Fat transfer removal options? (Photo)

Question

I had fat transfer to my lower face due to jaw and chin contouring that left me with indentations. The fat grating was over done and I went back to remove some of it. I still am having the save issue and it looks like my lower face is jowling specifically on the left side. I hate it so much and have gone into debt for all of this just to have no pay back. Please help.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

In the photos, there appears to be subtle lower-face asymmetry and some irregularity around the jawline, but photos cannot determine whether this is excess grafted fat, scar tissue, swelling, skin laxity, or the underlying jaw/chin contour. That distinction is very important before doing anything else.

Removing fat from the face is much less forgiving than body liposuction. Small-volume micro-liposuction or careful cannula removal can sometimes help true excess fat, but it can also worsen dents, waviness, or loose skin if the problem is actually scar tissue or laxity. Hyaluronidase only dissolves HA filler, not transferred fat. If the main issue is jowling or skin looseness, a tightening procedure may be more appropriate than more fat removal, but that depends on your age, skin quality, and exam findings.

I would pause further procedures until you are fully healed from the last revision and get an in-person opinion from a board-certified plastic or facial plastic surgeon who does a lot of facial revision work. Bring before photos and operative details if you have them. A conservative plan is safest here, especially after several procedures and financial stress.

Arif Eroglu, MD · Answer

Hello; It looks like fat injections were made to the chin tip and prejowl area. Fat injections; which are made to the chin tip are deep and unfortunately, it is not possible to take them back. From the prejowl area; very little fat can be taken back manually; with thin cannulas. There is skin laxity in the jowl area. For this field; I recommend for 2-3 sessions of PLA (Sculptra, Lanluma) injections.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The transferred fat can be removed with facial liposuction.  Because the area is small you could potentially have it addressed with local anesthesia.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you for an evaluation to learn more.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest nonsurgical micro-needling with radiofrequency like Morpheus which can go deep enough and help remove some fat while tightening the skin.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Day,
I almost can't imagine why such a young appearing individual as yourself would require fat transfer to the face.  Your result demonstrates the fact that EVERYTHING that we do in plastic surgery has risks and consequences.  However, that is hindsight.  If your surgeon is putting you into debt by charging you fully for every procedure,  shame on him or her.  Time may be your best friend here, as we do not know how long ago your fat transfer occurred and with time facial fat transfer usually absorbs, at least somewhat.  Bring your dissatisfaction back to your surgeon and see what they offer.  Good luck!

Fat transfer removal options? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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