I had an analogous fat transfer to the upper cheeks and orbital region. The fat feels hard like a rock underneath the skin. Is this normal? Should I massage it? I can also feel uneven areas on the outmost region of the cheeks. Does hardness indicate that the fat cells died in the process? What should I expect from here?
Answer: Depends on the timing FAT GRAFTING aka LIPOINJECTION aka AUTOLOGOUS FAT INJECTION The massage should be guided by your surgeon as opionions vary. You did not specify the timing of your procedure as this can be important in the evolution of the post operative findings. Firmness as Dr. Law documented can vary as a result of : area injected i.e. cheek bone/ tear trough fat will feel firmer than cheek hollows volume injected amount of associated bleeding bruising degree of "fat take" survival Firmness is common with any procedure for the first 4 days. As the blood supply reaches or doesn't reach the fat cells some will die "fat necrosis" and trigger a process of inflammation and fibrosis (scarring) which will typically develop over a 3 week period. By 6 weeks, this process is generally completed and the areas continue to soften. Therefore the 3 week period is a good time to assess the results of the lipoinjection procedure. While it may remain slightly overcorrected at this point, a soft area indicates good fat survival whereas a firm area indicates poor fat survival. This may be the result of a variety of factors and not always directly attributable to the technique. For example, a history of smoking contributes to poor fat survival as does previous scarring or surgery in the area. Aspirin or NSAID use may cause greater amounts of bleeding which can also be pericieved as hard If other procedure have been simultaneously performed in the same area, this can also contribute to sensations of irregularity and firmness. Rarely the fat may die and form a cyst or an abscess which needs to be drained or aspirated. I hope this helps.
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Answer: Depends on the timing FAT GRAFTING aka LIPOINJECTION aka AUTOLOGOUS FAT INJECTION The massage should be guided by your surgeon as opionions vary. You did not specify the timing of your procedure as this can be important in the evolution of the post operative findings. Firmness as Dr. Law documented can vary as a result of : area injected i.e. cheek bone/ tear trough fat will feel firmer than cheek hollows volume injected amount of associated bleeding bruising degree of "fat take" survival Firmness is common with any procedure for the first 4 days. As the blood supply reaches or doesn't reach the fat cells some will die "fat necrosis" and trigger a process of inflammation and fibrosis (scarring) which will typically develop over a 3 week period. By 6 weeks, this process is generally completed and the areas continue to soften. Therefore the 3 week period is a good time to assess the results of the lipoinjection procedure. While it may remain slightly overcorrected at this point, a soft area indicates good fat survival whereas a firm area indicates poor fat survival. This may be the result of a variety of factors and not always directly attributable to the technique. For example, a history of smoking contributes to poor fat survival as does previous scarring or surgery in the area. Aspirin or NSAID use may cause greater amounts of bleeding which can also be pericieved as hard If other procedure have been simultaneously performed in the same area, this can also contribute to sensations of irregularity and firmness. Rarely the fat may die and form a cyst or an abscess which needs to be drained or aspirated. I hope this helps.
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Answer: Facial Fat Graft Feels Hard Post-procedure
No, this is very normal. I tend to think when the areas are hard, the fat tends to last longer. Maybe the fat was a better quality to begin with.
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Answer: Facial Fat Graft Feels Hard Post-procedure
No, this is very normal. I tend to think when the areas are hard, the fat tends to last longer. Maybe the fat was a better quality to begin with.
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June 15, 2012
Answer: Hardness after facial grafts
An important missing information with your question is the time since your procedure. But certainly, massaging the area might be very beneficial and I don not see a downside to it.
Helpful
June 15, 2012
Answer: Hardness after facial grafts
An important missing information with your question is the time since your procedure. But certainly, massaging the area might be very beneficial and I don not see a downside to it.
Helpful
September 4, 2010
Answer: Facial Fat Graft Feels Hard Post-procedure
After autologous fat graft to the face is not unusual to experience some harness of the area. This can be secondarily to scar tissue. However, you should be evaluated by your surgeon because fat necrosis initially will present as a hard area
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September 4, 2010
Answer: Facial Fat Graft Feels Hard Post-procedure
After autologous fat graft to the face is not unusual to experience some harness of the area. This can be secondarily to scar tissue. However, you should be evaluated by your surgeon because fat necrosis initially will present as a hard area
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
August 28, 2010
Answer: Hardness/ Firmness after Fat Transfer to Face is not common
With regards to FAT TRANSFER to face these are important points to consider;
Some degree of hard or lumpy region within the area of transplanted fat can happen after procedure.
It is important to be evaluated by your surgeon. He should guide you as to the degree, intensity and frequency of massaging.
Unless there is granuloma or infection the hardness should resolve shortly.
Hope this helped.
Dr. Sajjadian
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
August 28, 2010
Answer: Hardness/ Firmness after Fat Transfer to Face is not common
With regards to FAT TRANSFER to face these are important points to consider;
Some degree of hard or lumpy region within the area of transplanted fat can happen after procedure.
It is important to be evaluated by your surgeon. He should guide you as to the degree, intensity and frequency of massaging.
Unless there is granuloma or infection the hardness should resolve shortly.
Hope this helped.
Dr. Sajjadian
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
August 25, 2010
Answer: Fat transfer
Some degree of hardness or firmness is very common after fat transfer. This is due to the expansion of the tissue as a result of fat injections. Also, post-operative sweeling contributes to this firmness. Most of this firmess should subside in upcoming weeks. By 6 weeks, the tissues should be much softer. Massaging obviously help.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
August 25, 2010
Answer: Fat transfer
Some degree of hardness or firmness is very common after fat transfer. This is due to the expansion of the tissue as a result of fat injections. Also, post-operative sweeling contributes to this firmness. Most of this firmess should subside in upcoming weeks. By 6 weeks, the tissues should be much softer. Massaging obviously help.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful