What are the risks/side effects of having fat grafting to the temple area?

Question

I'm considering having this done to save on the cost of fillers and to have something done that is permanent. However, I don't want to end up with any complications as I've already been through a nightmare with my face/neck lift (my surgeon didn't do the neck + I have to go in for another surgery + am curretly going on consults + thinking of having fat to my temples at the same time). I'd really like to know ALL the possible risks regarding fat transfer to the temples & appreciate your help!

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Fat is a wonderful filler with a more permanent result.  The temple is a very popular area for facial fat grafting.  To avoid the risk of an arterial injection I use a microcannula technique.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

The most common risk of fat grafting to the temples is failure of the fat graft to survive or incomplete fat graft take with irregularities. An extremely rare risk could be inadvertent fat emboli into a vessel which may or may not drain into the eye. Subfascial temporal implants bypass all of these risks and provide an assured permanent result.

Gilbert Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. Fat grafting is an excellent way to add volume to the face and fix any imperfections or hollowness around the eyes, temples and face. The fat we use is taken from your own body and put through a delicate process to separate the fat. Only the best fat with the highest concentration of stem cells is used. As with any procedure, there are risks but they are fairly low. Anytime you compromise the skin, there is risk of infection and bleeding/bruising. Most commonly what we see is a lot of swelling. This is not a risk as it doesnt cause any medical harm but it can be uncomfortable. Elevate your head and do not put any ice on the fat grafted areas. It commonly take a few weeks for the swelling to subside. In our office, we offer 3D imaging to give our patients an accurate idea of what their final result will look like. Good luck!

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

no one can give you a complete risk of every conceivable complication with this procedure.  If someone could think of it then it could conceivably happen.  The number one risk without question is the fat will not survive, become a reabsorbed leaving you with no to little results with the development of fat necrosis, hard nodules and a disappointment.  This is not only the most common complication but is a expected outcome with what you're considering.  Unless the fat is grafted into the temporalis muscle  which is rather deep to where you need the volume  The fat will not survive.  Otherwise it's a fairly harmless procedure in regards to serious complications.  I personally would not offer this procedure because I don't believe it will work.  Perhaps others know things and have skills I don't. I would insist on seeing results with photographs taken at least six months from the procedure. I continue to be amazed at the number of doctors showing fat transfer procedures taken at the time of surgery or within the first two weeks.  Anyone can look like a magician taking early fat transfer a result pictures.  The question is what are the long-term results.  Fat is not an equal substitute for filler.  He behaves differently . I would suggest staying with long lasting fillers like Radiesse   Voluma or consider Bellafill.  Best, Mats Hagstrom MD

What are the risks/side effects of having fat grafting to the temple area?

Answers (4)

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