I've had facial fat transfer and I don't like it. Is there anything you can do in the early stage to make the fat 'not take'?

Question

I had facial fat transfer yesterday. The surgery was under local, so I could see the result directly, and I did not like it (3cc each cheek). I am 1 day po, I know I am probably a little swollen (no bruises). I know that I won't like the results, as I regretted it immediately,I liked my old face I'm 26. Is there anything you can do 2 days PO, to make the fat 'not take', absorb by itself? Will pushing cause fat necrosis? Will doing sport (home trainer - increased blood flow) 'absorb' the fat?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This is needs an in-person evaluation. A combination of 5/FU steroids, lasers, microneedling/prp and radiofrequency can give improvement, if you're unhappy with fat transfer. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Unfortunately the number of people who end up not being pleased with facial fat transfer procedures is relatively high.
There are two important things to take into consideration.
First is that your results are far from final because at the moment have a lot of swelling and a substantial amount of the fat will not survive.
If you start manipulating the fat in order for it to not survive then it may do so at an uncontrolled manor meaning that you will tamper with what your doctors best intentions was.
In other words let's say you were able to have less fat survive in one area but even with manipulating it it survives in other areas.
I would discuss with your providing physician.
Strong physical manipulation would most likely decrease the fat survival.
I try to always encourage patients to try using fillers before attempting facial fat transfer the patient has an idea of what the results will look like.
That not only give the patient an idea of if it's something they like the look of as well as testing the competence of the provider.
Best of luck,
Mats Hagstrom M.D.

Windell C. Davis-Boutte, MD (license suspended) · Answer

Being that you are only 2 days post-op, it is extremely early in the process. Usually, an average of only 50 to 60% of the fat will survive. At this point you are seeing a great deal of swelling. In addition, fat cells that ultimately will not survive the transfer have not been dissolved by the body and re-absorbed yet. In my experience, it generally takes 3 to 6 months for total resolution of swelling after Facial Fat transfer, depending upon the technique and age of the patient. Due to the fact that you're only 26-year-old, I would imagine it may take only 2 to 3 months.
Aggressive manual manipulation can further worsen in the improvement of the fat cells surviving, but may cause long-term fibrosis and hardening.
Usually I would advise patients to get a non-permanent filler treatment before deciding upon something that could be as permanent as Facial Fat Transfer.  However, at this point, I suggest waiting it out at least three months.
Good luck!
Windell Davis-Boutte, MD
UCLA and Emory Trained

I've had facial fat transfer and I don't like it. Is there anything you can do in the early stage to make the fat 'not take'?

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I've had facial fat transfer and I don't like it. Is there anything you can do in the early stage to make the fat 'not take'?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

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