Does swelling cause the face to sag?

Question

I had full facial fat grafting (cheeks, nasalobial folds, forehead, temples, chin) 12 days ago. I'm happy how it looks like on the 1st and 2nd day because my face looks really V-shaped and lifted, with the volume high up in the cheeks. However, by the end of the week, I look round and saggy. My tear trough and nasalobial folds look even deeper and there are jowls. I'm so worried the fat shifted downwards. Does swelling tend to sink to the bottom after some time and can it make the face sag?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Swelling can persist for weeks after fat grafting and all of it travels down, which makes a "sagging" look. I suggest you see your physician, and wait 3-6 weeks to determine the outcome before trying anything to change this.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Without before and after photographs that demonstrate your results it is difficult to offer definite recommendations, but in general swelling will not cause the face to sag.  What has likely happened is that your surgical swelling gave you a fuller facial appearance but has that swelling has been resolving you are approximating the actual surgical results achieved.  Hope this helps.

Does swelling cause the face to sag?

Answers (2)