I've noticed a lot of controversy among many plastic surgeons regarding the effectiveness and longevity of fat grafting/transfer to the face. Does the fat really survive and stay there permanently? Or is it the same as a temporary filler in which it will just dissipate away with time?
November 6, 2016
Answer: Fat grafting? having done fat grafting for more than 35 years and been able to follow my patients for that time I can tell you that approximately 50% of the fat will remain forever. However, it depends on the experience of the surgeon and how the fat is harvested etc. I would not use a otherwise permanent filler since these are difficult to reverse. See a very experienced fat injector can show you excellent results but also discuss complications from this surgery.
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November 6, 2016
Answer: Fat grafting? having done fat grafting for more than 35 years and been able to follow my patients for that time I can tell you that approximately 50% of the fat will remain forever. However, it depends on the experience of the surgeon and how the fat is harvested etc. I would not use a otherwise permanent filler since these are difficult to reverse. See a very experienced fat injector can show you excellent results but also discuss complications from this surgery.
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June 23, 2021
Answer: Fat Grafting - Is it Permanent? Fat grafting can be permanent. There are many variables that determine the longevity of fat grafting. I would encourage you to start by viewing many, many before and after images and pay close attention to patients who have retained fat for six months, a year or more.Fat grafting being permanent can be a blessing or a curse. There is no way for a plastic surgeon to know exactly how much fat will be retained. This is why it is imperative never to over-correct. Look at many, many photos as everyone has a different aesthetic ideal. I personally think people look odd and unnatural when their face is overfilled with fat. Truly, I think most patients with that result were hoping for something different. However, there pare people who desire a very, very full appearance. That is a procedure I simply do not perform. I would encourage a prospective fat grafting patient to look at many, many before and after results. if the after results posted by a plastic surgeon you are considering appear natural, and you are seeking a natural looking result, that is a good place to start. Also important to check on education, experience, record of safety, and the surgical environment and the surgical tea.
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June 23, 2021
Answer: Fat Grafting - Is it Permanent? Fat grafting can be permanent. There are many variables that determine the longevity of fat grafting. I would encourage you to start by viewing many, many before and after images and pay close attention to patients who have retained fat for six months, a year or more.Fat grafting being permanent can be a blessing or a curse. There is no way for a plastic surgeon to know exactly how much fat will be retained. This is why it is imperative never to over-correct. Look at many, many photos as everyone has a different aesthetic ideal. I personally think people look odd and unnatural when their face is overfilled with fat. Truly, I think most patients with that result were hoping for something different. However, there pare people who desire a very, very full appearance. That is a procedure I simply do not perform. I would encourage a prospective fat grafting patient to look at many, many before and after results. if the after results posted by a plastic surgeon you are considering appear natural, and you are seeking a natural looking result, that is a good place to start. Also important to check on education, experience, record of safety, and the surgical environment and the surgical tea.
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