Has anyone seen successful fat grafting to lips? I mean results that last over many years?

Fat grafting can definitely be both effective and permanent for the lips. The main issue with fat grafting is only about 40% of the fat survives forever. So you require an over injection which will give your lips an over done look for the first month really.

Often patients say they liked the overdone look ( I am conservative with this so maybe that has a play) but if that is the case the answer is a second fat grafting session. It is better to build slowly as fat is difficult to take out of the lips.

Hope this helps.

Best of luck,



DrC

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry that your surgical results were unanticipated.  Fat grafting can be successfully performed in the lips to offer a more permanent solution, but because of your recent procedure I would allow at least 6 months to pass before entertaining any additional treatment in order to allow the tissues to return to normal - soft, elastic, and without swelling.  You may then want to consider lip filler to determine the exact amount of fat that you will need transferred to give you your desired look.  It often takes several treatment sessions to reach a lip level that you like.  Be sure to see an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon in consultation.  

So sorry you are having this problem. I have been grafting fat to the lips for augmentation for years and I have found this technique useful, satisfying and reasonably permanent.  Studies demonstrate 35%-60% of fat grafted to the face lasts permanently, and I have observed similar results, but take varies among individuals. The procedure can be done under local anesthesia in the office, and takes about one hour. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Fat grafting is one of the solutions to make your lips fuller permanently. The trick is that they do not stay as full as they are right after the procedure since fat dissolves so after some time your lips will shrink by 50-70 %. Usually with fat grafting is better do build it up slowly, start with smaller amounts and then have touchups every few months. Another permanent option are lip implants. Good luck! 

Since you are still early in your recovery from your surgery, I recommend waiting at least 6 months to evaluate your results before undergoing another procedure,  By waiting, you will allow the natural healing process to take place and swelling to resolve to more accurately evaluate your result.  Fat grafting can provide more fullness to your lip as a more permanent option, however you may want to consider an injectable filler treatment to your lips first to precisely visualize the volume necessary for your desired result.