Is one cc of fat equal to one syringe of filler in volume?

It is impossible to compare equal volumes of filler to fat for many reasons. Fat that is grafted represents a suspension of clumps of living fat cells, water and oil. The density of the fat suspension can vary. Even ultra dry fat that has been placed on absorbent gauze still has some residual liquid. The other unknown variable is the survival of the fat that is grafted. It can vary due to multiple factors, but it is always less than the total fat volume injected.

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. In short, yes. However, fat survival is unpredictable, so the volume may not truly be 1 to 1 when sufficient time has passed.

Dear heydoctors,
1 cc is 1 cc, there is no difference between them. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Technically, yes. One cc of fat is equivalent to one cc of filler. The difference is that some of the fat (usually around 30% when larger volumes are injected) is absorbed over time postoperatively.
Dr. Taranow

When grafting fat the injected particles always contain a certain percentage of water. The amount of water depends on how the fat is processed during harvest and in preparation for grafting. after grafted a certain percentage of fat when not survive. A typical response to how much fat survives is about 50% but this varies substantially on a multitude of variables.

Grafted fat should not be compared to fillers in a volume ratio. They are like comparing apples and oranges or cats and dogs.

They’re completely different.

A full face fat transfer procedure may require 30 to 50 mL a fat.

That amount of filler is virtually unheard of.

For facial work fillers are far more predictable consistent and forgiving and is typically the way to go.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Because even the best fat injectors only get about 75-85% take of the fat injected, 1 ml of fat is equivalent to about 0.75 ml of fillers like Juvederm Vollure that does not absorb water. However, for a filler that absorbs water like Juvederm Ultra, 1 ml of fat is only equal to about 0.5ml of the filler. In other words, it takes more fat than filler to get the same result.