How long is the downtime for fat injections? A thorough explanation of the symptoms and how to recover quickly from each site!

When considering fat injections, many people are concerned about "downtime. Many people are concerned about how long the swelling and internal bleeding will last after the procedure and how much it will affect their daily lives. Fat injections can be performed on a variety of areas, including the forehead, temples, under the eyes, and lips, but the symptoms and duration of downtime differ for each area.

Here, we will explain in detail the estimated downtime after fat injections, the characteristics of each area, and key points to speed up recovery. By acquiring the correct knowledge in advance, you can reduce anxiety and prepare for a smooth recovery.

 

What is Fat Injection? Explaining the Characteristics and Purpose of the Procedure

As we age, our faces lose volume, our cheeks may become hollow, and our foreheads and temples may appear concave. Many people suffer from this, which makes their face look tired and older than their actual age. One cosmetic procedure that naturally improves such age-related changes is fat injections.

Treatment to restore natural volume

Fat injections are procedures in which fat taken from one's own body is injected into the necessary areas to increase volume and rejuvenation. Fat is mainly taken from the thighs, abdomen, and other areas where excess fat tends to accumulate, and after impurities are removed, fat is injected into the forehead, temples, under the eyes, eyelids, lips, cheeks (hump), and other areas. Because it uses one's own fat, it is less likely to cause a foreign body reaction, and its major advantage is that it produces a natural-looking result.

In addition, compared to hyaluronic acid injections, fat is more easily fixed in the body and the effect is more likely to last for a long period of time. If performed properly, volume can be maintained semi-permanently, making it suitable for people who do not want to look artificial and want to prolong their natural fullness.

Main areas and purposes for which fat injections are performed

Fat injections are performed in various areas of the face, each with different goals and results.

Treatment area	Purpose and Expected Effects	feature
forehead	Create a rounded, feminine forehead, smooth out unevenness	Shape the forehead and create a three-dimensional face line
temple (of the forehead)	Plumps up the scars and gives a youthful look.	Skinny temples tend to make you look older.
under one's eyes	Improves dark circles and indentations under the eyes, giving the impression of firmness	Dark circles and dimples tend to make you look tired.
eyelids	Improves the hollowing of the upper eyelid and rejuvenates the impression of the eye area	Skinny eyelids can make the eyes appear smaller.
lips	Create plump, attractive lips.	Loss of lip volume gives the impression of aging.
Cheeks (mossy)	Improvement of cheek lumps and soft facial lines	The cheeks can be too sharp if the cheeks are too hollow.

Injecting fat into these areas not only adds volume, but also creates a "firmer" and "younger" appearance. In particular, by adding roundness to the forehead and temples, the entire face will have a more three-dimensional appearance, giving it a feminine and gentle appearance.

Advantages and Cautions of Fat Injection

The greatest advantage of fat injections is that the results are natural and the effects are long-lasting. It does not absorb in a few months like hyaluronic acid, and with proper care, volume can be maintained for a long time. Another advantage is that there is almost no risk of allergic reactions because it is made from one's own fat.

However, there are some caveats. With fat injections, not all fat is borne at once, but a certain percentage is absorbed. Therefore, the finished result may vary depending on the skill of the physician. In order to achieve the appropriate volume, it is important to consult with an experienced physician before proceeding with the procedure.

There is also a certain period of downtime after fat injection, which may include swelling and internal bleeding. Delicate areas such as under the eyes, eyelids, and lips are especially prone to swelling, so it is important to adjust your schedule to account for downtime.

 

What is the downtime that occurs after fat injections? Its Symptoms and Duration

Fat injections are a popular cosmetic treatment that uses one's own fat to achieve natural-looking results and long-term volume enhancement. However, every procedure has a recovery period, called "downtime," and how you overcome it will lead to a satisfactory result.

Especially in the case of fat injections, it is important to know in advance what symptoms will occur because downtime occurs at both the site where the fat was harvested and the site where the fat was injected. We will explain the details of downtime so that you can have the procedure done on a reasonable schedule.

Common Symptoms After Fat Injection

It refers to the period of time it takes for the body to recover after the procedure, and the intensity of symptoms and speed of recovery varies from person to person. In the case of fat injections, the following symptoms are common

• swelling
  Swelling appears immediately after surgery in the area where fat is injected. Especially in the case of the face, swelling tends to peak 2-3 days after surgery and then gradually subside over the next week or so. Swelling tends to be more severe in areas with thin skin such as the forehead, eyelids, and lips, while it is relatively mild in the cheeks and temples.
• internal hemorrhage
  Internal bleeding may occur due to damage to the fine blood vessels during the procedure. Because the skin around the eyes is particularly thin, bluish-purple bruising may persist for one to two weeks. However, over time, it will change to a yellowish color and gradually disappear.
• swelling
  After the swelling subsides, swelling still occurs due to the anesthetic fluid remaining in the body and the lymphatic flow. The swelling tends to be especially strong when the patient wakes up in the morning and may take up to a month to completely subside.
• pain
  Dull pain may be felt both at the site of fat harvesting and at the site of injection. In the case of facial fat injections, the pain peaks 2-3 days after surgery and then gradually lessens. However, the pain rarely becomes unbearable, and many people can live without painkillers.

These symptoms will subside with time, but proper care is needed for a quick recovery.

How long is the downtime? Estimated recovery time

The duration of downtime for fat injections depends on the area injected, the extent of the procedure, and the individual's body type. As a rough guide, the recovery schedule is as follows

symptoms	Approximate duration	Features and Notes
swelling	3 days to 1 week	Swelling begins immediately after the procedure, peaks 2-3 days later, and then gradually subsides.
internal hemorrhage	About 1 to 2 weeks	Blue-purple bruising may appear in some areas, but will turn yellowish and disappear over time.
swelling	About 1 week to 1 month	Swelling tends to be especially strong when waking up in the morning, but gradually resolves
pain	A few days to a week	Mild dull pain persists, but not enough to interfere with daily life
Time to acclimate	About 1 to 3 months	It takes time for the injected fat to grow and become natural.

Thus, downtime symptoms will settle down in stages. In particular, it takes about 1-3 months for the fat to settle in and become fully finished, so it is important not to judge only by the appearance immediately after the procedure, but to monitor the progress over time.

What you need to know to get through the downtime

During the downtime, not only will there be a change in appearance, but there will also be some impact on daily life. In particular, swelling and internal bleeding after the procedure cannot be hidden, so it is necessary to adjust your schedule to avoid important appointments.

• The period of noticeable swelling after the procedure is about one week, so if you work in a profession where you often meet with people, it is safe to take at least one week off.
• If telecommuting is possible, taking three days off will have little disruption to operations.
• If internal bleeding is a concern, it can be covered up with concealer or makeup, but it cannot be completely hidden.

Also, if you have an important event such as a wedding, photo shoot, or travel, it is recommended to schedule the procedure backwards and have it done at least one to two months in advance. By avoiding the period of swelling and swelling immediately after the procedure, you will be able to have a more natural appearance on the day of the event.

Fat injections are a relatively safe procedure, but lumps may form after the procedure and the injected fat may be absorbed without fully resorbing. Therefore, it is important to closely monitor the patient's progress after the procedure and consult the clinic as soon as possible if there are any abnormalities.

 

Let's make sure we know what can happen after fat injections.

Fat injections are considered a safe procedure with a low risk of allergic reactions because they use one's own fat. However, any cosmetic procedure carries risks, and some side effects may occur with fat injections. It is important to understand these risks and take appropriate measures to ensure the success of the procedure.

One of the most important side effects to watch out for is the risk of "lumps". This can occur when the injected fat does not grow evenly or is injected in excess. When touched after the procedure, the lump may feel partially hard, and in most cases, it will soften naturally over time. However, if the lump remains for a long period of time, it is necessary to consult a physician. Be careful not to touch the treated area more than necessary, as excessive stimulation or pressure immediately after the procedure may be the cause.

In addition, the absorption rate of fat varies from person to person, and it is said that about 30-50% of the injected fat is absorbed by the body. Therefore, after the procedure, you may feel that the volume is less than expected. In some cases, a second treatment may be considered to achieve the desired result. It is important to consult with your doctor to determine the optimal injection volume and treatment plan for you.

There is a possible risk of infection after fat injections. If bacteria invade the area after the procedure, the affected area may swell and cause severe pain and heat. Usually, this is not a problem with proper treatment, but if swelling and pain persist, caution should be exercised. It is important to keep the treatment area clean and not to touch or press on the affected area at your own discretion. If you experience any abnormalities, consult your doctor immediately.

In addition, swelling and internal bleeding may occur after the procedure. Swelling is especially noticeable from the third day to a week after the procedure, and the face may feel swollen. Internal bleeding varies from person to person; some may be noticeable, while others may have little or no bleeding, but the treated area may turn bluish-purple in color. These symptoms will improve spontaneously, but moderate cooling is effective in reducing swelling and internal bleeding. However, too much cooling may reduce blood flow and impede recovery, so the key is to perform the procedure moderately, for about 10 minutes at a time.

Other temporary side effects may include lethargy, mild fever, and headache. These are temporary reactions to the physical strain of the procedure and the recovery process, and in most cases will resolve in a few days. You may also experience some discomfort in the treated area, but this too will subside over time.

 

Downtime and characteristics of fat injections

Downtime for fat injections varies greatly depending on the area to be treated. As reported in the previous chapter, symptoms such as swelling, internal bleeding, and swelling are common, but the speed of recovery varies depending on the thickness of the skin and blood flow.

For example, thin-skinned areas such as the forehead and eyelids tend to show more swelling and internal bleeding, while relatively voluminous areas such as the temples and cheeks have less swelling and shorter downtime. It is important to understand the downtime for each area when planning your post-treatment schedule.

This section details the downtime characteristics and recovery time for each of the six areas where fat injections are commonly performed.

Downtime for "forehead" fat injections

The forehead is an area where fat injections can create a rounded, feminine form, but because the skin is thin and easily swollen, the downtime is relatively long.

• Swelling is noticeable for 3-5 days, but takes 1-2 weeks to fully subside.
• Thin skin, which makes it easy to feel swelling and discomfort.
• After the procedure, the forehead often feels flat and taut, but it blends in naturally after about a month.
• Internal bleeding may occur, but in most cases it is relatively mild and can be concealed with makeup.
• The fat is finally fixed and the result is stable after 1 to 3 months.

The key point is that sleeping on your stomach is strictly forbidden. Try to sleep on your back, as pressure can change the shape of the fat. It is also important to avoid massage and strong pressure. Forced touch can make it difficult for the fat to settle.

Downtime for "temple" fat injections

The temples are an area of relatively little swelling after fat injection, but because the skin is thin, internal bleeding may occur.

• Swelling tends to subside in 3-5 days.
• Internal bleeding may occur, which takes about 2 weeks to disappear completely.
• Immediately after the procedure, the patient may feel "a little too full," but over a month or two, the natural finish blends in.

The key is to avoid applying strong pressure (and avoid pressing your temples against pillows) immediately after the procedure. Also, avoid prolonged bathing or exercise, as too much blood circulation can worsen internal bleeding.

Downtime for "Dark circles under the eyes (fat injection)

The area under the eyes is one of the most noticeable areas of fat injections in terms of downtime. Because the skin is thin and has many capillaries, internal bleeding is easily visible.

• Swelling and swelling are often intense and last about 2 weeks.
• Internal bleeding may occur easily, especially blue-purple bruising that lasts 1-2 weeks
• It takes about 2 weeks to a month for the swelling to subside.
• Immediately after the treatment, the eye area may feel too puffy, but it will adjust with time.

A key point during downtime is to keep the eye area cool for a few days after the procedure to reduce swelling and internal bleeding. Also, avoid touching the eye area as much as possible, as rubbing the area may cause fat to migrate.

Downtime for "eyelid" fat injections

Eyelid fat injections are often performed to improve the hollowing of the upper eyelids, but they are prone to swelling and have a longer downtime.

• Swelling is noticeable for about a week after the procedure.
• Internal bleeding may occur, which can be covered to some extent with concealer.
• It takes 1-2 months for the final result to stabilize.

The key point is to refrain from wearing eye makeup for one week after the surgery and to be conscious of not rubbing the eye area.

Downtime for "lip" fat injections

The lips are an area that tends to swell significantly at first when fat injections are performed, but the results will become more natural over time.

• Immediately after the surgery, swelling is quite strong, but it settles down in about a week.
• Volume may look too large, but it blends in over time.
• May feel discomfort for 3-5 days after the procedure

The key is not to rub or bite your lips hard. Also, avoid hot or spicy foods immediately after the procedure.

Downtime for fat injections into the cheeks

Fat injections in the cheeks are an area with relatively short downtime, but swelling may occur.

• Swelling settles down in about a week.
• Internal bleeding may occur, but is easily concealed with makeup.
• About a month after the procedure, it blends in with the natural finish.

The key is to perform aftercare while considering the overall balance of the face, and not to press or massage the cheeks too hard.

 

What are some tips to shorten the downtime of fat injections?

To shorten the downtime of fat injections, how you spend your time after the procedure and aftercare is extremely important. How carefully you take care of yourself can make a big difference in the speed of recovery and the finished product, so be sure to take the right steps with the right knowledge.

Fat injections also have individual differences in absorption rates and the risk of side effects, so it is important to know the appropriate measures to take in case of problems.

How to spend time after the treatment

As it is important to rest immediately after the procedure, the body is in a damaged state after the procedure, so do not move forcibly and stay at rest to speed recovery. On the day of the procedure, avoid going out for long periods of time and relax at home.

Alcohol and salt can also aggravate swelling, so it is best to avoid them for a week after the procedure, but make an effort to reduce them more than usual. Particular attention should be paid to instant foods, processed foods, and ramen noodles because of their high salt content. However, a rapid diet is not recommended.

Other activities that promote too much blood flow are not recommended. Prolonged bathing, saunas, and strenuous exercise may worsen swelling and internal bleeding. Showering is not a problem, but it may be best to avoid taking a bath in a hot tub for about a week after the procedure.

If you are a smoker, you may want to cut back a bit on smoking as well. Smoking can worsen blood flow and interfere with fat deposition, so it is ideal to quit smoking for two weeks after the procedure.

Accelerate recovery with proper aftercare.

After the procedure, moderate compression may reduce swelling and internal bleeding. However, too much pressure may interfere with the growth of fat, so the doctor's instructions should be followed.

As mentioned above, the affected area may swell for several days immediately after the procedure, so it is also important to reduce swelling with cooling care. The key is to use cooling gel wrapped in a towel instead of applying ice directly.

 

summary

Downtime for fat injections depends on the area to be treated and the individual's constitution. The forehead, under the eyes, and lips tend to swell more easily, and the eye area is especially prone to internal bleeding. To reduce downtime, it is important to spend time after the procedure and provide aftercare. Avoiding alcohol and salty foods and resting can promote recovery.

It is also important to undergo the procedure on a reasonable schedule, taking into consideration the timing of your return to work and important events. To maximize the benefits of fat injections, make sure you are well informed in advance and take appropriate measures.

At Aladdin Aesthetic Clinic, based on our many years of experience in cosmetic medicine and cosmetic dermatology and the knowledge of our doctoral degree, we provide counseling that aims to be "only one", offering the best treatment for each person we meet. We offer only the necessary treatments without any unnecessary information or suggestions.

Feel free to use our official LINE account for 24-hour counseling and reservations. Please feel free to contact us for free counseling for the first time or if you have any concerns.