Is it possible to incorporate the use of a tissue expander for a fat transfer to lip?

Question

I was interested in something that would give my lower lip volume, length, and more width with more of a natural look. Having too much oral mucosa showing seems more artificial to me.

Lauren Greenberg, MD · Answer

Tissue expanders are not used for fat transfer.  Why not? It seems like a good idea to stretch the tissue to make space for the fat to be placed with little pressure on the new fat.  (A tissue expander is something different than an external device like BRAVA)Tissue expanders are a foreign object.  Your body forms a capsule around the expander.  When you remove the expander there is a large space and the capsule blocks blood vessels from the space..You do not want to transfer fat to a big space for a few reasons.  Fat needs blood supply.  Imagine you were seeding a lawn.   You would not dump the seeds in a big pile- you want to space them out for an even cover, better contact with the soil, and better ability to get water.  The same premise goes for fat cells.  You want to spread them out in small doses, like seeds, through the tissue.  It helps the ability of the fat to survive, keeps it where you put it, and helps avoid issues like nodules.  Fat

Roy A. David, MD · Answer

Fat transfer to the lips is very common but a little less predictable than fat transfer to other areas of the face. Some patients will get notable  permanent improvement, others may see very subtle change. Overfilling can also lead to serious problems after weight gain. Fillers are a tried and true option and are generally very safe. As far as tissue expanders-the answer is no.

Is it possible to incorporate the use of a tissue expander for a fat transfer to lip?

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Is it possible to incorporate the use of a tissue expander for a fat transfer to lip?

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.