Why is the recovery time for facial fat transfer so much more than HA fillers?

Fat grafting to the face involves significantly larger volumes (20-60cc) when compared to injection of HA fillers (1-4cc). It also involves spreading out the fat into a larger area and into layers.  As a result, there is more swelling and bruising with fat grafting which can last 2-3 weeks. 

There is more volume transferred because not all fat will survive. Fat transfer technique is what is important for successful fat transfer and the fat is processed, so it will not contain the toxins you mentioned. I recommend water-assisted fat harvesting which gives pure fat to transfer and combine with platelet rich plasma (PRP) to get the most viable and sustainable fat cells. I then combine with Sculptra, depending on area, to improve final results. recommend getting a formal evaluation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Fat transfer procedures usually involve significantly more volume of fat over a wider area than that typically injected with HA fillers.  In the face, upwards of 30-40 cc of fat can be injected.  This results in some swelling that takes between 2 and 3 weeks to resolve.  However you can return to work much sooner than that. 

The fat transfer procedure causes more swelling and bruising than fillers. Much more volume is injected and it takes time for the fat to “take”. Fat transfer may need to be repeated for optimal results after the first procedure. 

The simplest answer is that one is surgery, one is not.  The trauma of harvesting and placing fat causes significant bruising and swelling.  Needle injections of filler are not traumatic.  While bruising and some swelling occur, the degree of injury caused is quite different.  Also recognize that from the moment filler is placed, the body begins to break it down so there is the tradeoff, less downtime but less longevity.   Surgery, with downtime of 2 weeks, adds up to 10 times the volume and the fat that survives is there for good.  Personal preferences seem to dictate which is best.Dr. Z

Recovery after fat grafting is minimally different from after off the shelf fillers. Most people are recovered from the fat harvest by the next day. The Injection and any anesthesia is almost the same except that we usually overfill the area by about 10% to make up for what doesn't take. Bruising and initial recovery is very similar to produced fillers. The difference is that fat grafts take a month or so and up to 3-4 months to fully normalize. Using Arnica and bromelain and stopping aspirin and antiinflammatories before surgery san reduce bruising. Otherwise, you should be able to return to work in a few days.