on the thread material, but as a general guideline it is approximately 6-18 months for PDO threads and approximately 2 years for PCL threads. For new sagging due to aging, combining additional procedures makes it easier to maintain long-term results.
Ask ZetithAI about this →How do I make a reservation?
We accept reservations via LINE or phone. For first-time patients, we offer a free initial consultation, during which the doctor will examine your face and propose a treatment plan. Please feel free to contact us.
Ask ZetithAI about this →Consultations about this treatment are free.
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