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How else to Restore Volume to Face if Too Skinny for a Fat Transfer?

asked 2 years ago by Jenny_fung in Hong Kong
Latest answer by Ross A. Clevens, MD
Question viewed 870 times
Tags: face, volume

As I see, fat autograft seems an effective measure to restore the volume of the face, yet if I do not have enough fat for extraction, are there any other options since I think there are limitations (or too costly) for fillers for large volume restoration.

14 answers to How else to Restore Volume to Face if Too Skinny for a Fat Transfer?

Adding Volume to the Face for a youthful Look

Most of us can spare the small amount of fat needed for facial fat grafting. For this reason fat is probably the ideal and most economic way to add volume to the face. If fat is completely out of the question the next long-lasting solution would be Sculptra. Lastly, Radiesse and Perlane could be used in the deep tissue spaces of the cheeks while Juvederm/Restylane could be used in the superficial layers but the latter fillers would prove the costliest alternative long-term....

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Scupltra is Ideal for Restoring Facial Volume

This is a question I hear often in my practice. As a general rule of thumb, I prefer to use Sculptra or injectable fillers for the cheeks and restoring volume in the facebecause they are predictable in terms of duration and placement. With Sculptra and you can fill the area gradually- over time- for a softer, more natural look. Best of luck, Dr. Clevens

Ross A. Clevens, MD
Melbourne Facial Plastic Surgeon

Too skinny for fat harvest, really? Fat/sculptra/vampire injection combo.

We have mixed fat with growth factors with the Selphyl technique in the past for skinny people whose fat harvest seemed inadequate. Scultpra can also be added to the mix. I have obtained fat from professional dancers who have notoriously little fat to get. It often depends on how hard the doctor looks, how hard he tries, what technique is used to purify the fat and separate it from the blood that accompanies a traumatic extraction.

Ritu Chopra, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Filler to improve the gaunt look

Hi there- The best option for you in my opinion would be Sculptra. Sculptra allows a very long lasting and natural restoration of volume to the face with little to no risk and at acceptable cost.

Armando Soto, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon

www.DrArmandoSoto.com

Fat transfer

I have transfered larger pieces of fat into the face with good results but the other option are facial implants which can "fill out" the cheeks, chin, jaws in addition to facial fillers.

Edward J. Domanskis, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Facial volume enhancement

Generally, fat transfer is a great option for facial rejuvenation. When sufficient fat is unavailable, or patient preference, alternative facial fillers or cosmetic surgery are available to add facial volume. The two current fillers that are good options for volume enhancement is Sculptra and Radiesse. Alternatively, silicone implants for cheek augmentation may rejuvenate the midface. Each cosmetic treatment has its own advantages and disadvantages. Only after a comprehensive evaluation by... more

Houtan Chaboki, MD
Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon

Fat injection to the face

Most of the time there is some area that has some fat, inner thighs, hips, buttock, arms. Other methods to consider are implants in certain areas

Samir Shureih, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

Sculptra for volume enhancement

Sculptra can be used in similar way to fat, with the exception that I wouldn't put it around the eyes. Sculptra is not technically permanent, but can last for years and is more predictable than fat.

Roy A. David, MD
San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon

Sculptra Instead of Fat in Skinny Minny

Hi Jenny, Consider using Sculptra to re-fill the volume that you have lost in your face. The lateral thigh area usually has enough fat to fill the face. Good luck and be well. Dr. P

Michael A. Persky, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

Sculptra for facial volume if fat is not available

Sculptra and Radiesse can be used for volume when there is not enough fat in the donor areas. Sculptra is not an immediate filler but makes your body produce more collagen in response to the treatment. Radiesse is an immediate filler but may be more expensive depending on the number of syringes needed.

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

Fat transfer to face

Most of the time, fat transfer is performed for enhancement of the cheeks. In those situations, you will only need about 7 cc of fat per side. Even if you do a full face fat transfer, you still will not need much. May be about 30 to 40 cc. This can be easily harvested form you lower back and love handles in most cases. Otherwise, you will needf facial implants.

Siamak Agha, MD, PhD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Facial fillers

There are a number of excellent facial fillers on the market. Hyaluronic acid fillers like restylane, juvederm, perlane are excellent fillers for tear trough deformities and filling the nasolabial fold and prejowl areas. Sculptra is an excellent product for volumizing the cheeks and temporal areas. Each of these products have distinct characteristics which can be utilized in different areas of the face. Seek out a board certified plastic surgeon who can describe these products and employ... more

Robert W. Kessler, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Cheek implants to restore facial volume

If your are not a candidate for fat grafting, cheek implants would be a good option. There are several shapes and sizes available to address the specific areas that need volume restored.

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Juvederm great for facial volume restoration if fat transfer not an option.

Hi. For most faces, two or three syringes of Juvederm (or four at the most) will give you great restoration of facial volume and it lasts about one year.