Fat injections or filler - which procedure is best for me and how much will I need? (photos)

Congratulations on your weight loss! Deciding between fat injections and dermal fillers for facial volume restoration depends on several factors, including your desired results, the areas you want to treat, and your overall health. Here’s a comparison to help you decide:

Fat Injections (Fat Grafting)

Pros:
1. Natural Substance: Uses your own fat, which may be less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
2. Long-lasting Results: Fat grafting can provide longer-lasting results compared to some fillers.
3. Dual Benefit: The procedure involves liposuction, which can contour other areas of your body.
4. Improved Skin Quality: Some evidence suggests that fat grafting can improve skin quality due to the presence of stem cells in the fat.

Cons:
1. Surgical Procedure: Requires liposuction and injection, which is more invasive than fillers.
2. Downtime: Longer recovery time compared to fillers.
3. Variable Results: Not all transferred fat survives, so the results can be unpredictable.
4. Cost: Typically more expensive due to the surgical nature of the procedure.

Dermal Fillers
Pros:
1. Minimally Invasive: Quick, in-office procedure with minimal downtime.
2. Immediate Results: You can see the results immediately after the treatment.
3. Adjustability: Easier to control and adjust the amount of volume added.
4. Variety: Different types of fillers are available for different needs (e.g., hyaluronic acid fillers, calcium hydroxylapatite fillers).

Cons:
1. Temporary Results: Most fillers are temporary and need to be repeated every 6-18 months.
2. Allergic Reactions: Although rare, there is a small risk of allergic reactions or adverse reactions.
3. Cost Over Time: While the initial cost may be lower, the need for repeat treatments can add up.

How Much Filler You Might Need
The amount of filler required depends on the extent of volume loss and the specific areas to be treated. Here’s a rough guide:
- **Mild Volume Loss:** 1-2 syringes (1-2 ml)
- **Moderate Volume Loss:** 3-5 syringes (3-5 ml)
- **Severe Volume Loss:** 6-8+ syringes (6-8+ ml)

Ultimately, the best way to determine which procedure is right for you and how much filler you might need is to have a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. They can assess your specific situation, discuss your goals, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

### Factors to Consider

- **Overall Health:** Make sure you are in good health to undergo any procedure.
- **Desired Outcome:** Consider whether you prefer a permanent solution or are okay with periodic treatments.
- **Budget:** Consider the cost of the initial treatment and any maintenance treatments needed.

### Conclusion

Both fat injections and dermal fillers can be effective for restoring facial volume after significant weight loss. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. A professional consultation will provide you with a personalized recommendation and treatment plan.

Depends on your metabolism, also medical conditions like hyperthyroidism can make fat Grafting difficult to maintain...if you are a current smoker fat Grafting tends to not do as well. If you are otherwise healthy then yes would be a great candidate for fat Grafting to the face just bear mind it can last people as little as 2 months and others can last for years if you maintain your weight. Dermal Fillers you may need more dermal filler to get the result but in my experience overall health also has an effect on how long filler lasts...both can offer very nice results. Fat may be more economic because they can treat more areas for the same price.