Which would you recommend; Fat Transfer vs. Restylane?

Question

I've recently had restylane placed in my tear troughs and love the result. I initially had this done as a trial run for possible fat transfer later down the road. My Dr. told me this injection could last 8 months to a year where it is placed & that fat transfers will last a few years. I wanted to seek opinions on whether I should just keep up restylane treatments (only used 1 syringe split between the eyes) or are fat transfers better?

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FAT TRANSFER AND FILLERS ARE FILLER ARE LESS INVASIVE AND CAN LAST 6-9 MONTHS SOMETIMES UP TO A YEAR DEPENDING ON WHICH ONES. FAT TRANSFERS ARE USUALLY SURGICALLY DONE WITH LIPO AND TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER AREA OF THE BODY. A FAT TRANSFER CAN ALSO BE DONE THROUGH A LOCAL AFTER SURGERY FOR A REPEAT FAT INJECTION. FAT INJECTIONS OR TRANSFERS ARE USUALLY MORE PERMANENT. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT YOU MAY WANT TO SPEAK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT IN A CONSULTATION AND SEE WHAT YOUR OPTIONS ARE.

Constantino G. Mendieta, MD · Answer

I have had patients achieve wonderful results with either fat transfer and Restylane. Both are wonderful options. An in person consult with an an ASPS board certified surgeon is the only way to determine the best route for your body and your goals.It is all about designing the perfect plan for You.Good luck, please let us know how it goes.-Dr. Constantino Mendieta

E. Ronald Finger, MD · Answer

Both fat transfer and Restylane are excellent solutions to the tear trough problem (hollowness under the eyes). As you have experienced, filling the tear trough can make a significant improvement in your appearance. The hollowness creates the shadow that you are familiar with, and that makes you look tired and older.The advantage of the Restylane injections is that it can be done in a few minutes, even though it only last 8 to 9 months. If lumps occur from injections of Restyalne, they can be reversed with an enzyme. This is a significant advantage. Fat transfer is also an excellent procedure, but it is an operative procedure requiring a liposuction, although this might be minor, and some recovery time. For fat transfer it to be successful micro droplets must be used to prevent any lumpiness and to make the fat grafts "take." Properly perform the fat grafts should last for many years.I use fat transfer (grafts) with virtually every facelift. If fat grafts are to be used only for the tear trough, I expect there is loss of volume elsewhere in your face, and you should probably have the fat grafts injected in all of the areas of volume loss.I'm sure your plastic surgeon is very familiar with this, and can help you with the details. Thank you for your interesting question.

Andrew P. Amunategui, MD · Answer

Both can be used successfully in that area.   Each has pros and cons.  Restylane is fast and simple with no down time (except that there can be punctate bruising), but will often be gone in about 6 months.   Fat can be much longer duration but requires a (minor) invasive surgical procedure with some down time.  Some people take advantage of this "2 for 1" by having additional lipo and/or other procedure done at the same time. Conservative treatment and precision are mandatory for both! Good luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I prefer to use hyaluronic acid fillers for the tear trough region. If there is an issue with the product, it can be dissolved.

Which would you recommend; Fat Transfer vs. Restylane?

Answers (6)

Answer: Fat vs restylane

Answer: Fat vs restylane

Answer: Tear trough

Answer: Tear trough

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Which would you recommend; Fat Transfer vs. Restylane?

Answers (6)

Answer: Fat vs restylane

Answer: Fat vs restylane

Answer: Tear trough

Answer: Tear trough

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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.