After 7 months, could there be prolonged swelling from fat injections to the under eye area?

Question

I am 29 F, healthy, active, non-smoker. I had a fat transfer to my under eyes and temples 7 months ago. My right eye has not improved since month 4. I also had an upper bleph and chin implant with the fat graft. Is it prolonged healing due to multiple procedure? 2 weeks ago, I've been masaging it and I think this has helped soften it. But the lump is still apparent and looks unfortunate. I have called & emailed my doctor in CA (board certified) with no success and I live across the country.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

if you have swelling it should be evaluated -- CS, ultrasound or try reversal.  RF treatments help a lot as well as microneedling RF and lasers.
There is no permanent reversal to fat grafting unless its surgically or liposuction removal.  You can try steroids + 5FU + hyaliuronidase with or without RF treatments like venus legacy and exilis ultra to get improvement. I suggest you see an expert for an evaluation.  Best, Dr. Emer

James H. Rogers, MD · Answer

It is certainly possible to experience prolonged swelling after fat grafting in any location, especially the eyelids. Typically , most edema has resolved by three months postop. The problem could be due to excess graft material or scar tissue. A possible treatment for any these causes would be very conservative injections of steroids. This can also be associated with its own complications such as thinning or discoloration of the skin. The eyelids are a very challenging area to provide good results and complications can be difficult to correct. Consult an experienced surgeon to determine the cause of the problem and discuss potential solutions.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

At seven months you can consider your results final. This is the outcome from your procedure and it’s based on how the procedure was performed.I continue to encourage people to not travel for elective surgical procedures on a daily basis. People do not appreciate the importance of follow-up, the complications actually happen and the number of people who need revision surgery.Lump is most likely fat whether alive or dead.Facial fat transfer is finicky and somewhat unpredictable in ways I do not find body fat transfer.For this reason I generally steer people away from facial fat transfer and for those who have the procedure make sure the provider has extensive amounts of experience. It’s generally better to transfer fed conservatively with the idea of having a second procedure if needed.Fat transfer is much better for diffuse volume rather than precise areas like around the eyes in which case fillers are far more user-friendly.I don’t know what the background of your physician is. You said board-certified. In this case the specialty background is paramount. Is your provider a board-certified plastic surgeon?perhaps you need to call their office and make an appointment and make the effort to travel back for a follow up appointment. Your own decision to travel for your procedure and with that comes the need to travel for follow up.Alternatively you can have consultations with local board-certified plastic surgeons though in your situation do not expect providers to be excited about managing your outcome from your previous procedure.Removing previously grafted fat in the face is difficult and a fairly undesirable procedure.Best, Mats Hagstrom MD

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

The persistent swelling is probably residual fat but this can be confirmed with an examination and an MRI to visualize the exact location of the fat. A revision will probably be necessary.

After 7 months, could there be prolonged swelling from fat injections to the under eye area?

Answers (4)

Answer: Persistent Swelling after Fat Injections

Answer: Persistent Swelling after Fat Injections

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Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

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After 7 months, could there be prolonged swelling from fat injections to the under eye area?

Answers (4)

Answer: Persistent Swelling after Fat Injections

Answer: Persistent Swelling after Fat Injections

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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.