“Young and can’t gain weight - fat transfer is not the answer”
Fat transfer: NOT worth it
Pain: Uncomfortable
I’m young for plastic surgery and have always been hesitant to mention my age (23) because there is a stigma about people my age coming forward for surgery. It’s an anti-aging industry but I need it too!
Genetically, I totally cannot put on weight - I am about 5’7” and maybe, on my period, I weigh 100lb. I am seriously thin. I inherited this and my hollow bone structure from both my parents’ sides of the family.
I have hollow cheekbones, deep tear troughs, and a very thin chin. I look weak and tired constantly. The only way to deal with this and look “normal” (what is normal anyway?) is plastic surgery. Now I think I will eventually get plastic surgery but last year I tried fillers to see if I liked the results. Temporary first.
I had fat transfers put in my cheeks and tear troughs. It was very expensive and caused a world of problems not mentioned by my plastic surgeons (I have two). I went for my main procedure and after the swelling had four touch-ups done to even out the area and get the results I wanted. From the beginning I didn’t like what was happening apropos of swelling, bruising, etc.
After the first injection I was swollen for two weeks and after the touch-ups I was swollen for a week. The fat transfers didn’t last at all in my body. I think the first shots (building blocks, they said) were out of my system completely by the time I had follow-ups. I chalk this up to my metabolism (i.e. why I can’t gain weight in the first place) but my surgeons should have considered this when recommending fat transfer.
Now I think any filler in my body would do the same thing, but not nearly for the cost I paid! I’m looking at implants now but am looking for new plastic surgeons. I want to find someone I can trust completely; I may even go in pretending to want fat transfer and see if they talk me out of it! That’ll be a good surgeon for me.
Jul 17, 2007Comments and replies (11)
1 post
20 Oct 2008
Hey, I have same problem like you, and Im thinking have fat transfer to may face, which doctor did operation in NY? I ve almost all plastic surgeon but I still haven find trusty and good one
1 post
29 Nov 2008
To the writer from New York City who wrote that fat transfer on her was not worth it. Thank you for coming forward to tell your story so that women can consider all their options before proceeding with such a procedure enduring pain, discomfort, most of all, spending money that's not worth it. I have been reading and researching on this subject and yours was the first negative story I have read about. Although the procedure was successful on numerous women, the doctor should have known about your condition of unable to gain weight at all costs and could not be a good candidate for this procedure. I suspect more on the fact that he had no clue that women who have problems gaining weight are not good candidates for the procedure. And for this, I should inform my very favorite constructive plastic surgeon, Dr. Alfred Callanta. He too, may not be aware. I have just been through a FAMI fat transfer and the experience was exhilirating and liberating. Perhaps I have thoroughly interviewed my doctor from our very first meeeting. He passed all my test questions. In a two-year period, I have had an upper and lower eyelid repair, a circumferral lipo and a tummy tuck and extremely pleased with the results. I also did not expect magic and was realistic in my expectations. The procedures did correct all the problems I was unhappy about. Remember, communication is key to a successful procedure. It's been 6 days since the procedure and the swelling has considerably subsided. I read from Dr. Amar's site that it should be gone n 10 days. In fact, I attended a huge gathering of beautiful people that same night after the procedure. I can successfully conceal the very light bruises with Naturector (a Japanese concealer and Dermablend) daily and viola! My skin looks fresh and dewy. Yes, the texture of my skin is the first most recognizable benefit I noticed. Each morning, I wake up to dewy skin and it is such a pleasure again to apply make up on. My skin feels soft, taut and moist. My procedure went like a breeze. I am one who is extremely frightened with any kind of needles, but having complete faith and trust in Dr. Callanta's ability and skills kept me calm and confident. It helps too that you will never feel any of his pricks, not one bit! His hands are like feathers! I was awake throughout the procedure under light sedation and participated in counting the number of fat cc's injected into each part of my face. He was assisted by three pretty diligent nurses with pads and pens in their hands. We laughed and chatted throughout. I could feel his energy and excitemen in every prick and injection of fat. After the the last shot, he danced with joy in the operating room because he knew and felt instantly that the procedure was a success. I encourage all the women to search out the best doctors for themselves before agreeing to any kind of procedure. Talk to at least a dozen patients on which he has done work to to hear first hand about their experiences. If your doctor is a truly professional and experienced one and his patients are comfortable with his work, his patients will be more than happy to come forward to support him and you in your quest in searching for a good surgeon. I am always willing to pass on his name to women who are seeking to have a nip or tuck. That's because I am truly pleased and know that I am in excellent hands. Remember that a FAMI procedure needs a skilled surgeon who has knowledge of the facial anatomy. Even then, according to Dr. Amar, the founder who modified the FAMI procedure, these are lessons not learned in classical books, but need hands-on training. It's best to seek for a surgeon who has trained under Dr. Amar, like Dr. Callanta did. I look forward to a wrinkle free face, fabulous skin, taut cheeks, fuller lips for the next 10-12 years. Cost: $1,650. For those who would like to contact Dr. Alfred Callanta, he can be reached at 63-917-522-9394, Manila, Philippines.
24 posts
10 Feb 2009
fat transfer doesn't just last for 10-12 years. If it takes it lasts forever!
1 post
26 Mar 2009
One week out from fat transfer and not happy at all. Wanted above my lip and around crows feet. My surgeon put it right under my eye and tear duct area. I can't see well because of the humps under my eyes. Was also placed in my cheeks which I did not ask for. I do not look like my self and my vision is impaird. I would like to have it taken out. Is it possible?
24 posts
29 Mar 2009
excision is the only sure way to remove fat graft that I have tried.
1 post
11 Apr 2009
I'm thinking to have fat transfer to my face. ....but also wonder if that fat will last and stay in my face....?
1 post
9 May 2009
I live in San Jose. Does anyone know of a experienced and good doctor for facial fat transfer. Thanks a lot.
1416 posts
11 May 2009
Hi classy_9453, You can find doctors in our California fat transfer doctor directory, and if you scroll to the bottom of the page you can also read reviews/recommendations from other RealSelf members in your area. Good luck!
4 posts
21 Jul 2009
To Eleanor Leung, i have some question for you about those procedures you had, Did dr Callanta did all those surgeries? Whatabout your eyelid surgery, did you had fat transfer to your eyelid too? I am planning to come home next summer and i am looking for a dr that has good record. If you could share some information i would appreciate it . Thanks kitty kats