How long does swelling from fat graft last? 3 weeks post-op.

Dear haylieplum,

Thank you for your question. Facial swelling after fat transfer can take up to weeks to months to resolve. It also depends on how much fat injection your surgeon performed. I recommend you call or see you surgeon to further discuss your concerns. They may be able to offer additional treatment options to help decrease the swelling sooner. 

Swelling can last 3-6 months after fat transfer. I recommend prp to help improve final results. Icing the area, predisone, ibuoprofen and venus legacy treatments can help reduce swelling. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Dear haylieplum,3 weeks after the surgery, swelling can still be present. But it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. It would be the best to follow your surgeon's instructions and in case of any concern discuss it with him/her. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

It is still common to have swelling from fat transfer at 3 weeks. The swelling will continue to resolve over the next 3 months.  With most fat transfer, some of the fat grafting will not last, so you can also expect some reduction in volume of the fat over the next 3 months from fat loss. Typically this is around 30% reduction, but can vary per patient.  

Swelling from a fat transfer can last anywhere between 3 to 6 months. You can also expect some reduction in volume as your body will absorb some of the fat from the fat grafting. Patients are over injected for this reason. A combination of icing, prednisone, and ibuprofen can help to reduce some of the swelling. Reduction in the amount of fat varies from patient to patient. 

Good Day. Thank you for your question.Facial fullness after fat transfer is due to two issues: the amount of fat transferred and surgical trauma.Fat cells die within 1-2 days if they don't acquire a blood supply. It takes the body 6-8 weeks to completely absorb the triglycerides and glycerol in the cytoplasm of the adipocytes or fat cells and the cell membrane.Depending on the amount of fat injected, the amount of fat purification, and surgical trauma, the amount and duration of facial fullness is a range.Most of my patients are happy with their facial appearance from 4-5 weeks post-fat transfer with little aesthetic changes after 2 months.Fat purification and the addition of stem cells and growth factors (PRP) improves the procedure outcome and minimizes the need for much revision of facial volume. Additionally, One can store their fat in a cry bank, later to have it thawed and sent back to the surgeon for another fat injection. This saves the need for repeat fat harvesting or use of dermal fillers.YOU will soon see the results you have been desiring.Have a wonderful day!