Fat Transfer - Gambling with Your Face - California

November 22, 2015

You are an amazing writer, a painful experience beautifully written to share and help others. Best wishes, hope all goes well in your live. Thanks so much for sharing, I was considering the same procedure at one point, glad I hesitated. Hugs.

November 22, 2015

Thanks Leopard, If this has helped anyone better evaluate their options, then it's a win because there are so many out there like me. I wish I could say that because it didn't kill me - it made me stronger; however, I don't think I can say that, yet. Often you look back and think, "Ok, I get it. I see why I had to go through that." But so far, I've only concluded that it was a big waste of a soul that lost her way and should have done better things with her gifts. Perhaps one day. . . .

leviafan

November 23, 2015

Good face gone bad, why you did not remove your fat surgically?
did you do Mri to show where the fat is?

November 23, 2015

I did have it removed surgically with micro-liposuction. We started with 5FU first and then did the micro. I did not have an MRI and hadn't heard that people where using MRIs for that purpose. If it works, that's good news. The next step is finding the skilled doctor to perform the work.

For the most part my Doctor was able to differentiate the transferred fat during removal and I was only sedated for the procedure so I could explain where some of it had been transferred.

That said, this isn't a perfect science and you don't want to remove too much. You have to find the balance between getting enough out to improve the situation and leaving enough in without causing other issues. In addition, transferred fat placed under the muscle is very difficult to deal with. I have a few places where you can feel the lumps and we put filler around them if they are exposed - but it's a big improvement from the original work.

leviafan

November 24, 2015

Good face gone bad, sorry i mean excision the fat, not liposuction. One year ago i did sonography then mri, but nothing was found, maybe the mri machine was to old, i dont know. One month ago i was by another Doctor and he said he would nothing do because first he must to know where the fat exactly is, under muscle, in muscle or above muscle. If the fat is under or above muscles he could remove it, but not if it in muscle because of paralyse after excision. He said i should do mri again.
I think the Doctor can not to treat something without thorough check up.
Other filler complication´s get exactly the same procedure. At first sonography-mri/biopsy only then the treatment.
Sorry, i´m suprised that you has not done any check ups in these 5 years.
Maybe you should do this, then you are sure what and where you have it.
Sorry for my terrible english.

DRoy

November 23, 2015

Hi. I've always wondered what happened to all of you. I second what you've said. I definitely believe you should do everything you can to correct what is causing you pain, and definitely turn to blogs like this for emotional support, but there does come a time when you do say, "That was then, this is now" because believe it or not every single woman on the face of this earth eventually has to say that. Age will change your face also, you know? I spent too much time and energy being upset about this and I would NEVER minimize someone's pain who is going through this, but as you gradually look more like yourself, I mean enough that you can live with it, you realize you care more about the person on the inside than the one in the mirror. I think it's because you have to have a lot of love for yourself to get through this and you grow this loyalty for yourself that you never had before. You just don't want to be in that pain anymore. It's just too much.
One last thing: I have an old pre-surgery picture on my Meet-up sites and I've had a couple guys send me messages that they'd like to meet me or take me out. I had one woman comment that I was a beautiful girl. That used to mean everything to me, now it means nothing. In fact it makes me angry. Would you have been there for me if we were dating and this happened to me? I doubt it. My relationships with men were exclusively about the way I looked. Now I would never want someone to like me for that reason. It means so much more to me now that someone likes me for ME, my personality. This definitely changed me. I'm not the same person I was after experiencing this.
Good luck to you GFGB. I wish you only the best. I've never forgotten any of you, either, and feel a lot of love for those who shared their story. I hope you will stay in touch and let us know when GOOD things happen to you so we can celebrate it with you. You deserve it.

November 23, 2015

Well said and hello DRoy! We made it through it. The word beautiful does change in meaning and impact - as does your perspective on things - including dating. That doesn't have to be a bad thing because we may make better choices.

At the end of the day, the person who has to accept what happened and forgive the most is me - the harshest critique of all, right ?!?!? That has happened to a certain extent for sure. You have to do that to survive - and it hasn't all been bad or depressing.

My greatest regret is that I lost me and my sparkliness as the years went on and I don't want that to happen to others. That has probably impacted my dating and life in general more than my face.

That's why I recommend getting support quickly and finding other outlets. My face got somewhat resolved and some would still say I am beautiful, particularly for my age - which hit me hard when I came out of this. All that work to fix this and time marched on. And one day I woke up and I was five years older and had lost some great years. And I still hadn't truly worked on the inside enough by embracing things that were external of myself and my little protective world.

Now the choice is to find a new, more fulfilling way to fill the void that was filled with consuming thoughts of fixing this - to find a new space in the world. I'll get there. I'm sure others can relate and that's why we share! Hugs

RSMember6432

December 10, 2015

I just finished reading all of your posts. You are a brilliant writer and a very wise and brave woman. Thank you for sharing your experience, which has no doubt comforted women in the same boat as you and saved countless others from a similar torture. (I was toying with the idea of micro-fat transfer one day. No longer!)

The more I read on Real Self, the more saddened and alarmed I am by the number of women (and a few men) whose looks have been damaged by expensive cosmetic procedures. Check out the Ultherapy reviews on this site, for example, or the "Ultherapy Ruined My Face" website. So much unnecessary and heart-breaking emotional pain. I'm a former book editor and now a documentary filmmaker. Maybe I can help one day by encouraging an author to pursue this subject in book form or by making a film myself. For now, all I can do is send my best wishes to you and all the others who have suffered.

Thank you again.

December 10, 2015

Great idea, a book with before and after photos and accounts of all the suffering people have had to live through would be wonderful. I've cried while reading some of the stories here and it has deterred me from getting procedures done.

December 11, 2015

I have contemplated a book. Life keeps getting in the way of that goal; however, there is a story here. So many have suffered in a way most of us would never have imagined possible. I may need to publish something to pay for retirement since this disrupted my path.

Perhaps it's time to find new purpose out of all of this. Between the damage to people who were in sound mental shape before - and others who have quietly suffered from Body Dysmorphic Disorder and endured further post-surgery emotional trauma and obsession - there's an epidemic these days of image issues and unrealistic expectations that prey on self-esteem and open doors for greedy, narcissistic doctors. It's not a joke made for the tabloids and goofy TV.

It's not just a botched face or body, it's our lives, our financial and mental well-being, our relationships. . . This wasn't worth the price we've paid.

RSMember6432

December 12, 2015

I hope you do. You have a compelling story and the skills to tell it. The book could have a profound impact in exposing the epidemic you just described so well. There's a well of sadness, pain and desperation to be found on this site alone. Can you imagine what further research would reveal? Keep me posted.

Unoq

December 15, 2015

This would be a good idea. I've noticed how more people are coming out and writing about their experiences with PS. This year, a woman on Realself published a Kindle and I've just finished an e-book called "Don't Call Me Ugly" by Alicia Douvall - pretty strong stuff. Recently, there was a young actor who wrote an article on Huffington Post about his PS. So, seems like now is the time for speaking out and addressing a wider audience who might be curious/interested in PS.

December 15, 2015

Unoq: A good title might be: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly about Plastic Surgery. I find myself reading and following so many reviews here every night; TV is not as important anymore. I would definitely read such a book and will try to read "Don't Call Me Ugly". Do you recall the actor's name?

Unoq

December 15, 2015

I agree - great title. As for the actor, I just looked it up - it was Ryan Ewig. Although he really doesn't look bad at all (much the same before/after). Alicia Douvall is a different story though - her book is definitely worth a read.

December 17, 2015

Thanks Unoq, I will read the book and Ryan's report. Have a great evening!

ftmistakes

December 20, 2015

Yes, I think a book and a website would be great. There is no substitution for nature-given beauty, and natural, in all its imperfections, really is more beautiful than artificial.

pat4567

January 10, 2016

these are really great comments! And great ideas. I hope a book is published soon. I will look for "don't call me ugly". That you for the advise.

pinoy

December 17, 2015

I am so grateful for all your advises and journal of this agonizing experience and horrors that you went thru... I too am very vain obssessive about my looks.. I know we need to stop assessing ourselves thru the mirrors and comparing all thosse aiorbrush face we see in the magazines and media... I am foolish myself and recently had volumna injected on myaround my cheeks as the dr. advised me thank god I did nt go for 2 syringes... I had her split one between two cheeks,,, I am asian and i know i already have a fat face and was scared to llok chubby but i want to get rid of the naso. lines that are not that bad ...but im so vain that i want a more sculpted cheekbone like what we ssee in the media... ,, The end result,,, I am not happy and regret doing it cz i think it made me look bigger face but i will just stick to it cz my friends told me that they really do not notice too much but I know it made a big difference

agl42

January 9, 2016

This comment was removed at the request of the user.

January 25, 2016

Good luck to you and thanks for your support. I hope you find peace as well. As you know, most of us have better things to do than spend our days on RealSelf making things up. I've appreciated everyone here - but if I'd never had an experience that required I post - I would have probably had a much more fulfilling life over the past few years. Take care -- GFGB

agl42

January 26, 2016

This comment was removed at the request of the user.

UPDATED FROM Good face gone bad

Hi everyone, It's been 2 years and 3 months...

Good face gone badOctober 13, 2012

Hi everyone,
It's been 2 years and 3 months since the original transfer. Many of you have read all the events that have followed. There are so many emotional phases throughout this process. My goal has been to eventually accept what it is and continue to move forward. I don't feel the same way about myself - as I did before the surgery. I'm trying to learn to focus on other things outside my appearance and trying hard to stop wondering what other's see, and trying very hard to stop constantly thinking about how I look every every minute of every day in every interaction . . . .In time, some things do start to fade and the loss you feel may start to subside - particular if you have had some amount of help in revision. You realize you have to survive somehow. I read somewhere that the best curve on a woman is her smile. Instead of being pretty girl. . .I'm trying hard to be the girl with personality :). No one wants to hear about how I messed up my face. . .but it's amazing how people respond to a smile. It's work, but it does work.
So here's my latest tip. When I had my original surgery, the fat right under my eye and near my nose took too well. The outer - not so much and the temples where I was started to need it - nadda!!! The result was a rather ghoulish affect that I've seen others comment about. I have a longer, oval face and due to all the stress and desire to prevent the fat from growing, I kept my weight too low for too long. Unfortunately, this compounded the problem because my temples basically caved in. It's hard to redistribute fat in the temple area once it's gone. So, I had all this fat under my eye and nothing around it.
I just had Radiesse injected into my temples and it has really helped balance my face and offset the injected fat. It also help lift my outer eyes a bit so they look more familiar. Nothing's perfect, but it's amazing how a small change somewhere can impact things so much somewhere else - for better or for worse! Continued well wishes to everyone who is looking at cosmetic intervention. . .and anyone who has found their lives turned upside down by cosmetic interruption!

Replies (5)

nadiahoney

October 13, 2012

Wow! What a struggle. kudos to you for taking what you can get out of the whole devastating experience and getting to the point many of us will get to (hopefully) as we age (until plastic can fix even that.) That point is what I see as maturity -- i.e., leaving the house without looking perfect, feeling secure based not on looks but on accomplishment and inner beauty. May seem odd to say this on realself, but imho it is part of what this site is about -- finding a way to be satisfied (reasonably) with what we see in the mirror. And that in a nutshell is hard, especially since plastic doesn't fix all and often can make it worse. I do wish I could have seen pics (maybe you could post some barring yr eyes or something?) to compare, but I know for you that would be so very painful, to have them open to criticism above and beyond what you already do to yourself. I just wondered it it was overly obvious to you, since I tend to do that and am working on accepting my flaws. Secondly, fillers can be just as bad as fat and are hard to get rid of at times, such as when scar tissue forms around badly injected filler. Maybe your damage was more extensive but every procedure is risky, EVEN FILLERS! I say this because I had juvederm really badly done beneath my eyes to fill in hollows years ago and I have never since had to fill in that area because it has remained too filled looking to me, for going on eight years. So my doctor now (a good one) said that it could only be scar tissue, that all the filler is long gone by now. He told me that many people do have to fill in the part along the inner cheek, but I never have (since the bad injection so long ago.) Seems you had a similar problem with that same area. I have filled up the outer part of my face to widen it so many times, and it keeps going away and the part from inner eyes alongside nose remains without doing anything to it! It seems to even get bigger at times. I know sinuses can make this area swell, but other than that, what explanation is there? ..just be forewarned that if something went wrong before, it can go badly again, although not with the right doctor, which you do seem to have found. What you are going through and have gone through happens in many women getting older whether or not they had fat transfer -- know that you aren't alone by any means. Perhaps yours happened sooner than it should have, and far worse, and perhaps you were better-looking, etc.,, but to some extent it happens to every pretty woman out there. It really does -- having worked in a looks-based industry I can assure you of that. Even those who get the best such as Demi Moore still won't be satisfied! I do think you got dealt an unfair hand re how badly your fat transfer and laser surgery turned out, and hopefully you can see the good to take out from it; seems that you have started to do that. All the horror you went through does have some purpose and meaning to be derived from it. Thank you so much for your concise, heartfelt review! I am so glad you've kept us up to date, and I just know you're going to be okay. I hate, hate, hate that this was done to you (and you paid for it so many times over) but I do firmly believe that you are beautiful, inside and out -- without even seeing yr pics!

October 13, 2012

Thank you nadiohoney :). You make a very good point about fillers. There are pros and cons. I really do need the volume, and now surround myself with good doctors. That said, this whole thing is a slippery slope that can go very wrong. Pictures are tricky because everyone has an opinion. What matters the most is how you feel about yourself - and understanding the destruction that something like this can do to someone's already shakey self-confidence in an appearance and youth-driven society. In addition everything you do to fix the "problem", takes you further and further from your memory of what you really looked like. Reality becomes a bit distorted. The most important thing I hope people learn is that I (like many I've talked to) would give ANYTHING to turn back the clock to the night before we did one of procedures - just to give ourselves a big hug and say, "you're ok just the way you are." In hindsight I was aging well and all the money I've spent has gotten me back to about 85% of what I started with. But I've spent far too much time on regret and in hiding. Every day is a day I wake up thinking that I can at least work on being a better person on the inside. . . As far as the outside. . . well, gravity is a powerful force :)!!!!

nadiahoney

October 13, 2012

Man I hear your there -- re turning back to the night before that. But I wonder if ANYTHING would have stopped you? Oh well it's a moot point and it's true that what's done is done! It's kind of like any mistake made, a serious one. You do have to get to the point where you accept it and take what you can from it, rather than spending yr life regretting it. I have heard many (well four) elderly people saying that they wish they had spent less time hating themselves and their appearance, and more time loving it (bc it only gets older from that point on.) Louis C.K. has a funny riff on that theme -- can't remember where I saw it. So what you have today -- love it! Or at least improve it safely and love it too. But screw gravity!

October 13, 2012

Excellent comments!!!!! To your point, at the time I did this, I was really, really vulnerable and fairly shaken by some circumstances. . . and I found a doctor who didn't say "No". And worse, he didn't have the skillset to pull off what another doctor might have been able to do more successfully. But most importantly. . . a better doctor probably wouldn't have done the procedure at all. All moot :). What's done is done and the more time I waste, the more time that lapses, and the older I keep getting . . so I better enjoy what's left now. . . very true Nadiahoney. I have a date tomorrow with a really, really cute guy who is much, much too young for me . . . and as hard and anxiety provoking as it is for me to do this. . . he asked, and I'm going - because I have to feel just a little normal sometimes! At the very least. . . I hope that our stories help stop others from making the same mistakes - so a few less spirits are lost to this stupid downward spiral!

beettop

October 31, 2012

I'm sure that it will, but not only does your willingness to share help others from making the same mistakes, it helps those of us who have to feel that there is the possibility of some resolution. Thank you so much for sharing your story and all the info.

December 20, 2012

hey, got FT in Aug 2012 now it's almost four months, agree with what you said above totally, and went through all the emotional phrases you have got too! damn! questions: 1. is there any way not going through all the painful process you have to remove the FG? i have injected cortisone steroid on cheek to remove the lumps on each side but one side was over-injected leaving a dent and pigmentation on the left cheek... this nightmare just never ends, it seems the more I work on it, the worse it becomes. Now I have a hamster like cheek... I used to have really attractive small face and smooth skin on my cheek.. FT is the dumbest thing I have done to myself...Are FG really stubborn? my doctor said wait until 6 months it will be "ALL" gone. 2. Do you have pictures for your temple and eyebrow lift? is it possible to do temple and eyebrow lift with filler? I visited some doc they said filler is used to fill up concave area but not able to stand up and create structure for your face. good luck and best!

missmyface

December 20, 2012

Hello ffcat - So sorry about this. I wouldn't wish this mess on my worst enemy. 1) FT is tricky to deal with and there are many variables - placement on the face, how deep it's injected, technique, individual factors, etc. - that impact if and how long it lasts. For some, it all goes away. For others, it doesn't. In many cases, some stays and some goes away. 2) a. Cortisone/Kenalog is tricky because it can leave dents. The pigmentation can resolve (sometimes with hydroquinoine, and avoiding sun), and sometimes the dents do fill back in. Cortisone is sometimes only a temporary solution. b. 5FU is more suited for scar tissue than the fat itself. It was somewhat helpful as a first step for me because I did have some lumpy scar tissue. c.micro-lipo isn't too bad to go through. (About a week/week and a half of some swelling and bruising. You have to find someone who you trust to take out just enough. I still have some remaining lumps that are too close to the eye and too tricky to remove. I have to have filler (Belotero or Restylane) injected around them. d. You can also have the lumps cut out, but everything has a risk/reward and I can't speak to when a doctor goes this route vs. micro. You can have some sagging after the fat removal - depending on age and what your original issues were. 3) Brow/Temple - It's amazing what plastic surgery can do with the right doctor. I don't even think about that surgery because it was perfect. Yet, the fat transfer haunts me to this day. Filler and Botox can give you a tiny lift and it's worth trying. That said, it can only do so much. I have no fat in my temples or forehead. The lift won't help volume. It did lift my eyes and brows just enough. I don't have enough skin for a bleph or eye tuck at this point. For volume, I require a lot of filler in the temples. The forehead is a tough place to put fat or filler - so I have to accept that. 4) Fat Transfer to our small, fine -boned faces can have disastrous results in the wrong hands because it can distort our features. A little goes a long way. I would recommend that you proceed very cautiously and do your homework. Don't rush into too much because at some point it can be hard to go back. That said, you can get some relief. We're not made of clay, so going back to your original state is a challenge. . . but with the right doctor, you can get some improvement. LASTLY - did the original doctor tell you it would go away after 6 months? How irritating. When it's convenient for them - they say it's only temporary. When they want to sell you on it - they say it's permanent! If it only lasts six months - why would anyone recommend it!!!???!?!?? Juvederm, belotero, etc can all last 6 months and are much less of a headache.

JaneSt

December 20, 2012

Hi ffcat - don't count on it being all gone by itself. If that were the case, none of us would be on this thread. My fat has been really stubborn and I have more experience with cortisone than anyone I've heard of. Cortisone shrinkage is not permanent on fat that took well so the sooner you start injecting it, the better chance that the reduction you get will be permanent. Cortisone has always been helpful in reducing the grafts but unless they were injected soon after, the results were only temporary and they grew back the same. If you want some of the fat to stay, then wait it out and see what's left after a few more months. If you want it all gone, then I personally wouldn't wait. I wouldn't worry about the dent for now - whatever was indented via cortisone in your natural tissue should grow back within a few months. Also saline solution injected in the area may wash off some cortisone that could still be there for a speedier recovery. I've tried saline but can't tell if it made the fat come back faster. If you haven't seen my thread already, check it out. Between these two threads, you should have a good amount of information to decide what to do next.

December 20, 2012

He said it takes a second rejection to settle things permanently. And I just had I one injection only so far (thank god) anyhow I think at least 10% to 20 may survive as he used the over injected method but somehow it smooths out the skin so it does a bit wonder. But still there are lumps that make me have a hamster cheeks that I don't like! My mother got ft on her temple ten years ago and she said all fat got absorbed very quickly but back at those time technology maybe less advanced so she didn't get fat graft settled for long! Anyhow good luck to every of u. If any one has info to share on filler lift on eyebrow please welcome u to share! Discuss possible side effect and how effective it is! Appreciate a lot!

January 7, 2013

hi it's me again, wanna ask anyone tried radio frequency to remove fat graft? effective? is it recommended? risk and benefits?

February 28, 2013

Radiofrequency will not remove it. Microlipo, 5FU, surgery and a really really good doctor who specializes in FT removal. Oh yeah, and alot of prayers.

February 28, 2013

who helped you? would you mind sending a private message?

March 31, 2013

Just have ipl and laset genisis. It sucked every bit of fat out of my face. I now need a fat transfer

April 1, 2013

What is ipl? And how many treatments u ve got that it became over effective

April 1, 2013

I got 4 treatments of laser genesis/ipl. Called photo rejuvenation. One treatment wvery three weeks. It sucked every ounce of fat out of my face. 3 weeks post laser. Indentations, thermal tissue damage, scars, burns and sagging skin. None of which I had before. I am 38 and had a great textures and No wrinkles. now my skin looks line it is 80. Just freckles. I'm going to see about a fat transfer next week. Do you know any top docs in this surgery. I know you probably have talked to a few to fix your face. Sorry that you are going through the same feelings as me. I feel like its going to ruin my life. Don't know where to turn.

April 1, 2013

Fat transfer is extremely unpredictable. I had it done by one of the " top docs" and its worse than if I left the skin alone. You must be willing to deal with lumps, bumps, unevenness, poor skin texture, etc. it is not the magic bullet as these docs make it out to be. There aren't docs out there who haven't had problems with this. And like anything else, it becomes a money pit- fat doesn't last you so are going to need touch ups as the fat disappears. Are you ready for that? Go to a good facial surgeon- discuss your options but be warned about fat. It is not without problems. Fillers may be the way to go along with other recommendations from a good plastic surgeon I am post fat approx 3 1/2 months and it has totally ruined my face. Sorry- I don't endorse it at all

April 1, 2013

I cannot look at myself in the mirror. I can't even describe what I look like. I literally look 80. My skin looks like it died on the inside. Every day the damage gets worse and it's like a nightmare I can't get out of. I have no topical burns just deep indentatations large areas and acne like scaring all over my face. I never ever had acne or breakouts. The skin on the side of my face has shriveled up to nothing. I can't even describe it and it really is unbelievable for me to look in the mirror. Don't know what else to do. On my mind every minute of the day and I can't sleep.

April 1, 2013

What state are you in?

April 1, 2013

I am in Maryland. I am already going to look into a face lift. I really cannot wven describe the extent of the damage which continues to worsen by the day. i am supposed to go back to see "the top doc" who is the owner of the medspa that did this procedure. we will see if he says this is a normal reaction or acknowledges the sererity of this thermal damage. a local dermatololigist that practices lasers said it does not appear to have been topically burned. come back next week. doctors just protect each other.i think the dermis was fried. not sure what to do. I am devastated. I will not be able to go outside this summer. My face is so inflamed and sensitive to the sun. I usually spend all summer outdoors with my son.

April 1, 2013

Unfortunately, this is a scenario that I have heard about over and over. IPL damage is extensive and doesn't improve. They will not admit to any wrong doing and the answer typically is-"we've never seen this before" I would recommend documenting and taking pictures. There are several forums for IPL folks with extensive damage- please do a search and see what you can find. My heart breaks for you as we know how difficult this is. There are ethical doctors out there who should be able to tell you what's what. Check out this site: http://iplandlaserdamagesupport.prophpbb.com/

April 1, 2013

Daisydog...I agree with Redroxie. Fat transfer is simply a disaster for most people...and it can't be fixed. I've spent over $30,000 trying to fix mine and still don't look like myself yet. Others have spent far more with similar results. I highly recommend temporary fills as an alternative to FT. For years I was really happy with restylane injections..& then made the dreaded decision to do FT instead. Its been a nightmare for 2 years. I've been to half a dozen docs in Beverly Hills...and all of them have had to deal with trying to fix FT nightmares. Its not just a few people...just read all the negative reviews on fat transfer. It simply is not worth the risk. In the long run, you will spend far less by periodically going in for temporary fills than you will by spending years trying to fix a bad FT. If temp fills don't do it for you...get the face lift instead. Anything...anthing!... but FT. You are just setting yourself up for more grief if you go that route...and its forever. I know you are scared right now...but please don't make a bad situation worse. Plastic surgeons try to sell fat transfer as the great fix-all...then dump you like a stone after it goes bad. Lumps, distortion, and scars. Its hell...and no one has a fix. I'm guessing the procedure will ultimately be banned or at least discontinued by ethical doctors. Please, please...listen to those of us who have been thru the nightmare of FT. They are other solutions to your problems. Take your time, read all the information you can find, talk to others who have been thru it, consult with doctors who have dealt with FT revisions & no longer do that procedure. Please don't leap into an even worse situation because you are stressed out from this experience. Temporary fills would be a good non-surgical choice to start with...and then move on from there if necessary. Go to the best PS or board certified dermatologist you can find...not just a technician. The first few fills will dissapate quickly, but as you continue on with them, you need the fills less and less often...and less product too. I got to the point where I only needed only one tube once a year to look good...& I was 62 years old at the time. At the very least temp fills will hold you until you decide on whether to proceed with a face lift later...or some other remedy. Some of your problems with your skin may resolve themselves on their own in the meantime & you will have less to deal with in the future. I know its difficult to delay doing anything...but remember your skin has been thru trauma...give it a chance to heal before you move on or you risk making a bad situation worse.

April 1, 2013

Thank you for your sincere response. I truly appreciate any advice I can get because I am in a state of disbelief every time I look in the mirror. My face has so much inflammation. It feels like it is on fire with pins and needles and some numbness. I feel like I am going pass out everytime I look at myself. I do need to wait for the skin to at least heal if it can. I think so much damage in with has been done that I won't be able to do anything for a long time. I think that the dermis and fat in my skin have been severely burned. It's only been 3 weeks and everyday it gets worse. People say after ipl their skin looks like an orange peel and mine looks like a deflated balloon with a deep orange peel texture and skin literally hanging and depressed areas every where. I don't understand how normal healthy skin can look so deformed after a simple lunchtime procedure. I will definitely look at my options And again appreciate any advice in the state of mind that I'm in right now. Please keep in touch and let me know if you find a good understanding plastic surgeon. I'm willing to travel.

April 2, 2013

I would be very cautious and wait at least 8-12 months-let your skin heal and calm down. Please look at some of the websites on people who have had distrastrous results from IPL. THey are very candid and talk about some of the things that help them. Just google it. Dr's don't know what to do in many cases when things go wrong. Many of us made the wrong decisions because we were desparate to get fixed. If you PM me, I will tell who my surgeon was-DO NOT GO THE FAT ROUTE. If you have trouble looking in the mirror, it will be worse

April 2, 2013

I too, had a bad FT with very bad results. I advise against it. Fortunately, with help from people on this site, and an excellent PS in Beverly Hills, it is pretty much fixed. The first PS caused a lot of problems for me, some of which, may never be fixed. I am an esthetician and should have known better, but I was sucked into the marketing hype too. Leave your skin alone for a while and let yourself heal. Go to the gym, eat healthy, dance, sing, and let yourself heal. I think almost everyone on here that has gone through this will agree. The fat has been dissolved from your face. Let some of it come back naturally and let yourself heal. FT is a very bad idea.

Ruz888

January 24, 2014

Dear Carol11, I would appreciate if you can share the name of your PS in Beverly Hills who helped with addressing the fat transfer issues. I am 6 weeks post op, and every day I look in the mirror, I am greeted by a distorted reflection. I will wait for another 6 weeks per my PS's recommendation, but I'm afraid that I will continue to dislike the results, and want to start looking at options down the line. Thanks, Ruz

Shirleyq

January 14, 2013

This story is similar to what I am going through now. 241 days ago I had a full face fat transfer done by what my husband and I thought was a skilled surgeon based on his claims of perfecting this procedure. His staff all looked good and it was a clean up to date facility. The cost of this lovely procedure was $12,500 nothing for us to sneeze at as it took a large portion of our savings plus a loan and what I got in turn was certainly not what I had expected. The Dr. took many photos and even took a copy of one of my school photos and said I would have the full face like I had when I was 15. After the procedure my entire face was swollen and bruised, I could not talk, move my eye lids, lay down, or even allow my husband to touch my face. To date I still have a black eye, can't lay down (sleep setting up), can't eat solid food without the inside of my mouth swelling, there is too much pressure on my face when I bend over to allow it, can't wear face powder because my face is still peeling, can't open my mouth far enough to floss my teeth, and this is just for starters. If anyone is still considering this, my advice is don't have this procedure done. Try something else, it is not perfected, not worth the cost, or the heartache. I know I will live with this mistake the rest of my life. It is the gift that keeps on giving and not in a good way.

JaneSt

January 15, 2013

Shirley, I am so sorry to hear that. Most of us feel like our lives have been put on hold because of an abnormal appearance but to add not being able to eat and sleep is just too much. I feel for you but and want to offer hope. Please read this and my thread to get the best idea of the procedures that should help you. Eight months isn't that long in terms of fat becoming permanent and you could at least give cortisone (and maybe 5FU) a try. I know you must feel discouraged but step by step as you try to intervene and see results, the world gets brighter again.

January 15, 2013

So sorry this happened to you ShirleyQ. I really wish they would ban this procedure all together. Its ruined so many lives and they just keep doing it. Why the peeling? Did you have a peel done at the same time or is it a result of the Fat transfer? What is the surgeons name so we can warn others to stay away from him. Have you checked with any other doctors to see what can be done to help your situation?

Shirleyq

January 16, 2013

My face peeling is the result of the fat transfer. I didn't have anything else done. The Dr. doesn't know why it is doing this nor does any of the other Dr's I see. My primary care doctor said it would be over a year before things would start to be normal and my neroligist said there wasn't any permanant nerve damage.I didn't mention the facial ticks I have that were real bad for awhile but have lessened now. I still have them just doesn't pull my entire face up. I really prefer not to mention the doctors name but I do want people to be very cautious when having this procedure. It is not always as simple, safe or as fast as they make it sound. I researched this for two years before I made this decision and wish now that I had given up. I will say this much I live in Washington State and the Dr. is very popular in this field.

Shirleyq

January 16, 2013

Jane, thank you for your information but for right now I am going with my gut and ride this out. I still haven't healed from this procedure and don't want to spend another summer locked inside my house. This caused me to miss my grandaughters 16th birthday and I won't miss her next one because of something stupid I did.

JaneSt

January 17, 2013

You're welcome. I hope things improve for you soon.

February 28, 2013

I am 3 months out with horrible results by a "top doc" Skin texture is awful, lumps, definition in cheeks is non existent. Lips are awful. Fat is disappearing faster on one side vs the other. I am so sad with how I look. I was a really pretty woman before. Now-not so much. All this Dr keeps saying is give it time. There are lumps on both sides of my nouth. If it all goes away and gets back to baseline, I would be so happy. I just don't think that will happen. This was the BIGGEST mistake of my life.

February 28, 2013

I am just wondering if you came here to REALSELF and read the posts before you decided to have the FT done or if you looked it up after the fact. (not blaming you at all, just wondering). Many of us have posted and posted and posted our bad experiences, yet people still are having it done, but finding their way here after the fact. A bunch of us want to help.

February 28, 2013

Hi Carol11 and RedRoxie...I wondered the same thing. So many people keep having this done...even after all the negative reviews here. I know I got to this site after my disaster with FT, so I'm wondering if that's how most people get here. I just had surgery two years after my FT and unfortunately only have slight improvement I'm afraid. I was so optimistic afterwards...I was so sure my new doc fixed me and once the swelling went down I would be good to go. I am now 1 month after surgery...and many of the lumps are STILL there!!! I'm really bummed right now. The sac under my right eye looks better, but its still swollen there from the revision surgery, so I'm now sure if it will come back after the swelling is completely gone. The 5FU has worked for many, but not me. I don't know what to do now other than seek help learning how to except my fate and move on. My new surgeon did recreate a new crease in my eyelid (the FT had caused a weird change in shape of my upper lid ) that appears to be holding so far and looks slightly better...perhaps not $10K better...but I guess I should be grateful for any improvement at all. But the fat/lumps above my eyes simply will not go away, even surgically. I truly do think my new surgeon did the best job he could with what he was handed, and couldn't have gone to anyone better. The F/T is apparently a huge mistake I will have to learn to live with. I think a shrink is where I'm going to put my money next...hopefully he or she will help me accept and move on.

February 28, 2013

i did not read up first. I went to several docs to figure out how to handle the fat loss which was really severe and it seemed the logical answer. I had a facelift and other assorted things with the fat so I am hoping it will all settle in. I just didn't expect to look so odd. It's overwhelming.

February 28, 2013

i am so sorry you're going thru this.

February 28, 2013

So sorry you are going thru this too Roxie. I know how difficult this period is for you. If it helps any, the added fat in your facial area (other than eyes and near mouth) should settle down a bit with time. It is still pretty early for you. I'd say a year is about right to figure out what is permanent. But after a year, that was pretty much what I was stuck with. It didn't get any better the 2nd year. The eyes never improved after the 4 month period. It took me another year to work up the courage to go to a surgeon after the failures of the 5FU. Hopefully yours will be an easier case than mine and the 5FU has helped others. IMO, its the eyes that most people have the most trouble with. Once it lumps there, the tissue is too thin to hide them and according to my current surgeon (he only does eyes), its the most difficult area to remove fat from because of the thin tissue and scarring risks. He says FT should absolutely never be used near the eyes...and when used on the rest of the face, should be done in small increments and sparingly ...and never overfilled like most surgeon apparently like to do. So keep up the hope, all may not be lost. Perhaps you will be one of the lucky ones and it will settle in enough to make you happy again. Good luck to you...and keep us posted.

February 28, 2013

RedRoxie, some of it will settle in. Maybe all of it will go. Let me know if there is anything I can help you with.

February 28, 2013

Notsogood, I had gone to Beverly Hills 5 times. 3 times for 5FU and two surgeries. First one was micro lipo and the second one he went from inside the lid. Can't say that I am perfect, but I wasn't perfect before the FT. We all have to remember that. But I can live with what I have now. Alittle droop on the corner of each eye caused by the first PS trying to fix his mistake. You may improve from more surgery. I know it's costly, but ask him if you would benefit from more surgery, then go from there. Big big hugs.

February 28, 2013

Thanks Carol for the big hugs :) Sure needed them today, lol! I just talked to my doctor's nurse and she advised not expecting too much too soon. I might just be a slow healer and I am still a bit swollen...so perhaps I am feeling disappointed too soon. But I keep thinking about that dreaded first doc who said, "It will just great, give it more time"...and, well, obviously it never got better. So I am more paranoid these days. Bottom line, I'm not ready to slit my wrists quite yet...I'll save that for another day, lol!. Groth did tell me it would take about 2-3 months for a complete heal and perhaps he can tweak my remaining lumps a bit if they persist. I truly wasn't expecting perfect (never was before either), and he already warned me it wouldn't be. But I guess I did have more hope (than was realistic) that the upper lid lumps would be better than they are right now. Seems I just can't help myself from fretting over this...maybe what I really need is a "brain revision", lol! Thanks so much for your thoughtful note...and I truly am so happy that all has worked out well for you and that you are in a good place mentally after the whole experience. Hugs back at ya'...Sallie

March 1, 2013

Hello everyone, I'm so sorry I haven't responded more. Since RealSelf changed a bit - it is not as convenient to just respond as it used to be and I travel for work - so it's been a hiccup. RedRoxie, you have gotten some good info from the responders. We've all been at this for a while and have been various stages of "fix it". There are things that can be done. . . Take a deep breath and don't do anything until you have found the absolutely best doctor. Quick fixes don't exist and rushing into anything will only compound the issue. The fat does continue settle and since you have facial atrophy - removing the transfer can create other issues down the road. Don't do what I did and try to keep your weight artificially low to avoid "fat blow up" - it could cause issues later.. Maintain good health. My low weight and struggle to maintain it now because of the anxiety that developed has created an atrophy issue (and not evenly) that is far worse that what I initially went in to address. This procedure can steal your life - don't let it. (Easier said than done.) I had some luck with the 5 FU, Cortisone, Micro-Lipo. . . It's been 2.5 years since this was done and I have just reconciled to getting fillers every two months to stay "topped off" around the lumps. In other words, this cannot be completely reversed. . .but I've seen some look pretty good in the right doctor's hands.

March 1, 2013

Well said GOOD FACE. All I can add to this is, save your money if you want to get if fixed and yes see a good doctor. GOOD FACE, would love to talk to you, miss you. And folks, she is BEAUTIFUL. Has gone to hell and back like many of us hear. We are a great support for each other, so don't get dispondent or give up. It may take time, (and money), but it can all get much better.

May 16, 2013

No Shirleyq. . .you don't need to live with this mistake! I joined RealSelf just to get the word out. Please read my ThereIsHope post

May 16, 2013

GFGB is a vivid testimony indeed. I want to let all casualties of bad fat transfers to the face to know that THERE IS HOPE. I went to a Chinese acupuncturist 4 months after my disaster. He didn't even see it as a challenge. In one hour the big asymmetrical hump on my right cheek dissolved like a glacier into the sea. In 4 sessions he had reduced the fat by 80%. I then had to leave town. Through more treatments when I returned, and time---it's now been 16 months--- the fat has pretty much gone. Hallelujah! Acupuncture is only as good as the hands that wield the needles. My acupuncturist's name is Dr. Yu and his website is acuherbhealingcenter.com. If you can't come to Seattle and hang out for a week or so, go to a pharmacy in the Chinese section of your city. They often have doctors there to consult and diagnose patients. Ask them to refer you to a good acupuncturist. (Although American acupuncturists can be good in other ways, my belief is that something like this has to be done by someone trained in China. I had seen an American who was theoretically skilled at "facial rejuvenation" at 5 weeks post-op, without any success.) Acupuncture is wonderful for your face, body, and mind----all bonuses. The relief of looking in the mirror and seeing your own face again is indescribable. especially after being told over and over again, "there's nothing you can do." There is. Good luck all! ThereIsHope

Jazz33

August 23, 2013

I have had to go through this terrible situation. Did the acupuncturist put the nedles directly under your eyes? I have found an acupuncturist but he is afraid to put the needles too close to my eyes. Please email me at xxxgmail.com

chellamia

December 16, 2013

Wow, after reading all these people sad stories, it is good to know that acupuncture could really hold the answer as I have had it for certain acute situations and also had good results but it never really helped for some back pain. Many years ago I had some needles stuck in my face and I don't know if it did anything but I hope this brings some comfort to the woman who aren't happy with the fat transfer. I still would have to see pictures of the before and after to be convinced to not even do it. Still researching.

December 16, 2013

Accupuncture didn't work for me, the lumps were too hard above and below my eyes. Had to be cut out surgically which leaves scars which he tried to hide as best he could above my eyes & below he was able to extract some of the fat by going beneath my lower lid, so no scars in that area. For the fullness in my cheeks, the accupuncture did nothing. After 3 attempts we both decided it wasn't going to work. The lumps under my cheek bone were not able to be removed because it would have left a scar and looked worse, so I decided not to do that. I tried micro lipo suction with some success, but he couldn't get the sides even & had to add restylane on one side which camouflaged it somewhat and I go in about every 4-5 months to get a refill. Overall, I could deal with the cheeks part of it, but losing my best asset, my eyes, has been very difficult to accept. All of this has been a nightmare & I still don't look like myself, but not as bad as the first 2 years...and I am trying to find acceptance as much as I can. I hate to see anyone risk going thru what I have, but it sounds like you are determined to take the risk. I hope you are successful & I truly hope I don't see you back here with yet another sad story. Good luck.

December 18, 2013

the success of acupuncture depends not only on the practitioner's skill but on their knowledge---some, maybe most, very good acupuncturists don't know how to work with fat. and of course the specifics of any situation--- the amount of fat placed, it's location, and the time there. i wish it was a magic bullet, but, like everything else, "it depends." keep us posted on what you find out.

filler queen

December 18, 2013

I have scar tissue under the skin on top of my cheeks. There are so many ways to deal with other scar tissues but little info on how to deal with it on the face. Seems like there would be experts on scar tissue who could offer alternative solutions, but I don't know where to turn for that kind of info. ThereIsHope, I wonder if the glacier you had was some kind of liquid-filled cyst. Since you were only 4 months out, it seems unlikely that it would have been hardened scar tissue. I have thought about talking to an acupuncturist about the hard lumps under my eyes but am put off by the possibility of getting bruises from the needles. I've tried so many things. Who does one go to for help with scar tissue?

December 18, 2013

Filler queen...perhaps a dermatologist might be helpful.

December 19, 2013

hi filler queen, an excellent remedy for scar tissue---and a host of other things---is the herb called gotu kola. in use for thousands of years, its range of effects is astonishing, and it is known for reducing or eliminating scars as large as keloids, even years after formation. i am using a tincture (liquid form) as its the most potent, 4x/day. my naturopath gave it to me for the scarring from a horrible ultherapy treatment i tried to rid myself of the lump in my lower cheek that was too deep for the needles. one of the bonuses is that it's also a powerful anti-anxiety. i encourage everyone to seek out alternative treatments---naturopaths, Whole Foods, etc. because the remedies are simple, relatively inexpensive, and have been used effectively for centuries. (of course, there's plenty of bogus stuff---that's why you need a reliable guide as to substance and brand. Here in Seattle, Pharmaca is a highly reputable alternative pharmacy with naturopaths on staff that could probably advise you by phone.) i have found abundant resources of all kinds for all things, and so can you. i would also seek out people who work with skin all day---masseuses, and women who give facials in the old school european tradition--they know a lot and may have ideas about how to soften the lumps through massage or oils. A reputable acupuncturist will know if the lumps are responsive to the needles or not. They have to feel and see the skin first but they will not treat if they don't think it will work, or will cause harm. I'm sure there are exceptions, but it tends to be a field with a noticeable lack of greed, and a welcome presence of integrity. Please keep me posted.

December 19, 2013

p.s. a solid source for gotu kola, and the one, i use is the liquid extract put out by Herb Pharm:( herb-pharm.com. ) the dosage is 30-40 drops in a little water 2 to 4x/day. a one ounce bottle is $12.00.

December 19, 2013

Hi again Filler Queen, I have been musing on your situation. I had to go Pharmaca today myself, so I asked Dr. Sarah for her ideas about hard lumps. This is the result of our conversation: 1) the lumps are hard because they have walled themselves off from the rest of the body. (This is similar to what happens in infections.) 2) The goal then is to reintegrate the lump--"to get the cells talking to each other again"--which will in turn lead to its re-hydration. Which then makes re-absorption possible. 3) A stellar product for this is called "Collagen + C, pomegranate liquid," made by Neocell. She said women are loving this product for all kinds of reasons: it considerably strengthens the skin's collagen, makes hair lustrous, nails strong, and creates a radiant complexion. I just bought a bottle myself for general use. It is $26.00 for 16 ounces and can be bought at pharmaca.com (I didn't know until today that Pharmaca was also online.) Dr. Sarah said she would be happy to advise anyone who wants to call her while she's on the floor. The Pharmaca number in Seattle is 206-324-0701. In terms of helping the body reabsorb soft lumps, she said there is a powerful product called Pleo Muc which is not sold by Pharmaca. It is medical grade and put out by a German company called Sanum Remedies. I'm just going to google it and give it a try. She also said a "constitutional homeopath" could be very helpful to you. My own suggestion is to keep yourself luxuriously hydrated. The best way to do this is to buy a 30 oz water bottle in glass or stainless steel and sip your way through at least 2 bottles a day. Don't drink more than 1 or 2 ounces at a time. Try adding a little less than 1/4 teaspoon unrefined Celtic sea salt for each bottle. (the official formula is 1/4 teaspoon for every 32 ounces.) Light gray in color, unrefined Celtic sea salt has the highest concentration of trace minerals and will never make you bloated or retain water. I have been doing this for a week now and am finding i can effortlessly move through 3 bottles a day. Its effects on my sleep, on my energy, and on my overall state have been profound. For those interested in reading the background of "The Water Cure, " it is in The Well Being Journal, Jan/Feb. 2014. And supplement all of this with the gotu kola. Dr. Sarah told me today that some people develop a rash. This never happened to me. If this does happen, just discontinue use. I think the benefits are so strong, it's worth trying. Thank you, Filler Queen, for giving me the chance to broaden my own knowledge, and to find these new products. I am so grateful for this community. We can really help each other.

LittleHippoFace

December 19, 2013

Thanks for the helpful tips, There Is Hope

December 20, 2013

you're so welcome. May they yield good things to you.

December 20, 2013

a quick p.s. for potential Pharmaca shoppers. I compared my in-store price for the Collagen + C with the online version. Looking at the receipt, I did pay $26.99, the current on-line sale price, not the $26.00 I originally thought. But I got a 16 oz. bottle in the store vs. the 12 oz. bottle on-line. (the dosage is 1 tablespoon/day). The Pharmaca stores are in California, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington. I also recommend the liquid over the tablets; liquid is always more potent, and this one tastes good :)

March 1, 2014

So should you do micro liposuction or acupuncture? Do get rid of to much fat in the face from ft or this 5fu that I don't even know what it is? I'm 8 months post from my ft and the doc put way to much fat in my face from my cheeks down to my jaw line and around my chin after 2 months of doing this and I told him it was to much fat he started injection lots of steroids in my face every 5 weeks for the last 6 months and now I'm left with still to much fat in my face and uneven 1 side bigger than other and indent scars the seriods did to my face and bad texture to my skin from the steroids shots. I had a skinny pretty face before I'm only 5'2 and 100 pounds and my face was very defined before but now it's fat all over but more places than other and lost all definition in my face with indents too. I can't even sleep anymore. I've been losing my hair because I'm so stressed out and depressed. I don't want to live anymore

Unoq

March 1, 2014

Hi maya, so sorry you're going through this period of despair. You are not alone in feeling like this. I also lost a lot of hair due to the stress of bad surgery and am currently trying to grow it back with medications plus red light therapy (of all things). It's been over 3 years for me and I stalled on getting fixed due the traumatic experiences I've had. I recently made contact with my GP again and I'm glad I did. That would be a step forward for you know... I'd urge you to take LittleHIppo's advice and see your own doctor soon. Anti-anxiety meds may be most helpful given anti-depressants will take a while to kick in - also they have side effects which could be risky given your present state of mind. And whatever you do, don't do any more steroids in the face as they melt healthy tissue - I would see another doctor to help you, not the steroid guy.

March 1, 2014

Unoq, I would like to know more about the red light therapy and the meds you are on for hair loss. Its been 3 years for me too and I've been losing a lot of hair as well. I'm sure it's from the constant stress of the last 3 years. It's falling out so much, I'm really getting concerned. Just what I need...more stress. Any success with the treatment and meds yet, or is it too early to tell?

March 1, 2014

Hi unoq. Do you think I did melt healthy tissue trying to get rid of the extra fat he put in my face. He did the for the last 6 months and I'm still left with lots of fat in my face that I want to get it out so I can get back to the way once looked.

March 1, 2014

So sorry Maya. check out dr. val lambros of newport beach, CA. ashley2929 has a skinny body and face like yours and had a powerful success with him. he got out all her fat. on my screen you can see ashley's post if you just scroll up from here.

March 1, 2014

here's the post Maya: ashley2929 February 20, 2014 honestly, for anyone wishing to fix their bad fatgrafting and regain their life and beauty back, Dr. Lambros is the angel you are all looking for. I am beyond blessed to have found him. I was misserable for years, thinking I was going to have to accept the results. I am a very very thin girl 5'6 97-100 lbs and my face looked fat and my body was totally thin. I looked puffy all of the time, and to me that not only can age a person, but makes you look like you had too much work done or something unnatural. I am so pleased that I no longer am suffering and have the most beautiful results anyone could ever ask for! Its actually a pretty simple procedure, and in less then two weeks you can be recovered an on your way back to life without horrible fat grafting!! Here is the Dr's number, (949) 759-4733. I also wanted to say one more thing, He was my 6th consult, and I almost did not go because I was so discouraged after 5 other doctors already said it was not possible and not to touch my face. They even scared me saying, even if a surgeon says he can dont let him do it, there is too much risk and too many nerves in that area. So I called Dr Lambros' office telling the staff I didnt want to waste the Doctors time because every other dr said it was not possible. And his office staff actually said, you should come in, Dr Lambros specializes in removing fat grafting, and performs it many times each week. So I went in to see him, and my life changed! I feel so beautiful, all thanks to him :)

March 1, 2014

Hi. There is Hope, thx u for sharing this. I have read her post before. I have a question do you think I should do micro liposuction or acupuncture or 5fu? I don't know what 5fu is. Thank u

March 1, 2014

Maya, The main use of Fluorouracil (5-FU) is as an anticancer medicine that works by slowing or stopping cell growth. But PS and dermatologists have discovered that it can also work to break up & reduce scar tissue and lumps.

March 1, 2014

Ok I have never heard of this before thank u for explaining notsogood

Sha sha

March 1, 2014

Maya.. Hang in there we can get through.. I m at my 3rd wk post fg - i flash feeling of ending life wks prior same as u.. I knw hpw it feels i really knw.. But i needa share with ev one here -- it does go down!!!! Nw i m 70% close to my normal!! Miracle huh from looking like a cat lady n i couldtntceen ope my eyes to starting to get myshape bac - wat seems to have worked fr me --- 1 keep blotting oil secreted fron the areas of fg (u ll find lots of oil comig out fr d treated areas as compared to othr areas) keep washing d oil away (i use glocolic wash n exfoliator) 2 avoid fat in diet but keep a gd diet (so d face doesnt get hallowed in d non fg area) 3 i started using mindpower (imagining the fg dissolving n secreting and passing away) do it ev minute --- My result - my colleagues said i m almost bac to my shape this wk n i feel more n more like myself ev day - i keep pressing d area w oil blotting paper n it does go down ev day n more oil comes out!!

March 1, 2014

Thxs sha sha I wish I would have know that earlier on but I'm already 8 months post :(

UPDATED FROM Good face gone bad

Laser/IPL Damage The Possible Cause of Poor Fat...

Good face gone badMay 11, 2012

Laser/IPL Damage The Possible Cause of Poor Fat Take!
WOW, I just has my skin analyzed by a doctor who had one of those machines that can digitally show skin damage. I told him that I was pretty sure I'd been damaged by an overly agressive tech using an ALMA photofacial machine about 6 weeks prior to my original FT. (Keep in mind - the place I went to for the photofacial was recommended by the original Plastic Surgeon's office!) The derm asked why I thought I had been damaged and I explained. We looked at the image and he showed me where the damage (square-like scars) was and explained that the area had clearly experienced devascularization. My mind was racing.

Devascularization is loss of the blood supply to a bodily part due to destruction or obstruction of blood vessels!!! In other words, it is highly probably that this area would struggle to "take" the fat - and in fact, it didn't take on that portion of my face. Studies have been weak in regards to the corrolation between laser/laser-like devices and fat transfer - before or after. Again, buyer beware. Though photofacial is not a laser - damage is damage and I don't think most people know what these machines do.

Now - this is by no means the only issue I had with the fat. It was lumpy and placed incorrectly - and you know the story; however, this is certainly another piece of the puzzle. I'd told the patient coordinator at the office about my experience prior to the procedure. 1) I should have been educated about not having ANYTHING done prior to procedure 2) There was no concern about the fact that I thought I'd been burned. In fact, she told me, she had only heard of there being problems with people having "laser" work done after a Fat Transfer and 3) I'm thinking that people undergoing this kind of stuff should not have any laser work done before or after for quite a long period of time, and be evaluated if they have.

I'm pretty sure my doctor had no idea what he was doing - so him and his staff wouldn't know any different. However, this should seem fairly obvious to someone who is suppose to understand how a Fat Transfer works. What do I know.

My curiosity is - if these image machines are available and can show areas of poor supply - which is an important part of a successful transfer - why don't doctors who are performing these procedures have the machines - or do better job of educating people of these risks? UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! Perhaps this is just another hypothesis on my part. . . but it's as good as any I've heard so far.

Replies (5)

UnluckyInIowa

June 15, 2012

Hi, I asked this question to the doctors yesterday and am wondering what people on this thread think. After reading this post and many of the comments, I guess I'm "lucky" I only got the fat injected in one area. Here is the link to my question, with photos:
http://www.realself.com/question/rid-nasolabial-fold-lump-from-fat-transfer?

UnluckyInIowa

June 15, 2012

I should also mention that the wound I went to have treated was new at the time, so I was very much in a traumatized state when this doctor promised me a full recovery with his "stem cell fat transfer".

June 15, 2012

Hi Unlucky. . . Hope your luck changes soon and sorry to hear about this. I appreciate where that Baltimore Dr. was coming from when he answered your question. He's my new favorite!!! I wish more were that honest and straightforeward.

I'm not a doctor. Lipo definitely helped and I've had some scarring fixed w/ zplasty and laser. . and skin grafting has been recommended - but I couldn't speak directly to your issue.

You may want to email Dr. Bahman Guyuron to see what he says. He is in Ohio and he's one that doesn't have the fancy Website, etc. He's one of those referral doctors who gets most of his business by word of mouth and has performed some really tricky revisions.  I haven't worked with him so this is not a recommendation and I don't want to be blamed if something's not right - but I have heard is name come up on a few other sites - not so much on RealSelf. I don't know of any other "Rockstars" in the Midwest, but maybe someone else will chime in.

You might start emailing some of the surgeons  whose names keep coming up to see if they have an opinion or could recommend someone in your area. . . not asking, not trying :).  Unfortunately, my doctor isn't doing revisions anymore.

Keep us posted and good luck.   I know how much this sucks :(. . . .GFGB

June 15, 2012

BTW: Filler Queen just posted (TODAY). . . a note about a fat melting laser that she used on her fat and she feels it might be working. . . .I can't speak to it, but you may want to look her up.

UnluckyInIowa

June 15, 2012

Thank you!