What are the possible complications from fat transfer for lips?

Question

Can the fat migrate from where it was placed? Can you form a lot of scar tissue? Can it become lumpy? What about necrsosis? Sorry for so many questions. Thanks so much!

Yuly Gorodisky, DO, FACOS · Answer

Depending on the technique, the most common complication is bruising.  Swelling is expected, so it is not really a complication.  Sometimes the procedure may need to be repeated if the fat is absorbed and disappears.  Scarring is also possible as are lumps if the fat accumulates in clumps.  These can usually be avoided by injecting carefully and massaging the area after surgery.  Necrosis is very unlikely because there are a lot of blood vessels in the lips, but it is a rare possibility.  Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon with experience in fat transfer procedures can help to reduce the risk of having complications.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

Fat to lips can work well.  In some patients it may look great for awhile but then tends to resorb, and can't predict in whom this will happen.  Lumps are pretty rare.  Necrosis shouldn't be an issue because of the size of the cannulas that are needed to transfer the fat.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Lip augmentations with fat grafting and complications. Having done this for 35 years I can tell you I still feel it is the best way to augment lips and no serious complication. No migration, necrosis etc. no in fraction and no noticeable asymmetry. See a very experienced surgeon who knows how to do this and you should be happy with the results. Fillers are temporAry but popular since the filler is already in a syringe and does not have any swelling.

Robert M. Freund, MD · Answer

Fat transfer is a fantastic option for many areas of the body. It also looks great in the lips. However, since fat is designed to be a live graft that will last for many years, the blood supply to the fat is essential for a long life. When fat is placed into the lips, the active movement of talking, smiling and laughing makes it difficult for the blood supply to attach to the graft and then it fails or should I say it dissolves slowly over a 5-6 month period. For that type of duration - other fillers are just as viable alternative.The fat is also at greater risk of becoming lumpy in the lips as it dissolves.Good luck!

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Complications can occur with any operation but I agree with Dr Mayer that it works very well particularly as a dermal fat graftDr Corbin

What are the possible complications from fat transfer for lips?

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