Fat Transfer to Buccal and Mandible

Question

I am considering fat transfer to my cheeks to fill some hollow, and to enhance my mandible--I want to widen the lower part of my face. Is it possible to fill the buccal area conservatively so that I don't camouflage my strong cheekbones? Is 25cc in each side too much (10cc for mandible and 15cc for cheeks)?

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Fat injections do work well for many patients but usually requires several treatments, done several months apart (some do it as often as monthly). Sculptra is a stimulator of collagen production and does not give you an immediate volume. The augmentation occurs over several months, and the Sculpra is usually repeated six weeks apart for two or three sessions. Radiesse is a filler that can give you very nice immediate correction without the need to remove fat. Fat may last for many years if it "takes". Not all of the fat cells live in the new area and it is important to implant small amounts to allow for the circulation to bring oxygen to the center of the fat volume. If a large amount is injected at one time, the center of the new fat mass will not survive as it won't receive enough oxygen. That's why fat injections are usually done as a series of treatments. The doctor has to find enough fat on you to harvest imagining that there will be a couple or few treatments. If the fat removed is not centrifuged, then anesthetic that was used to numb the donor area is artificially inflating the volume of the fat being implanted into the cheeks and jaw, so when you refer to the number of ccs of fat you want to know if it is concentrated after centrifuge or diluted with anesthetic. Otherwise, you will not  be accurately comparing different numbers used by different surgeons. I don't think you would need more than 5 to 7 ccs per side for both jaw and cheek if it's centrifuged prior to being implanted, but a better evaluation is only determined in person by an examination.Remember, it is better not to overcorrect with fat and add to your improvement on subsequent treatment sessions to allow for the new fat to live better in its new environment.  Good luck.

Ivan Wayne, MD · Answer

I love doing fat transfer also known as augmentation for facial contour changes. It is impossible to answer your question about volume without seeing you in person. As a general rule, you can expected that about 1/3rd of the grafted fat will "take" or survive in your face. So if you want 5cc of volume enhancement you will need to graft 15cc's.
Based on what I see with your photo, you are a good candidate for fat grafting. Factors that can work against a good result are smoking and being very thin (hard to find enough fat to harvest for grafting). Hope this helps.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi,

	Either fat transfer or Sculptra injections would be treatments that would restore volume to your beautiful face. Your surgeon would need to decide the exact volume, but you should avoid over doing it. You can always add more, but once you are over-corrected it is most difficult to correct.

	You should also consider filling your temple areas as well. Choose your treating physician most carefully.

	Good luck and be well.

	Dr. P

Sam Lam, MD, FACS, FISHRS · Answer

yes, i literally wrote the book on it, Complementary Fat Grafting.  The fat you quoted if that is per side is much more than I put in.  I tend to blend in the fat over wide areas to create a better result than putting a pound of it in any one area.  Here is a video I shot that is exactly focused on mandible and buccal area, as well as a link to my fat grafting page on my website.
best,
dr. sam lam

Fat Transfer to Buccal and Mandible

Answers (4)

Answer: Fat grafting sounds like a good option for you.

Answer: Fat grafting sounds like a good option for you.

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.

Fat Transfer to Buccal and Mandible

Answers (4)

Answer: Fat grafting sounds like a good option for you.

Answer: Fat grafting sounds like a good option for you.

Browse related questions

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.