Infection After Fat Graft to Cheeks?

asked 3 years ago by amc in houston texas
Latest answer by Robert M. Freund, MD
Question viewed 1,691 times
Tags: infection

I had fat grafts on my cheeks 7 days ago. I went to my Dr yesterday and my face was swollen and very red with heat. They gave me a shot and rx. What is causing this?

6 answers to Infection After Fat Graft to Cheeks?

Did you have peri-operative antibiotics?

Infections associated with fat transfer are relatively uncommon, but certainly not impossible. I personally use peri-operative antibiotics for prevention but no clear standard has been set in this regard. 7 days is the time when an infection could show. Was the swelling and redness significantly asymmetrical? If yes, this may be more concerning for infection. If not it may be either a bilateral infection (very rare) or normal swelling and skin redness. Important to remember for all of us... more

Frank P. Fechner, MD
Worcester Facial Plastic Surgeon

Redness and swelling after fat grafting

With redness and swelling after an invasive procedure, the main concern is infection. Your doctor has correctly started you on antibiotics. While infections can happen to anyone, it is important to remind other readers that technical considerations involved in the processing and injection of fat are very important. I believe that the sterility standards of the surgical facility where you had the fat injected and the training, experience and board certification of the surgeon you select... more

Daniel Reichner, MD
Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon

Swelling and redness after fat injection

There is no way to tell electronically. However, they may have obtained a culture or performed an aspiration to make a more accurate diagnosis. The fat can be infected or alternatively, some of it may not have survived, causing an inflammatory process, and the subsequent redness and swelling. Watch closely over the following days. If your condition does not improve after 48-72 hours on the medication, you will need to be re-evaluated and perhaps have the medication changed. It is... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Fat Grafting

Like all techniques that involve penetrating the skin, infection can be a risk. Your description sounds like you may be having an infection. The injection was probably an attempt to see if they could remove and ascess fluid. The prescription is probably an atibiotic. 1- These are the risks. 2-The above is just a guess.

Robert M. Freund, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Swelling after injection to cheeks

Fat grafting is a very effective and powerful technique to recontour the face. Patients should expect to see swelling after such a procedure. Remember that your body is getting used to your new fat. Also remember that approximately 20% of the fat that was added in this area will melt away on its own. You should expect to see your final results 6-8 months after surgery. We encourage our patients in the early stages were healing, to use a cold compresses to the site and to elevate the head... more

B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Infection after fat injections

It is difficult to tell you what the cause of the redness and warmth are without seeing you in person. I do suggest that you follow closely with your doctor to make sure that you don't have an infection. Some swelling is normal, but excess redness and warmth are not.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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