Voluma vs fat grafting/transfer

I tell people if you are doing a procedure and you have a good fat grafting surgeon who does gentle extraction using water and adds PRP, you should do the fat grafting and wait 6-12 weeks to do a touch up (if needed) with fillers like volumae, lyft, radiesse.  Always do sculptra as your foundation to continue collagen stimulation.  Lasers during your face lift with even further enhance the lifting and improve complexion/tone of your face.  I suggest you see someone who offers a full treatment plan for the best results.  Dr. Emer.

I work extensively with Voluma (it is my most popular filler among my patients) and often will perform autologous fat transfer with my lifting procedures using the Puregraft system.Fat transfer has traditionally been advantageous because of the large volumes that can be injected, along with the durability of fat.  That said, many of the fillers, such as Voluma, are lasting longer and being used in the midface.  The results of fillers tend to be a bit more predictable than fat transfer.  Oftentimes, I will "stack" procedures -- meaning that I will perform fat transfer as a foundation following by small quantities of fillers to finish things off.I typically only use Voluma in the cheek and midface, which also may limit its use during a lifting procedure.It is really dependent on your doctor and your preferences.  Best of luck!

While fat grafting will give you more permanent results than fillers, it is not as easy to control and predict the outcome.  Fillers can be placed where you want them and it's easy for the patient to come in to get touch ups that are relatively quick and painless.  Fat grafting is much more involved.  Now with products such as Voluma available, the filler treatment can last up to two years!  If you are truly more interested in grafting, I would consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with experience in fat grafting to the face.Good luck!

I stopped doing fat grafting about ten years ago which was about the time that the first truly effective and long-lasting filler (Restylane) was approved in the U.S.  Since that time, there have been a number of newer fillers introduced, including Voluma.  We now have the ability to take a filler off the shelf and inject not just lines and folds but the entire face for a global rejuvenating and lifting effect.  Results can last two years or more.  For most patients, fillers are definitely the way to go.  

Voluma can provide long lasting results - sometimes as much as two years depending on how much product is injected.  Sculptra is another choice which definitely lasts two or more years.  Fat grafting has its share of complications and is a much more invasive procedure.  Please consult a board certified dermatologist for the best cosmetic results.  Best, Dr. Green