Will laughing or facial expressions will move the grafted fat?

Question

I had facial fat transfer 5 days ago and I am worried if laughing or other facial expression affect the survival or the position of the grafted fat.

Ned Snyder, IV, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your questions/concerns.  Typically, normal facial expressions and movement does not cause the grafted fat to migrate.  For the first 1-2 weeks, you will want to avoid laying on any part of your face while sleeping.  Significant pressure to the grafted areas can cause the fat to shift or stress it enough to where it won't graft and you will lose that volume.  Please consult your plastic surgeon for additional "do's and don't's" following this procedure.  Good luck with your recovery and thanks again for reaching out.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your concerns.Based on the information you have provided you would have to take several factors into consideration, before determining whether the results are not what you are looking for. I would suggest you consult with a Board-certified plastic surgeon for optimal results. Best of luck.

Nazareth Papazian, MD · Answer

Thank you for your important question. The survival of fat grafts depends on many factors including the harvest site, the transferred site, the quality of the fat harvested, the processing of the harvested fat before its transfer as well as the postoperative recommendations. We have to always bear in mind that almost 50% of the transferred fat will be dissolved by its own no matter what we do. As for the remaining ~50%, it is very important to follow the postoperative instructions especially in the first 4-6 weeks after the procedure. 
There is no scientific data proving that laughing and normal facial expressions can affect the survival or migrate the transferred fat into adjacent areas of the face; however applying external pressure on the grafted area might affect negatively on the survival and might cause migration of the fat.
Please make sure to consult the plastic surgeon before it's too late.
Best,

Nazareth Papazian, MD
Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon
Kare Plastic Surgery & Skin Health Center | Beirut

Will laughing or facial expressions will move the grafted fat?

Answers (3)

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