Does facial fat transfer affect ligaments in the subcutaneous layer?

Question

this is more of a technicality based question, I was watching videos of facial fat transfers and noticed the needle is inserted quite deep and sometimes agressivly. I wonder if this affects the ligaments in the subcutaneous fat that reach through the other layers and attach to bone? I’m interested in receiving a fat transfer but i don’t want to unearth the ligaments in my face and potentially cause more problems with looseness and sagging. Is this an associated risk with fat grafts?

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

This is a bit of an advanced question.  The short answer is no.  If performed properly the ligaments will not be disrupted.  Fat is injected in multiple layers, including down to the bone in certain areas.  However, the cannulas are blunt in nature and approach the ligaments mainly in a perpendicular manner and are unable to detach the ligaments if performed properly.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Ligament structures are pretty tough and during normal circumstances neither Liposuction nor fat transfer cannulas well completely sever or injure these ligaments to the point of having a consequence.

Of all the things to worry about this is probably not one that’s worth the effort.

Facial fat transfer has a long list of undesirables and from a patient’s perspective I suggest you worry about the more common things that go wrong after this treatment.

These are generally primarily related to Who does the procedure and stem around technique, aesthetic judgment, the amount of fat that should be injected and the unpredictable and somewhat unforgiving nature of this procedure.

I personally steer patient towards fillers for facial volume restoration because they are in comparison to fat transfer more precise, more predictable and far more forgiving.

To get a proper assessment and a better understanding I suggest having a few in person consultations with local board-certified plastic surgeons.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Does facial fat transfer affect ligaments in the subcutaneous layer?

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Does facial fat transfer affect ligaments in the subcutaneous layer?

Answers (2)

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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.