Fat Transfer for Lips: Worth It?

Fat Grafting for lip augmentation is an excellent option and is NOT ABSORBED completely over time.  Over the years fat grafting techniques have evolved, with refinements in harvesting, injection, and preparation.  It is true that a portion of the fat that is injected will be reabsorbed, but with slight over correction, a lasting volume enhancement will be seen.  The addition of Platelet Rich Plasma to the fat that is injected will aid in volume retention via stimulation of stem cells in the fat.  When performed by a skilled surgeon who is very familiar with technique, fat grafting can provide lasting lip augmentation.  Good Luck, Dr. Corrado

Injectable fillers, fat, and surgical implants are all great options for lip augmentation and depend on your individual needs and your aesthetic goals.Fat transfer results are permanent, but not all fat will survive. Harvesting is the key to fat transfer. I use water-assisted fat harvesting which gives pure fat to transfer and combine with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to get the most viable, sustainable fat cells. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a fat grafting expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Fat grafting to the lips, when it works, looks great.  The problem is neither the surgeon nor the patient knows if it will work perfectly.  There is some form of absorption, usually 30-50% and risk of asymmetry is high and usually we don't know the asymmetry exists until 4-6 weeks after surgery because of the swelling.  If a reliable source of permanent lip augmentation is desired, I would consider permalip lip implants.  They are permanent, take less than 30 min to place, downtime lasts about 7 days (about the same as filler) and, best of all, if you don't like, you have peace of mind knowing the procedure is completely reversible unlike all of the other options.  

Fat transfer is a great treatment that can be used in a variety of ways.  Fat has become a vital part of facial rejuvenation.  I use fat in almost every facelift or eyelid surgery that I do because of the natural and youthful appearance that it can add to the results of your surgery. 
Lip augmentation has become very popular over the past few years.  When lip augmentations are done correctly they can add a very youthful, attractive appearance to the face.  One of the common complaints of lip injections is that they tend to go away faster then patients would like. 

Fat is a great alternative to fillers as it is going to last much longer.  The benefit of the fat is that it is going to last for years to come rather than the six to nine months that the majority of fillers last. 

I would not say that they will replace fillers as fillers and fat all have their place. Fillers are a great start for patients so that they can get feel for the rejuvenation that they can expect from adding volume.  Also fillers are a great quick fix as they can be done in the office in as little as ten minutes. 

Fat grafting give patients more options if they want a more long-term solution or I have many patients that like fat because it is natural and from their own body. 

I hope this helps, please consult your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. 

Thank you for your question. Lip augmentation with fat transfers is a great procedure. The results are beautiful and natural. The techniques for fat transfers have evolved a lot over the last several years, and though some does get absorbed, the amount that remains is significantly better these days. If you have never had filler I would suggest trying that first and making sure you like the look. Juvaderm can easily be dissolved if you don't like the look. This is more common in someone starting with very small lips to begin with. If you end up loving it, then fat transfers are a great option in the right hands. Find a board certified plastic surgeon who offers both options. Good luck!

Fat transfer is the more permanent option to fillers. Some may opt to have a filler first to see how they like the results then get the fat transfer once the filler has gone away. If you are sure you want fuller lips and are scheduled for liposuction, discuss with your Surgeon the anticipated results and associated specifics of fat transfer. 

My experience with fat transfer to the lips for augmentation has been hit/miss. Some patients have a nice result that lasts, and others seem to have very little benefit. I think its worth trying - since you are already under anesthesia and having liposuction done anyway. Expect some significant lip swelling. My personal recommendation to patients seeking lip augmentation is to stick to HA fillers (Juvederm etc) and repeat every 4-5 months.

. Hyaluronic Acid fillers (HA) such as Restylane and Jeuvederm are great for lip augmentation but have to be repeated every 1-2 years as are absorbable. Fat transfer is a good alternative and long lasting but amount of "take" of the fat varies from patient to patient. Despite this it is still one of my most favored techniques for lip augmentation in my practice.

Fat is an OK option for lip augmenation.  It has a high rate of absorption here and can leave behind slight asymmetries if it is absorbed asymmetrically by your body.  HA's have a better track record of predictability here, but consider fat as an add on if you are going to be "under" anesthesia for another procedure.

Fat is not the best option for lip augmentation. there is a great deal of resorption. The reason for that is the fact that lips move a great deal. Hyalouronic acid fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm may be best options.