Can a facial fat graft be done before double jaw surgery?

Question

Would the fat sag or drop down? So I have been contemplating this for a bit. I want to get fat grafting done to my face and then I will have a double jaw surgery approximately 1 year after. The thing I am worried about is the fat dropping down after jaw surgery. I feel like the new fat will somewhat dislocate and drop down to my neck or become Jowls. Is this possible at all?

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Jaw alignment will create  change in your face that will affect relationship between nose, lips and jaws to a significant degree. It would be better to perform bone (jaw) surgery first and follow with soft tissue adjustment including fat grafting if needed. Good luck.

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

Facial fat grafting is a wonderful technique when performed appropriately that can help fill and contour an otherwise deflated or asymmetric face.  Most fat injectors would advise against fat grafting prior to having jaw surgery and I would concur.  However, you can certainly have fat grafting a year before your jaw surgery as you can enjoy the results of your fat grafting for a full year but absolutely plan on having to undergo a second fat grafting procedure to contour your face and add more fat to areas such as your midface which will likely require a second procedure.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

While you can have fat grafting before, I suggest speaking to your surgeon about the recommended timeline. I recommend you have fat grafting after jaw surgery. Keep in mind, fat transfer technique is what is important for successful fat transfer. 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

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I recommend that you complete all your surgery prior to any cosmetic procedures of the face, including fat grafting. The shape of your lower face will most likely change somewhat after the jaw surgery and it is at this time that you should be evaluated for any cosmetic procedures, if needed or desired. At that time, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. Good luck.

Frederick G. Weniger, MD, FACS, MBA · Answer

I would recommend having your jaw surgery performed prior to fat grafting to the face. When fat grafting is performed it is grafted into a matrix of tissue that doesn't allow it to move, spread, etc. So the issue would not be that the fat would physically move, or sag. The concern is that once you have any surgery performed on your face, shape can change and areas you might want/need the fat now, are not areas you want/need it after surgery. Good luck and best wishes!

Can a facial fat graft be done before double jaw surgery?

Answers (5)

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