Is fat transfer to glabellar region appropriate? (Photo)

Question

Had a facial fat transfer about 2 weeks ago. My surgeon injected fat between my brows. Most of the obvious swelling in the rest of my face has gone down but between my brows are two awful looking vertical lumps that have not at all subsided. Is this normal? Will it go away?

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

There are really two issues that your photos and questions present.  The first question is how viable fat grafting is in the glabella region.  The glabella is a highly mobile area.  Botox injections will help prolong the longevity of the injected fat in the area, but, like the lips, fat does not do particularly well in that area.  In terms of the vertical ridges that your photos demonstrate, it is likely that your surgeon over filled the area due to the relative unpredictability of survival of the fat grafts.  In other words, it is likely that you will loose about 50% of the injected fat in the glabella, so over filling at this point in time will result in a nice result in several weeks.

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Due to the excessive mobility of this area, fat transfer to this area can cause contour irregularities.  Part of the issue is the muscle activity, part is the volume injected.  With time your situation should improve.  If this ridge remains permanent, then aspiration of the area or potentially steroid injections can help address the issue.  Discuss this matter further with your surgeon.

Andrew Kornstein, MD, FACS · Answer

The good/bad news is that this area is under a great deal of motion, and therefore, the persisitence of the fat grafts here is less certain. After seeing your doctor for follow up, see if he/she agrees with pressure massage.That should help expedite the resolution of the  issue.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

That is the fat grafts which have been done in an overcorrected fashion knowing that much of the fat will not persist. The fat of these fat lumps will be better known by 6 weeks after the procedure.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Fat injection to the glabellar region  may take some more time to settle down.  Be patient and if concerned follow with your surgeon.

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