Removal of fat graft nodules - is the midface graft accessible without a full face lift or transconjuctival approach?

Question

I had facial fat transfer 7 months ago. The fat was injected very superficially, just under the skin. it was injected in long lines which feel tubular under the skin and approx 3mm wide. The grafts are firm but not hard. i realise now that this is very clumsy technique as surgeons who grat succesfully inject small aliquots on different layers. The grafts are in my brow and midface. Thankfully not too much fat was injected but i do want to remove it. I would rather have scars than this result. i know the brows can be removed via blepharoplasty but i think i would prefer the incision/scar under my brow if possible, can this be done? is the midface graft accesible without a full face lift or transconjuctival approach, since its so superficial? its very difficult to get photos of the midface, but the grafts run aling my tear trough to my lateral orbital bone

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Yes—in select cases, superficial midface fat nodules may be accessible without a full facelift or transconjunctival approach, but that depends entirely on their depth, firmness, and adherence to surrounding tissues. Since yours are described as 3mm wide, tubular, and mobile, we may be able to consider a more conservative, staged approach using less invasive methods first.

Safe, Stepwise Options Might Include:

(1)  Microcannula Liposuction (Low-Pressure, Precision Technique)
A small blunt-tip facial liposuction cannula (1–2 mm) could be used to contour or debulk the area, especially if the grafts are superficial and not fibrotic.  This avoids large incisions and may offer subtle yet noticeable improvement.
Risk: Even small liposuction here requires extreme precision to avoid damage to facial nerve branches, orbital structures, or lymphatic drainage.

(2) Subcutaneous Excision Through Targeted Incisions
For fat in the brow or upper midface, a sub-brow incision may provide access with a less noticeable scar than traditional upper blepharoplasty.  For grafts along the tear trough/lateral orbital rim, a limited subciliary approach may be considered, but this must be weighed against scarring and lid malposition

(3) Enzymatic or Needle Dissolution (Experimental/Off-label)
While not FDA-approved for this indication, some practitioners have used saline infiltration, 5-FU, or steroid microinjections to soften or break down small fat nodules over time.  These are not reliable for removal but may complement other techniques.

(4) Combination Therapy May Be Necessary
In real-world practice, a single solution may not fully resolve the issue.
A hybrid of microcannula sculpting, selective excision, and resurfacing (like RF microneedling) may give the best aesthetic result without resorting to a full facelift.

Important Considerations:
Nerves and vessels in the midface are tightly packed—especially the zygomatic branches of the facial nerve—so any intervention must be conservative and done by a surgeon very familiar with facial anatomy.

Complete eradication of the fat is rarely achievable without trade-offs. Our goal becomes refinement and camouflage, not total reversal.  Because of the delicate region and non-standard presentation, a direct in-person evaluation is absolutely necessary to map out a safe and effective plan.

Warm regards,
Earl Stephenson, Jr, MD, DDS, MBA
ESJ Aesthetics – "Where Confidence Takes Shape!"

Removal of fat graft nodules - is the midface graft accessible without a full face lift or transconjuctival approach?

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Removal of fat graft nodules - is the midface graft accessible without a full face lift or transconjuctival approach?

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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.