Are my concerns valid? Will a facial fat transfer make my face look wider, fuller and less gaunt? (Photo)

Facial fat transfer is an excellent procedure to naturally add volume to the face. This is an excellent choice for younger patient who might not be ready for surgery.

Facial aesthetics, especially in young people are primarily determined by bone structure. What differentiates each individual person and gives them a unique look is there bone structure. This is what determines who is attractive and who is less attractive, etc. etc. Soft tissue coverage is generally much more consistent and predictable. Soft tissue manipulation does not always mimic correcting issues related to bone structure. Changing your facial appearance isn’t quite that simple. I’m not saying that facial augmentation might not look good, but simply having a different facial appearance requires a little more than just having added. On top of that facial fat transfer can be unpredictable,precise and unforgiving if patients don’t like the outcome. For that reason, I recommend patients considers working with fillers, because fillers, unlike fat, are predictable, precise, and forgiving if you don’t like the outcome.
There’s also something to be said about not having treatment at all. There is after all nothing wrong with your face and you can make a very good argument that there’s no indication to have surgery.
Sometimes reassurance is a better option. This is especially true for younger people. Looking to have permanent changes.
If you really want a proper facial assessment, then you should probably consult with craniofacial surgeons and get a cephalometric assessment.
Cranial facial surgery can be done by oral surgeons or plastic surgeons who have done crainiofacial fellowships.
My best suggestion is to try to be happy with your appearance the way it is and not try to change too much.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD