How Long Do Fat Grafting Results Last?

The longevity of fat transfer will depend on 3 main factors that basically b:

1) Technique- Fat grafting is a technique sensitive procedure, meaning that fat survival will vary from surgeon to surgeon depending on how they perform this. Technique boils down to: 1) How the fat is removed / harvested 2) How the fat is processed / distilled and 3) How the fat is injected. 

2) Where the fat is injected. Fat is very reliable in some areas while not being as reliable in others. The reason being is that fat is a live tissue graft. Once the fat is injected it needs to grow a new blood supply and get nourishment from the body. If this process occurs, then the fat will take permanently.  Areas of the face that move more, such as the lips, have lower reliability and take of fat. This is because that area is constantly mobile and the fat will have more shearing forces that prevent it from obtaining the new supply.  On the other hand, fat in the cheeks and temples has a much higher rate of take because it is much more of a static area.

Bottom line is that facial fat grafting is very technique sensitive and it is very important to choose a surgeon with experience and first hand knowledge of the procedure. Always ask to see photos, especially of patients over a year out of the procedure.  This will help you understand your surgeon's experience and results.

See the link below for more explanation and a patient that is over a year after fat grafting to her face.

I am not a fan of fat grafting to the face at all.  It is impossible to control or predict whether the fat will stay or gradually resorb.  Even worse it could leave lumps that are hard to remove.  It’s an operation with a low rate of satisfaction.  Unfortunately cheek implants aren’t really much better.

Fat grafting can last up to six weeks without the body naturally absorbing the fat. The fat that survives continues to exists like living tissue and sometimes a small amount of fat can gradually be reabsorbed. For the best results consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.