Will 5-fu dissolve calcified fat from facial fat grating?

Question

Hello I had a facial fat graft which left cheek unflatteringly big and it looks awful. If the cat is calcified in there or if I have granulomas will 5fu help? How do I know if I have these issues or not? I noticed my cheek is larger at some times then others which makes me wonder about granulomas/ calcification?

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Fat necrosis with consecutive scarring is most frequently reason for irregularities of the kind you report. In same cases liposuction or injection of topical corticosteroid (or mixture involving 5FU) may reduce the bulk. However, if that does not result in visible improvement, surgical removal of the mass is the most predictable option. Hope this helps.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

If you are experiencing asymmetry or irregularities after a facial fat graft, it is important to follow up with the plastic surgeon who performed the procedure. They can evaluate your concerns and perform an examination to determine the cause of the asymmetry.

Calcification or granuloma formation can occur after facial fat grafting, but these complications are relatively rare. If they do occur, treatment may involve steroid injections or surgical excision. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is sometimes used in the treatment of granulomas, but its effectiveness may vary.

Your plastic surgeon may recommend additional imaging studies, such as an MRI or ultrasound, to assess the extent of the asymmetry and to determine if calcification or granulomas are present. The appearance of your cheek changing in size may be a sign of swelling or inflammation, but your plastic surgeon can provide a more accurate diagnosis.

It's important to communicate your concerns with your plastic surgeon and follow their professional advice. They can recommend appropriate treatment options based on your individual situation and help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Best of luck !

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I generally recommend patients avoid facial fat transfer, because the procedure is inherently, unpredictable, imprecise, and unforgiving. by comparison, fillers are ideal because they are the opposite. Fillers are predictable, precise, and forgiving if somebody doesn’t like the outcome. when having fat grafted to the face, patients need to recognize that you’re having a permanent and in someways irreversible operation.
Having calcifications is not dangerous, and his best left a Lone inless causing significant symptoms. Granuloma is typically don’t happen inside the face, but are excessive growth of granulation tissue usually on the outside of the skin.
Attempts at reducing previously grafted fat by any form of chemical injection it’s probably not going to be very effective, and if it is, it is likely to leave unpredictable and undesirable aesthetic outcomes. Sometimes some fat may be removed through Liposuction, but Liposuction cannot differentiate grafted fat, versus native fat and fat, is often grafted into host tissues other than subcutaneous fat layers.
Your situation is complex and is really beyond what can be properly addressed by posting on this website without pictures.
If your provider is unable to give you the car, you need then I suggest seeking proper second opinion consultations. For second opinion consultations patient should come prepared, bringing with them copies of their previous operative report and all before and after pictures.
Delivering consistent quality, liposuction and fat transfer results is far more difficult than most people believe. Finding providers who’ve truly mastered, these procedures, often requires having multiple consultations. For primary procedures, I recommend patient start the process by having at least five in person consultations to find the best provider. Considering that revision work is far more complicated than primary procedures. Patients may need to be even more selective. 
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Will 5-fu dissolve calcified fat from facial fat grating?

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Will 5-fu dissolve calcified fat from facial fat grating?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.