Is Fat Transfer Liposuction Safer Than Liposuction?

Question

I want to know if getting a fat transfer liposuction from an area of the body (thighs, etc) to the face, is safer than just straight liposuction? If so, why? I am concerned that the fat transfer lipo-method has the same odds of complications of liposuction. (However you take out MUCH more fat with body sculpting, and go deeper, correct?)

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

fat injections can be done as a sole procedure during which fat is removed by syringe or liposuction technique but limited to the area of the donor tissue and not done enough to see a change in contour of the donor area.  Risks are extremely minimal with tumescent liposuction and so the risks are not much greater than liposuction.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Although the techniques for harvesting fat for injection and for body contour are different, each is safe. Most liposuction involves greater volume so there is that to consider.  I would be more worried about the outcome of the injection than the safety of harvesting fat.  It is very safe.  The injection, on the other hand, is unpredictable.

Jason Hess, MD · Answer

Liposuction is most dangerous when performed by practitioners practicing outside of their specialty.  The risks are low in the hands of board certified plastic surgeons.  Volumes resected should be reasonable.  High volume liposuction is certainly or higher risk than removal of modest volumes.  When considering procedures, look at the "was it worth it rating" here.  I have found these ratings to be similar to those in my own practice.

	43% is an F where I'm from.  Good luck!!

Ryan A. Stanton, MD · Answer

In general the amount of fat harvested to do fat transfer to the face is much less than for liposuction/liposculpture for body contouring purposes.  Because of this, the physiologic challenge to the body is significantly less and therefore generally "safer" with all other factors being equal...

Jon F. Harrell, DO, FACS · Answer

When harvesting fat for facial contouring one is removing a relatively small amount of fat. Therefor, in comparison with larger volume liposuction there is theoretically less risk of complications. This is assuming that the operator is technically proficient of course. Complications can occur in either situation of course but due to the minimal amount of suctioning needed it would be much less likely to be associated with a severe complication. Best of luck  Dr Harrell

Is Fat Transfer Liposuction Safer Than Liposuction?

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Answer: Is Fat Transfer Liposuction Safer Than Liposuction?

Answer: Is Fat Transfer Liposuction Safer Than Liposuction?

Answer: Is Liposuction for Facial Transfer safer than Standard Liposuction?

Answer: Is Liposuction for Facial Transfer safer than Standard Liposuction?

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Is Fat Transfer Liposuction Safer Than Liposuction?

Answers (10)

Answer: Is Fat Transfer Liposuction Safer Than Liposuction?

Answer: Is Fat Transfer Liposuction Safer Than Liposuction?

Answer: Is Liposuction for Facial Transfer safer than Standard Liposuction?

Answer: Is Liposuction for Facial Transfer safer than Standard Liposuction?

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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.