Can 5-fu injections work to reduce the amount of fat/puffiness in the face after 2.5 yr old fat transfer? What are the risks?

Question

Had fat transfer to cheek area 2.5 yrs ago. I wanted to achieve more defined cheek bones. But the doctor did too much & too wide of an area, now my face lacks definition even more so than before. My cheekbones were more prominent before fat injections. Now I just look puffy and have an overall fuller face. There are no hard or lumpy areas. Another doctor has suggested 5-fu injections to try to take down the fat levels, but I can't find any info on this. Does this work? What are the risks?

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear nytn,The puffiness in the face from too much fat injections may best be handled with microliposuctionThe dosage and amount of 5-FU can be titrated (ramped up) for effect, but it may not be idealIt would be best to have a consultation to see how much fat needs to be reducedOf course, you should be close to your ideal weight because weight changes will affect the final resultsI have performed microliposuction for overfilling with fat with great results, I save 5-FU for nodules and localized problemsBest,Nima Shemirani

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Hi.  Sorry to hear about your issue.I'd recommend microliposuction instead of 5-FU.  While 5-FU is good for hypertrophic scars, I would avoid using it for this purpose.  I think microliposuction is more predictable, allows more sculpting and more control.Make sure you at at your ideal weight prior to the procedure.All the best,

Michael Stefan, MD · Answer

5-fu injection is an antimetabolite used primarily for cancer patients. It slowsor stops the growth of cancer. I would not recommend using it on your face to resolve excess fat issues. It has significant side effects as all cancer drugs. Furthermore, you cannot control the 5-fu with precision which is definitely needed for the face. It has only been shown to work in small studies with men who are HIV positive. It has no known value in the general population.

Alexandra Chambers, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photosI am sorry to hear that you are not happy with your treatment outcome.Fat cells being living cells can fluctuate in size with your normal weight gain or loss pattern. Cheek bone profile enhancement for more chiseled look is better to perform with fat derived stem cells injected directly on th bone, cheaper option is to use specialized deep fillers.5Fluorouracil is a cytotoxic medication which kills abnormal cells, it is used to treat skin cancers. It has been stipulated that fat cells at the recipient site can be perceived as invaders by your body and potentially responsive to effects of 5FU designed to treat 'cells which out of place'.I am not aware of success rate though.You better try PC/DC injections to destroy unwanted cells. Consult your doctor again.

Maan Kattash, MD, FRCS, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

5-fu can be used to aid the resolution of hardened scarred areas alone or in conjunction with intra-lesional steroids.It is a chemotherapeutic agent and extreme caution must be exercised while injecting it. It could disseminate into vital sensitive structures and if superficial, it may lead to skin necrosis and dark discoloration. In the face, this will be even more critical.From your description, I gather that you have a larger area and I have a strong doubt that this may work out for you. Besides, the outcome may well be unpredictable and you may need multiple sessions.I think your best bet is to seek an experienced plastic surgeon that may be able to address these surgically and remove what he can.

Can 5-fu injections work to reduce the amount of fat/puffiness in the face after 2.5 yr old fat transfer? What are the risks?

Answers (5)

Answer: Fat transfer to face

Answer: Fat transfer to face

Answer: Can 5-fu injections work to reduce the amount of fat/puffiness in the face after 2.5 yr old fat transfer? What are the risks?

Answer: Can 5-fu injections work to reduce the amount of fat/puffiness in the face after 2.5 yr old fat transfer? What are the risks?

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Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

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Can 5-fu injections work to reduce the amount of fat/puffiness in the face after 2.5 yr old fat transfer? What are the risks?

Answers (5)

Answer: Fat transfer to face

Answer: Fat transfer to face

Answer: Can 5-fu injections work to reduce the amount of fat/puffiness in the face after 2.5 yr old fat transfer? What are the risks?

Answer: Can 5-fu injections work to reduce the amount of fat/puffiness in the face after 2.5 yr old fat transfer? What are the risks?

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Recommended reading

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.