How soon after Fat Transfer (to the face) is it safe to use facial muscles again (to chew, talk, smile, etc.)?

Question

Male, aged 36. I am thin, so I’ve had substantial volume loss. I want fat transferred to nasolabials, teartroughs, upper and lower cheeks, and a bit in temples and glabella. I’ve read that using facial muscles as little as possible after the procedure is paramount to proper neovascularization of the lipocytes, and so diet needs to be soft and talking/laughing kept to a minimum. When will I be able to safely talk, emote, yawn and eat in a normal manner? How about brushing teeth? Thank you.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Although exercise limitations may be helpful to minimize swelling and bruising, It is safe to talk, emote, yawn, smile, frown and eat in a normal manner as well as  brushing teeth immediately after surgery.

Robert J. Schwartz, MD · Answer

I would avoid facial massage for one month, but talking, chewing, making expressions and performing the other activities you inquired about will not affect the outcome or take-rate of your fat transfer.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

After a fat transfer, the fat needs to get blood flow to survive.  With all techniques, a % of the fat will resorb.  Using the facial muscles will not impair the survival rate for the fat. So you can eat, talk, laugh whatever.  You may feel tight in certain areas depending on where the fat is injected.

Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS · Answer

Good question, I get asked this a lot and I perform many cases a week. I don't have any specific restrictions except for not undergoing a facial or facial massage for a few weeks after the procedure. Normal facial movements should not affect the longevity of the fat, and you can expect up to 1/3 of it to go away regardless of what you do. Certain areas take fat better than others, for example, the cheeks and under eye areas hold the fat the best.

Ashley B. Robey, MD · Answer

Free fat transfer to the face can be a great way to permanently add volume back to areas demonstrating volume loss. The areas that you are discussing, namely the nasolabial creases, tear troughs (under the eyes), cheeks and temporal hollows, are popular areas in the face that can be enhanced with free fat transfer. I do not recommend a specific diet or facial movements after surgery. Brushing teeth is also fine. Regardless of your postoperative activities, you can expect that not all of your transferred fat will survive. Fat survival rates can vary between 50-90%.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Avoidance of pressure and vasoconstrictors is appropriate, but immobilization is not necessary.  Find
 a liposuction and fat transfer expert who
 performs hundreds of these procedures each year and has great reviews and great 
before and after pictures.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I have never immobilized my patients and do many fat transfer cases weekly.  The most important thing is going to the best surgeon who has a lot of experience and uses the latest techniques to get the best results.  You want to establish a good relationship with your surgeon and ensure they have your ultimate goals at hand.  I suggest coming in for a consult to see what areas you are concerned about treating and what the best options for treatment are for you.  Essentially, not all the fat transferred to the face will take but if done properly it will look amazing after 3-6 months regardless of how much takes.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Luis A. Vinas, MD · Answer

I do many fat transfers to the face and must of the body. I have never recommended immobilization of the injected area. You should have a great result if injected properly with the correct technique. You will losd about 1/4 to 1/3 of the injected amount regardless of what you do. I hope this answers your question and concerns.

Mark Crispin, MD · Answer

Generally we ask patients to minimize facial activity for 2 weeks after fat transfer.  This does not mean not to talk but speak softly and when necessary.  I ask patients not to exercise for 1 month after fat transfer.  Yawning and eating should be fine as should brushing your teeth.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

The short answer is that there are no restrictions other then common sense not not overdoing facial movements or message to the grafted areasDr Corbin

How soon after Fat Transfer (to the face) is it safe to use facial muscles again (to chew, talk, smile, etc.)?

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