Will fat return after facial lipo (on lower cheeks)?

Question

I am looking to get hollow cheeks. My cheeks are pretty normal, so I am not the usual patient for this procedure. I've read very negative things about buccal fat removal, so I have instead found an alternative; Facial Lipo to my lower cheeks. My question; ***Will this fat eventually return if I gain some weight later?*** I've done abdominal lipo in the past, and most of it came back. But this is facial fat (on a 25 year old), so it might differ, right?

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Facial Liposuction is usually not preferred in your situation as the long term results are disappointing. You may explore Buccal Fat Pad excision further as this works quite well in selected situations.All The Best.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I probably would advise you against liposuction of the cheek. I don't know what you further about buccal fat pad excision but when indicated it is a predictably good operation and can be performed under local anesthesia.

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Hi Valerie:The problem with facial liposuction procedures is that they do not look good with the passage of time.  As we age, we lose facial fat.  So, in general, we want to preserve what we have for later use.  Many middle aged and older patients are coming to us to add fat, to restore their youthful facial shapes.  Taking your fat with facial liposuction is probably a mistake, unless for your face is very full and around.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

you should post photos to see if you are a candidate.  I shy people away from facial liposuction as this can cause damage to nerves if not done correctly and people often regret this as they age (given you lose fat and want to replenish volume with age).  Best, Dr. Emer.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

The negative things about Buccal fat removal all apply to facial liposuction.  There are so many critically important structures in the face that liposuction in that area is very risky.  Abdominal lip should not have resulted in return of fat unless you made no changes in your diet and exercise.  If you have bad habits, the fat cells that are left behind after liposuction will get larger, giving you at the appearance that the fat returned.  There is no difference in the sense that if you have more calories in than calories out , it has to go somewhere.  Be careful.

Ervin Wheeler, MD (retired) · Answer

In adults we believe that fat cells do not regenerate after removal.  Therefore if your weight is stable after the procedure the contour change is permanent.  If on the other hand you gain weight, the remaining fat cells in the region will enlarge proportionally and limit the improvement that was made.On the other hand, facial fat volume decreases as you age.  So be careful what you decide to do at age 25.  You may regret that your face is too thin when you are older.A board certified plastic surgeon in your area should be able to give you good advice on whether the procedure is appropriate for you

Will fat return after facial lipo (on lower cheeks)?

Answers (6)

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