Want to fix nasolabial folds - Would fat grafting be the best solution? (photos)

Question

I want to permanently fix my nasolabial folds without using fillers. Would fat grafting be the best solution? Im being told that it would be best to get the fat transfer to my cheeks. Or would it be best to get a face lift along with the fat transfer?

Jeffrey Lisiecki, MD · Answer

Yes, fat grafting is a great and long-lasting way to reduce nasolabial folds, and based on your photograph you look like you would be a good candidate for this.  Whether you would be benefit from a facelift in addition to fat grafting depends on what your other facial concerns are in addition to the nasolabial folds.

Just a couple of words of advice--nothing is permanent when it comes to facial aging.  You continue to lose facial fat with age, so at some point down the road, nasolabial folds will deepen again and you may want further treatment to these areas.  Furthermore, the goal is always to reduce nasolabial folds, not eliminate them completely.  Completely eliminating a nasolabial fold would leave you looking very strange and not like yourself.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  Fat grafting is a good alternative to fillers.  But if you lose weight or gain weight, that same effect can be seen anywhere you put fat. A lower face lift can get the result you are looking for, but nothing is permanent.   As you age gravity and skin laxity will take it toll.  Schedule a consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Jonathan Landon, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! By doing fat grafting to the cheeks you could get a subtle lift in the mid and lower face, thus smoothing out the nasolabial folds to an extent. This is absolutely a good option to take, alternatively you could have the fat graft placed directly in the area of the nasolabial folds to smooth them out without effecting the rest of the facial structure. Based on the picture you provided, a face lift would be premature if the only issue you are having is with the nasolabial folds. As always, it would be best to seek out an in-office consult with a plastic surgeon to best evaluate what procedures and techniques would best work for you and your desired aesthetic goals. Hope this helps!

Mary-Margaret Kober, MD · Answer

Facial fat grafting, also known as facial fat transfer, is a cosmetic procedure where fat is harvested from one part of the body and then injected into specific areas of the face to enhance volume and contour. It is an excellent option to address the nasolabial folds as well as provide full facial rejuvenation. 
Since we are injecting your own fat cells, facial fat grafting leads to a natural-looking outcome as the transferred fat integrates with the surrounding tissues. Compared to certain dermal fillers that might need to be repeated every few months or years, properly integrated fat grafts can provide long-lasting results. While not all of the transferred fat may survive, a significant portion can become a permanent part of the treated area. Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that fat grafting can improve the quality of overlying skin. The regenerative properties of fat stem cells often contribute to better skin texture and appearance in the treated area. Finally, facial fat grafting offers a holistic approach. Instead of simply addressing a single concern, facial fat grafting offers a more comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation. It can address multiple aspects of facial aging, such as volume loss and wrinkles, in one procedure. 
From your photo, I think facial fat grafting would offer a natural, long term solution to address your nasolabial folds as well as volume loss in the cheeks and around the mouth. However, it is important to see a provider in person for a full consultation and to see if this procedure is truly right for you.
-Dr. Maggie Kober

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

At the time being it does not look like we have solved a problem of NLF. Dynamic nature of this condition, constant movement of perioral muscles and lips, resorption of bones underneath, loss of fat volume, are some of the reasons for NLF occurance. In our experience, fat grafting is not any better or longer lasting than fillers which are our gold standard. Hope this helps.

Want to fix nasolabial folds - Would fat grafting be the best solution? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Facial fat grafting would offer a natural, long term solution

Answer: Facial fat grafting would offer a natural, long term solution

Answer: Correction of nasolabial folds

Answer: Correction of nasolabial folds

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Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

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Want to fix nasolabial folds - Would fat grafting be the best solution? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Facial fat grafting would offer a natural, long term solution

Answer: Facial fat grafting would offer a natural, long term solution

Answer: Correction of nasolabial folds

Answer: Correction of nasolabial folds

Browse related questions

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.