Can filler fix my problem areas or should I choose facial fat graft? (Photos)

Question

I want to make my appearance more feminine,refreshing and youthful. I am considering a buccal fat removal but I want to add volume to my cheeks. Is cheek filler suitable for a 20 year old or should I get a facial fat graft? I just had a jaw surgery almost 3 months ago so I do have some jaw swelling.

Elie Ramly, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. My recommendation would be to avoid rushing into more procedures at this time. You are only three months out from jaw surgery and swelling can take a while to fully resolve after this type of procedure. It is important to let the swelling settle completely and your new facial proportions to reveal themselves prior to considering more facial contouring procedures. Before you pursue more surgical or nonsurgical procedures, I would highly recommend that you get an in-person evaluation and examination by a qualified plastic surgeon who specializes in the face. Most patients in your situation would prefer starting with something that is for the most part reversible like hyaluronic acid cheek filler as opposed to directly using fat grafting because it allows you to test how added volume would look before fully committing to it. Fat grafting is a great option later down the road, but it is more permanent, so waiting until your facial proportions and soft-tissue behavior are more stable would be wise.
Buccal fat removal and cheek volumization with fillers or fat grafting require careful planning to avoid creating an imbalance or an overly sculpted midface. I would also caution against doing too many elective procedures on your face at a young age without expert guidance and counseling as all procedures can have long-term consequences. An in-person evaluation with a qualified plastic surgeon can help determine which options and timing would best fit your anatomy, healing stage, and aesthetic goals while maintaining facial harmony.

Jaeil Lee, MD · Answer

There are limits to what can be assessed from photos.If volume enhancement is needed, options like filler or fat grafting can both be considered.For long-term results, fat grafting is generally preferred over filler.

Can filler fix my problem areas or should I choose facial fat graft? (Photos)

Answers (2)

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