How do I get back the periorbital fullness I lost via weight loss and how much does it cost? (photos)

Question

How do I get the look in these photos? My eyelids used to be a lot fuller, but now they look more sunken in. I know this feature is critical for a youthful, well-rested appearance. I'm looking for something more permanent, though I've been warned that fat grafting around the eyes can leave ugly fat necrosis bumps that are difficult to remove. I also want to get rid of the dark pigmentation of the upper eyelid. Please help. Thanks!

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are correct, the fullness of the upper eyelid is a significant sign of youth. The only permanent way to replace this volume is through fat grafting. Cost will vary depending on geography and surgeon. But fat grafting in this area can be very tricky like you said so make sure you are choosing a qualified board certified plastic surgeon when you go for a consultation.Best of luck!

Michael Law, MD · Answer

Fat grafting around the eyes can provide a beautiful, natural and smooth appearance. Fat grafting on any area of the face, particularly the eyes requires considerable expertise. It is important to view many, many before and after photos to see examples of the expertise and experience of a plastic surgeon. It is also important to view photos soon after surgery, several months out and a year or more after surgery to determine the longevity of the fat grafting.

Bao L. Phan, MD · Answer

Peri- orbital volume loss is definitely a process of aging and/or over- resection of peri- orbital fat during eyelid surgery.  More plastic surgeons are giving this issue due attention now more than ever before as we have closely analyzed what happens to the volume of the face as we age.  That's why you see more and more fat transfers being done along with facelifts to more effectively restore natural youthfulness.  The most common areas I try to restore volume to are the cheeks, nasolabial folds, lips and tear troughs/ peri- orbital regions.  One option to restore this volume is to use tissue fillers (hyaluronic acid based such as Juvederm and Restylane are most popular).  However, tissue fillers last only 6- 12 months and will have to be repeated on a regular basis for as long as you want the effect of the filler.  This can be very expensive especially if you are restoring volume to multiple areas of the face and if you require a lot of volume.  Using your own fat for fat grafting is usually the better option if done properly as it can actually be less expensive per cc volume than tissue fillers especially if you are doing large volume fat transfers to the face (20- 40cc).  It does carry more risks though as you have stated, such as lumpiness, contour irregularity, asymmetry and failure of graft take.  But, in the right hands (of a board certified plastic surgeon with lots of experience and proven results) and if done properly, it can give you many years (and maybe even decades) of enjoyment.  You have to be prepared for the possibility that some of fat may not survive the transfer process (which you will not know until about 2- 3 months after the procedure) and that you may need a touch up procedure to transfer more fat.  Most hyaluronic acid based tissue fillers, though, are guaranteed to go away.  Fat transfers is definitely the one procedure where choosing the right surgeon will be critical to the success.  Ask to see lots of before and after pictures of their results with good follow up.  Best wishes.

Anup Dhir, MD · Answer

Fat grafting would be useful to improve the periorbital area, but  you would need to find a  board certified cosmetic surgeon as the area around the eye is very delicate.Look on the website of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for a surgeon in your area. He will also be able to advise you on the options available to improve the pigmentation.

How do I get back the periorbital fullness I lost via weight loss and how much does it cost? (photos)

Answers (4)

More Facial Fat Transfer Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (4)

More Facial Fat Transfer Questions

Can this indent on my buttock be fixed with fat transfer? (Photo)

What is the difference between Macro, Micro and nano fat grafting?

Will fat grafting help my tear troughs? (photos)

Recommendation for doctors who do nanofat injections (grafting) in New York metro area?

How long to see results from fat transfer to acne-scarred temple area?

Is there anything I can do to help even & or dissolve my fat transfer/graft out? As in massaging or heat? Any tips? (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS