Fat grafting to the face - Am I a good candidate?

Question

Dear Dr’s, I am considering a fat grafting procedure to my face, in the hopes it would alleviate the pronounced lines alongside my nose, mouth and chin as well as the dark circles under my yes and laughter lines. Am I a good candidate for this procedure and how would you determine if your surgeon is following best practice?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You need a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist and fat grafting expert to determine what is best and help develop a combination approach that addresses your aesthetic goals. Fat transfer results are permanent, but not all fat will survive. Harvesting is the key to fat transfer. I use water-assisted fat harvesting which gives pure fat to transfer and combine with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to get the most viable, sustainable fat cells. This can be combined with Sculptra, depending on the treated area, to improve outcomes. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Fat grafting is an excellent procedure for volume replacement for the face when fat is lost through aging or weight loss. Fat grafting is a much longer lasting filler than injectables. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to find what options are available to you. Good luck.

William Franckle, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello. My suggestion would be to see a board certified plastic surgeon for an in-person consultation. Fat grafting can be a great option to replace lost fat in the face and reduce/ soften deep wrinkles. A great non-surgical option is filler. Injectable fillers work well to temporarily reduce the appearance of these wrinkles. While your photos are helpful, it would be impossible to give you an exact recommendation on whether fillers or fat grafting is a better option for you. I would suggest seeing a board certified plastic surgeon.

Gilbert Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photos. Fat grafting is an excellent way to fill any lost volume or defects that may occur. The fat is taken from your own body and put through a delicate process to layer the fat. Only the best fat with the highest concentration of cells is used. I recommend you schedule a consultation with a board certified Plastic Surgeon who is experienced in fat grafting. They can assess your specific anatomy and help you decide what the best procedure is for you. In our office, we offer 3D imaging to give our patients an accurate idea of what their final result will look like. Good luck!

Fat grafting to the face - Am I a good candidate?

Answers (4)