Is filler or fat grafting best for temples & how much does 1cc of fat weigh?

Question

I am considering fat grafting on the rest of my face, however with filler in temples. Is this a smart move? My concern with fat grafted in temples is if there is too much fat placed, therefore look like Frankenstein (and then it's permanent). At least with filler you can build onto it and have more control. But I will have fat graft in my lower face due to the stem cells. How much does one cc of fat weigh? For fat transfers?

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Thought it is actually a terrific option in the temples.  It is very difficult if not impossible to overcorrect this area because the retention rate of fat in the temples is not as good as other areas of the face.  If you are going to use fillers for the temples, I recommend Sculptura.  Another option for the temples is an implant.  Implants of course are very predictable in size because there is no reabsorption.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It's difficult to say without the benefit of a formal evaluation. This is my expertise and a huge portion of my practice. Asymmetry is normal and expected. See an expert who does facial shaping with surgical and non surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Either fat or filler is an excellent option for transfer to the temples. Both can look very natural and not overdone. The fat has the potential to be permanent. Plus you can take advantage of the added benefit of being sculpted in the process of harvesting the fat.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Fat grafting  is not a good option to give volume in the temples.

Fillers can give volume in any part of the body by simply injecting them.  grafting fat on the other hand requires there to be host tissue to graft the fat into in order for the fat to survive.  in a temple region the only tissue that will support grafted tissue is the temporalis muscle. getting to the temporalis muscle requires penetrating two substantial layers of facia and working around the temporal artery and vein.  I don’t believe fat will stay in this area unless grafted in the muscle or at least that’s been my experience and I would be reluctant to graft in the temporalis muscle.

Fat has the specific gravity of 0.93.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Is filler or fat grafting best for temples & how much does 1cc of fat weigh?

Answers (4)