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Lumps After Upper and Lower Eyelid Fat Injections

I had fat injections to upper and lower eyelids (for hollow eyes) in the middle of December. A week afterward, I noticed lumps forming which have not entirely gone way. The improvement on the upper eyelids and brows is minimal. The doctor said I need a second injection scheduled for the beginning of April, even though he origianlly said to wait 6 months. I am concerned about possible injuries, smoothness, and spending a lot of money for minimal results. What are your thoughts?

Asked 36 months ago by sandye in Washington
Sort 8 expert answers by:
+2

Lumpiness from injection

If you have permanent lumpiness from the first procedure, it is possible that another round of injection might not only not fix the problem, but could possibly make it worse. No doubt your doctor has gone over that with you, and is a board certified plastic surgeon familiar with eyelid surgery, and treating its complications as well.
Brent Moelleken, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+2

Lumpiness after fat transfer

To see and feel lumpiness after fat transfer is because the fat was injected in a large clump, or very superficial. In the eye lis the fat should be done as a MICRO fat transfer, the fat is liosuctioned with a very small canula, and injected deep to the muscle with a very small canula. The fat is deposited in small pearls in a fan shape manner to avoid the lumpiness. You can repaeat fat transfer after 12 weeks safely by then all inflamatory healing is over and the fat is stable. The... more
Samir Shureih, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Fat injections around the eyes

Fat injections can be very satisfying interms of long lasting resutls around the eyes.  I think it is best in the eyebrow region but can be difficult to camouflage along the lower lid. I prefer the absorbable injectables for that lower region just for the reasons that you complained about.
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Lumpiness After Fat Injection

I would express caution with a repeat injection of fat inside of six months. While lumpiness is always a concern, if the fat is injected in the proper plane (deep to the muscle) and in microdroplets, lumpiness is generally not a problem. I also advise patients to wait six months between injections because there is the possibility of swelling and other abnormalities which need to settle before another cosmetic injection is undertaken.
D.J. Verret, MD
Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Grafting around the eye needs a lot of experience

It is important to be very careful with fat injection around the eyes. The key in this location is very small amounts and as deep as possible. If you see lumps early they could be massaged down. I rather not use local steroids as the results could be unpredicable. hope that helps
Hisham Seify, MD, PhD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Several reasons for eyelid fat transfer lumps

I have been doing fat injections (fat transfer) for close to 10 years around the eyes and unfortunately, a large part of my practice involves correcting bad fat transfer. There are several reasons why you might have noticeable lumpiness under your eyes after fat transfer. The two most likely reasons are: 1. It was not put in properly. Not placing it deep enough or large amounts in one area will cause the fat to be lumpy and/or visible. 2. Your tissues are too thin to cover the fat... more
Jonathan Hoenig, MD
Beverly Hills Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

Don't make the same mistake twice

Sandye, If you had problems with your first surgery, I would be cautious about having another similar procedure. It would be best to wait as you had originally planned to let all the swelling resolve and the tissues settle. Also, if you are concerned, it may be best to get a second opinion. Good luck.
David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Visible lumps common after fat or filler injections for hollow eyes or dark circles

Sandye, I do not inject fat or fillers around the eyes because visible lumps beneath the eyelid skin and permanent discoloration happens with an alarming frequency. Check previous questions about filler injections around the eyes and fat injection eye problems on Realself and the internet-it should give you pause. To correct hollow eyes and dark circles under the eyes I place a composite fat graft under direct vision through a tiny laser incision placed on the inside pink portion of the... more
Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon
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