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Samson Lee, MD answers: Reversing fat transfer results?

Three days ago, I had Liposuction done on my hips and back area. Then, at the same time, I had a fat transfer (graft) into my cheeks and folds of my nose area (which I really didn't have).

After three days, I still look like miss piggy. I look distorted, and I don't even look like myself. I had full natural lips which now look thinner, and the corners now go downward. I have a tiny nose which now goes up in the air, and fullness in the middle of my face. I'm very disturbed by the results. I was told I would look normal in 4-5 days, but I don't see how in two days i'll look like myself.

Is it possible to have the fat transfer removed or reversed? Is there a procedure that can melt or dissolve the fat in my face? The plastic surgeon also said he added more because a lot of it will dissolve. Will it really dissolve, and how long will it take? I'm desperate to have my pretty little features back. Help!


Samson Lee, MD
11 months ago
By Samson Lee, MD - Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Unfortunately it is way too early to tell if you've had too much fat injected. I tell all of my patients to expect at least 3 weeks for 90% of the swelling go away, and 6 weeks to really tell what the result will be. The nice thing about fat augmentation is that its natural and can last a very long period of time. The disadvantages are that there is a variable amount of resorption for each patient and so you must always overcorrect. This leads to a prolonged recovery time versus the hyaluronic acid fillers which have very minimal swelling. So in the end I think you will likely have a better result then you feel you have right now. There are ways to correct overdone fat augmentation by massage, steroid injection, and liposuction.

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A: Please be patient

Richard P. Rand, MD
11 months ago
By Richard P. Rand, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Only a few days after surgery, you are maximally swollen and really won't know what the final results of the fat injection will be until 3 months have passed. By that time, you will probably be much happier than you are right now. Best to wait and see! Good luck!

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A: Too early to tell about your final fat transfer results

Philip Young, MD
7 months ago
By Philip Young, MD - Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Three days is way too early to tell what you are going to look like. Fat grafting, depending on the technique that you use, creates a lot of manipulation to the tissues. This is a consequence of having to layer the fat into multiple separate layers in order to help the fat survive. This manipulation can create a lot of inflammation after your procedure and this can lead to the swelling that you are experiencing right now.

Sometimes, this swelling and bruising can take several weeks to go away. I would definitely not do anything this soon. This could be a big mistake. If you do anything now you can have other effects that you weren't intending to have. You should definitely bring these concerns to your doctor. Your doctor will help you through this. There are a lot of amazing doctors out there and your doctor, I'm sure, is one of them. Just make him aware that you are concerned.

When all of the swelling goes down, you will then be able to tell if you need anything else done. Don't worry, there are always options to help your situation. You can always add more fat to make the fat that is causing your concerns blend into the surrounding area. You can always remove fat through an incision, or through micro liposuction. Steroid injections can also be an alternative to consider. One thing you could consider is oral steroids at this point in your recovery. This could help your swelling. But make sure that you know of the potential risks involved with steroid use.

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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