Visible ridge after Fat Transfer to tear trough. What to do? Help!

Question

I had a fat transfer to my tear troughs 9 days ago. As of 2 days ago, I developed a hardened area just below where I would've expected the fat to have been placed. Under one eye, the bump is a hardened ridge following the contour of the trough (though just below it). It's visible and I'm freaking out. Doctor said to give it time, it's just swelling. I'm worried. This procedure was ancillary to another and I don't even mind if I reverse the graft completely rather than have bumps. What can I do?

Payman Danielpour, MD, FACS · Answer

It's best to wait it out and let your body heal. See your surgeon and follow his recommendations

Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS · Answer

Since you are only 9 days post fat transfer, it is still too early to tell what will happen. Understand that the first 2 weeks, the bumps and ridges will settle down tremendously and then over the next few months, the fat settles further and by 6months, you will see the full effects of the fat transfer. Be patient, follow up with your surgeon and take heart in the fact that its too early to be anxious about ridges and bumps that will likely improve over time.

Michael Law, MD · Answer

I know this is very frustrating, but this is very early. Stay in very close contact with your plastic surgeon's office and try to be patient.  Your plastic surgeons office will help you to understand the changes taking place. Sometimes, just after a dy to two, the changes can be remarkable.

Mark Mandell-Brown, MD · Answer

Best to trust your doctor.   Be patient   Give it 3 or 4 more weeks.  Massage can also help with a mild cream on your finger to help glide over the area .   We use Vitamin E cream.

Andrew Kornstein, MD, FACS · Answer

At this juncture post-op, the best course of action is to wait and trust your surgeon.I can imagine your anxiety and concern, however, doing something now may alter a perfectly good result.I would suggest seeing how the ridge does over the next few days(getting better, or not?) and then asking about suggestions to help diminish the swelling..........In the end, fat grafts can always be remedied---sometime without surgery and sometimes requiring surgery.Hope this helps..................

Visible ridge after Fat Transfer to tear trough. What to do? Help!

Answers (5)

Answer: Fat transfer

Answer: Fat transfer

Answer: Visible ridge adjacent to tear trough

Answer: Visible ridge adjacent to tear trough

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Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

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Visible ridge after Fat Transfer to tear trough. What to do? Help!

Answers (5)

Answer: Fat transfer

Answer: Fat transfer

Answer: Visible ridge adjacent to tear trough

Answer: Visible ridge adjacent to tear trough

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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.