Does Fat Grafting Need Maintenance?

Question

Hi Drs! How long does the Fat grafting (Fat Transfer) last? Do I need to have it periodically? Thanks.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Most people need several treatments and after such a series, may need maintenance every year or every several years. Some few patients derive such a great result and it has been known to last for several years and can be long term in rare cases. When deeper structures are injected they may retain the living fat better than in some other areas, especially where there is a lot of movement and the body tends to dissolve it more quickly.

Ricardo L. Rodriguez, MD · Answer

I refer you to the link below to get more info on how important proper technique is for harvesting of fat grafts and what the necessary steps are.
Although a properly performed fat graft does not need maintenance, the VOLUME of the fat graft will change according to significant fluctuations in your body weight. For example, if you had fat grafts to the buttocks, and you gain a lot of weight, the fat grafts in the buttocks will also get larger. 
If you lose weight, the fat grafts will diminish in volume, but NOT disappear. When you gain weight again, their volume will return.
I have done hundreds of fat graft procedures, proper technique is crucial, and after reading the info in the link provided below, quizz your provider about he plans to do the procedure. Remember to ask what your chances are of a redo. A surgeon who is proficient with the technique should be confident he won't need a redo.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Shaha,
When performed properly, fat transfer should be a permanent procedure.  The process of aging does continue so that eventually more may be required.
Many fat transfer surgeons will perform the initial operation, and freeze the extra unused fat.  After about 6 months, a touch up injection with the frozen fat is performed.
With your own fat used as a foundation, your improved facial volume results should last for years.  You may require a small touch up periodically, but that can be done with a temporary filler such as Juvederm or Restylane.
Good luck and be well.
Dr. P

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Fat grafting by needle injection often needs to be repeated although results after touch up are usually permanent.In my experience, composite fat grafting, in which an intact whole piece of fat is surgically transplanted lasts after about a 40 % loss during take of the graft. This requires overgrafting so that the proper amount is left after the graft "takes"See before and after photos of fat grafting of lower eyelid.

Does Fat Grafting Need Maintenance?

Answers (4)

Answer: Fat grafting by injection often needs repeating

Answer: Fat grafting by injection often needs repeating

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Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

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Does Fat Grafting Need Maintenance?

Answers (4)

Answer: Fat grafting by injection often needs repeating

Answer: Fat grafting by injection often needs repeating

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.