Is it safe to have fat transfer to my upper eyelids after blepharoplasty 8 years ago? (Photos)

Fat injection is unpredictable especially in an area of previous operation with reduced blood supply. Filler injection, when done with expert, is a very safe predictable treatment.

Thank you for your question! You can indeed have fat transferred to your upper eyelids after blepharoplasty. This is not an uncommon finding after over-aggressive blepharoplasty with removal of the fat pockets. I find the result after fat grafting for correction to be long lasting to permanent, as opposed to fillers which carry their own inherent risks and absorption issues.

You have significant hollowing of the superior sulcus.  Volume can be added to help with this: either filler or fat.  The most dangerous risk from any filler or fat injections into the face is blindness, but that can occur with either.  Filler injections are a good way to start - if you don't like the way it looks you can remove it with an injection.  An HA filler in this area will usually last at least 1.5 to 2 years.  Fat is more permanent, but the risk is having visible nodules.   If this occurs, they need to be surgically removed.  

The risk of blindness is very very low from either procedure. Extra care and expertise is needed for treating this area but the results can be very good. A cannula rather than a needle may reduce your risk.I would recommend filler first. You have regret now. With filler, if you have regret you can reverse it.Your doctor and you can judge there results and easily add more and adjust.I recently helped a young woman who had fat loss and a deep upper lid sulcus from long term use of a lash growing product. We went slow, used a cannula and her results were really subtle as she wanted. She will add more as she likes in the future.

Thank you for your question and photos. Fat grafting is an excellent way to add volume and fix any defects that may be present on your face. The fat is taken from your own body and put through a delicate process to separate and retrieve only the best fat with the highest concentration of stem cells. I recommend you schedule an appointment with a board certified Plastic Surgeon who is experienced in fat grafting. They will assess your specific anatomy and recommend the best procedure for you. In our office, we offer 3D imaging to give our patients and accurate idea of what their final result will look like. Good luck!

I am sorry to hear about your experience after surgery. I agree that you have significant hollowing of your upper eyelids due to excessive removal of fat, skin and probably some muscle.  To answer your question, yes, fat transfer is safe to the upper eyelids but you need to find a surgeon who is experienced in this technique. Some fat is more appropriate than other fat for the thin eyelid skin and should be injected in a way to give natural and safe results.The downside to fat is its relative unpredictability compared to filler, and the potential risk of lumps or bumps which can be harder to treat. I would definitely re-consider filler injection to the area because it is quite effective and  it is easily performed in the office and is also reversible if there is a problem (although rare).The risk of blindness is extremely rare for filler done in experienced hands (although not zero) and theoretically still exists even with fat transfer. Good luck and I hope you are able to get the results you desire.