In terms of results, is fat grafting comparable with infra orbital rim implants when you have significantly sunken eyes?

you can use fat but often I find that fillers look more natural or a combination of both. without photos nobody can tell what is best for you. please consult and post photos. Best, Dr. Emer.

Fat grafting in general is not predictable as the injected fat can die. Also fat is softer. Infraorbital rim im plant is a permanet treamtent but best for those with relative lack of bony support rather than soft tissue hollowness. See an expert.

Fat transfer is very different than using implants.

Fat transfer is totally dependent on survival of the fat for the final result. Grafted fat can have 5% survival or 90% survival. The survival rate is due to multiple variables but in particular is related to the host tissue in which it’s injected. The quality and quantity of host tissue changes across the face especially in the lower eyelid region. fat transfer by its nature is finicky, unpredictable and somewhat imprecise.

Implants are extremely precise and completely definitive.

What you put in is exactly what you get.

Fillers are also the same way.

All of these are completely different treatments that are sometimes used for the same type of effect.

I personally stay away from fat transfer around the eyes because of the number of people who don’t like the long-term results. perhaps that’s simply a lack of skill and experience on my part but I no longer perform that procedure.

I would say fat transfer is good at giving diffuse overall volume but is not particularly good at giving precise volumes in very small areas.

Fat transfer works much better when there is an ample amount of host tissue to support the graft. This is why it works well in areas like the breast or buttocks. It’s also one of the reasons it tends to not work well around the lower eyelids.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD