Is a fat transfer to your face and under eyes permanent?

Question

Plastic surgeons at 3 consultations have mentioned having fat transfers to my face and under eyes. Some picture I’ve seen of others having this procedure give the appearance of a puffy / chipmunk look. How do I make sure it won’t happen to me. I’m still looking for a plastic surgeon I feel comfortable with. Thank you

A.J. Amadi, MD · Answer

Fat grafting is a permanent solution for volume loss, though there is an initial loss of volume as the fat cells are becoming incorporated into the host region. It is not perfectly predictable how much volume is lost during that initial period, though most believe it is about 50%. The use of PRP may increase fat retention, some believe. So most surgeons expect some loss and overcorrect in anticipation of that fat atrophy. Choose a surgeon that is more conservative with regards to injection. Its always easier to add more than to remove injected fat in cases of over-filling. Good luck

Gabriele C. Miotto, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question!
Fat transfer to the face can be a great tool for facial rejuvenation. Thin faces benefit the best from this technique. Fat prepared as  microfat and nanofat can give you good results when injected in the right places of the fece, without the "chubby" look. An in person consultation is important to define whether this is the best treatment for you.
Hope this helps! Dr Miotto

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. I think your concerns about facial fat grafting are valid. I frequently do this procedure but you have to be careful with it. It is easy to get poor results and I tend to plan to under-correct most patients to avoid the over-bloated look you are referring to. The take of the fat can be unpredictable and may require multiple treatments to get the desired result. I would rather return to the OR to add more than try to figure out how to go back and remove it afterwards. Make sure you are looking at patients that are at least 6 months out from the procedure as it takes this long for the swelling to settle and the non-viable fat to be resorbed. What is still there at this point is permanent. Keep looking until you feel comfortable. Make sure the surgeons you are seeing are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and accept nothing less.Good luck and be safe!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

fat grafting that lasts beyond 3 months is permanent.  some will go away after initial injections. you must get the best harvesting methods, with puregraft, have PRP/Acell added and post hyperbaric oxygen to get the best retention rates.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

Approximately 40-50% of the volume of the fat transferred to the face survives long term and is relatively permanent although the aging process continuess which often includes volume loss.  If not too much fat is added a very natural result should be possible.

Is a fat transfer to your face and under eyes permanent?

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Answer: Fat Transfer To Improve Results Add Sculptra/PRP, To Reverse Try Venus Legacy/Exilis Ultra With 5FU/Steroids

Answer: Fat Transfer To Improve Results Add Sculptra/PRP, To Reverse Try Venus Legacy/Exilis Ultra With 5FU/Steroids

Answer: Is fat transfer to face permanent

Answer: Is fat transfer to face permanent

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Is a fat transfer to your face and under eyes permanent?

Answers (9)

Answer: Fat Transfer To Improve Results Add Sculptra/PRP, To Reverse Try Venus Legacy/Exilis Ultra With 5FU/Steroids

Answer: Fat Transfer To Improve Results Add Sculptra/PRP, To Reverse Try Venus Legacy/Exilis Ultra With 5FU/Steroids

Answer: Is fat transfer to face permanent

Answer: Is fat transfer to face permanent

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