Approximately how long does fat transfer to lips last?

Fat is a fantastic way to rejuvenate the face. However, fat transfer is unpredictable. The survival rate depends not only on technique but on anatomy. The lips generally do not do well with fat survival probably because there is no native fat in the lips to start with. Fat transfer to the lips requires high-volume. The retention rate is small but for the most part there is probably a small difference that will remain permanently if done properly and fillers are much more predictable, but of course temporary

​​Fat transfer results are permanent, but not all fat will survive. Harvesting is the key to fat transfer. I use water-assisted fat harvesting which gives pure fat to transfer and combine with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to get the most viable, sustainable fat cells. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a fat grafting expert. Best, Dr. Emer​​

Fat transfer ones the fat has survived is permanent.

Most of the fat will dissipate over the first couple of months. After that what is left is permanent.

In comparison to filler lip fat transfer is unpredictable, technically challenging and does not always deliver their results patient said hope for. It is very difficult to correct if done incorrectly.

Fillers are more predictable, more precise and more forgiving. I suggest consider using Voluma and increase the injection amounts. Also try different injectors because technique has a lot to do with results.

Typically 1 mL of Voluma is an appropriate filler and filler amount for most patients lips those with a very thin lips may need less than one full cc.

The problem probably isn’t you or how your body responds to fillers it’s probably who is injecting, what they are injecting and how much they are injecting.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

When done by an expert, fat grafting is as permanent as your natural fat. Even it, however, will disappear to some extent over time as we age.