2 Weeks Post Fat Graft: Should I Be Worried About Uneven Cheeks?

Question

It has been 2 weeks since my cheeks have been fat grafted and I still look like two different people on each side. I have been hiding one side with my hair and people can notice. Will my face ever be symmetrical again? When should I be worried. Also one side has an extra lump on it. Is this a concern?

Kurtis Martin, MD · Answer

It is too early to rate your results at this point. You may simply have more swelling in one side which will resolve with time. Just be patient as you can always have a touch up procedure.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

On can often experience significant asymmetry after fat transfer especially if you started off asymmetrically and the doctor made amends for that by injecting more fat on one side than the other to compensate for such. basically the state to my patients that fat and swelling continue to dissipate for 8 to 12 weeks after surgery. Then it will be more realistic to assess any unevenness at that time.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Swelling is very typical after significant fat grafting, especially if the fat is placed in multiple layers, inclulding the muscle. The extra lump you have might need to be revised if this is overcorrection, but it might resolve on its own if it is fluid and can even be a hematoma (blood). Make sure to see your doctor for an evaluation.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

This is normal for several weeks IF the same amount was injected into both cheeks in a similar fashion.

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

Without seeing your face it's hard to say if the asymmetry should be a concern. It's not uncommon for one side of the face to have a bit more swelling than the other. This should even out with time.

	Check with your surgeon to make sure everything appears in order and that nothing else is going on.

2 Weeks Post Fat Graft: Should I Be Worried About Uneven Cheeks?

Answers (8)