Fat grafted takes on the qualities of nearest tissue

Philip Young, MD answers: Facial fat graft feels hard post-procedure

I had an analogous fat transfer to the upper cheeks and orbital region. The fat feels hard like a rock underneath the skin. Is this normal? Should I massage it? I can also feel uneven areas on the outmost region of the cheeks. Does hardness indicate that the fat cells died in the process? What should I expect from here?


Philip Young, MD
7 months ago

Fat grafting is an excellent way to bring youth to your face. Losing volume plays a huge part in the aging process. Hence, replacing this fat to the face can reverse a lot of the aging that has occurred within the face.

One rule in fat grafting is that fat will take on the characteristics of the tissue that it is placed near or on. Hence the fat that is placed on your cheek bone will feel like bone, etc. During the post procedure phase, however, the fat will feel hard due to the inflammation that it is undergoing. Fat is one of the most inflammatory substances in the body and hence it will lead to a lot of inflammation.

The key during the healing phase is to be patient. It will eventually soften and feel more like your own tissue.

Consulting a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon would be something that I recommend. We specialize in the face and are highly qualified to help you with this.
 

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