Excision of Fat Graft Overfill?

I had fat grafting to my cheeks approxmiately 2 years ago which ended up a bad case of overfill. I believe there are 4 ways to handle this situation : steroids, microliposuction, excision, and a lower facelift. I wanted to learn a little more about excision (if applicable to the cheek area). For example, would the incisions be placed inside the mouth? I want to gain a general understanding of this approach (applications and benefits vs. risks/complications). Many thanks for your comments.

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by genmod

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Photos would be helpful

Depending on where the actual overfill is anatomically, different approaches may be ideal. On the eyelids direct incision would be helpful. If its elsewhere and its a small focal region, once could attempt steroid injection, and then microliposuction. If its a large contour irregularity, and you are good candidate for a facelift, then this gives excellent exposure, but I wouldn't use this approach just to deal with the fat. Posting a photo would be helpful

A.J. Amadi, MD

14 reviews

Seattle Oculoplastic Surgeon

seattleface.com

Removal of Fat Grafting Overfill

Incisions can be made in many areas to disguise or minimize scarring. The other methods may be appropriate as well depending upon fat graft location and abundance. If you did not need a lower facelift before you probably do not need one now and the scars may be too much of a burden. Find the plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs fat grafting procedures and revisions on a regular basis. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA more

Fat injections

Dear genmod, Your concerns are valid, and there are different ways to handle it It all depends on what your exam looks like and what your goal look is When you are ready, seek out a consultation with a fat transfer specialist Best, Nima Shemirani

Fat Grafting - Too Much of a Good Thing?

Structural fat grafting is a powerful tool for correcting one of the primary processes of facial aging: the gradual loss of facial soft tissue volume, which primarily represents the atrophy of facial fatty tissue. The importance of restoring facial fullness cannot be emphasized enough, for without it, very few facial cosmetic surgical procedures are truly rejuvenating. As we age the skeletal features of the face become more obvious, and create subtle visual clues that tell the observer 'this... more

Michael Law, MD

17 reviews

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

Excision of Fat Graft Overfill

I would agree that, in general, the only directed ways to remove excess fat, regardless of its origin, is via liposuction or direct excision. (Injecting a substance that "melts" fat may be an option at some point if there is an FDA-approved targeted material that does not diffuse to too great a degree). Lipo can be done using any of a variety of techniques, including those that help "melt" that fat (such as ultrasonic or laser-assisted). If it's a small amount then lipo is... more

Removal of fat overfill

Removal of the fat can be done through the same access points where the fat was injected using microcannulas. Although excision is an option, this can be tricky as the fat to be removed will have to be feathered into the surrounding areas so as not to create another contour deformity. I agree with the other surgeons that alluded to doing an open excision if something else was to be done, but not for the fat removal alone. Good Luck Robert Kratschmer, MD more

Cheek Fat Reduction From Fat Injection Overfill

If removal of fat from overfilled cheeks is to be performed by direct excison, the approach would have to be through some form of a facelift incisional approach. While this can be done, that seems like a big effort is that is the only objective. Liposuction using small cannula through a stab incision inside the corner of the mouth would be easier to undergo and likely to be just as effective as open excision.

Excision is often performed when micro-liposuction cannot be done

Hello, Thank you for the question. It is preferable to remove excess fat through micro-liposuction as opposed direct excision since the fat can be contoured better, the incision is very small, and there is less risk of complications such as nerve or muscle injury. There are times however that liposuction cannot be performed safely or adequately such as in the lower and upper eyelid areas. In these areas direct excision is often the safest ways to removed excess fat... more