Can fat injections cause malar edema?

Question

Seven months ago, I had a facelift and fat injections to my cheeks and temples. I still have swelling at the high points of my cheekbones. The swelling has resolved somewhat. My ps now says I have "malar edema". He did not seem to think it would go away. I did not have this before the fat injections. Is it possible the injections caused this? Will it resolve over time? My ps says he will put fat along the tops of my cheeks to mask the edema. Is this a good idea? Thanks.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The swelling you speak of can occur after any trauma including fat injections. Most of the time it is self-limited. In very selected patients all use dilute steroid injections.

Scott Shadfar, MD · Answer

Hello ikJ, Thank you for your question. The combination of fat grafting and facelift can lead to a tremendous amount of swelling.  Being patient is key.  The beauty of fat grafting is that it is permanent, however this can be problematic in some instances.  I would discuss with your surgeon if micro-liposuctioning would be beneficial in improving some of the areas of concern. Best of luck, Dr. S

Todd C. Case, MD · Answer

Usually swelling from surgical intervention would be resolved by seven months.  Some of the fullness you have may be the result of the fat grafts surviving.  If this is the case, it will not likely resolve, because the grafted fat is doing what it is suppose to - live the new location to augment the area of volume loss.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Usually malar edema is like having swollen feet. It just happens. More than likely you had it before surgery as well.

Andrew Kornstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Fat grafting,in my experience, does not in general create issues with malar edema unless placed in the more superficial layers of the face. Manipulations of the lower eyelid compartment with facelifts and/or lower eyelid surgery can exacerbate malar edema.Malar edema is a preexisiting condition, seen more commonly with a history of puffy eyes upon wakening in the morning or chronic allergies.Improved circulation to the area is the best long term solution; that is why fat with its growth factors can actually help improve malar edema as opposed to fillers which work by hydration, can exacerbate the condition.Hope this helps.............

Can fat injections cause malar edema?

Answers (5)

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