Fat graft to cheekbones. What is the normal timeframe for swelling resolution?

Question

Hello. What is the normal timeframes for swelling resolution? I had fat graft to cheekbones 11 days ago. They looked too enormous immediately and still do. However, it’s the rest of my face that concerns me. My lower face and under chin is really swollen. Is this normal, and how long will it last? Cheekbones fat grafting has given me a double chin I never had - what?!

Jeffrey T. Steitz, MD · Answer

The swelling from fat grafting to the face typically resolves over 6-8 weeks.  The worst of the swelling improves over the first 7-10 days and the remainder goes down over the following month or so.  We expect about 30-40% of the fat to "go away" after a fat transfer and the remainder 60-70% to retain as permanent.  
As the swelling in the upper parts of the face goes away, it actually "drains" towards the heart.  And so you see improvement in swelling in the upper face with increased swelling in the lower face and neck (i.e. your new double chin).  This is common and normal as the swelling resolves.  It will continue to get better!  Similarly you can see bruising that will develop in areas of the lower face and neck or areas that were not manipulated during surgery.  
Make sure you continue to followup with your surgeon to express your concerns and optimize your result.  Good luck!

James H. Rogers, MD · Answer

Fat grafting in the facial area can frequently cause a great deal of swelling and bruising. Most of the bruising usually resolves in two weeks , while the gross sweling within three to four weeks. It may take several months for all the swelling to resolve. The lower face and chin swelling should start to diminish fairly soon. Ask your surgeon what post operative care they recommend for best results.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Fat takes 3 months to settle down.  There is no permanent reversal to fat grafting unless its surgically or liposuction removal.  You can try steroids + 5FU + hyaliuronidase with or without RF treatments like venus legacy and exilis ultra to get improvement. I suggest you see an expert for an evaluation.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Fat graft to cheekbones. What is the normal timeframe for swelling resolution?

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Fat graft to cheekbones. What is the normal timeframe for swelling resolution?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.