How long does a facial fat graft last?

While every patient is different, most fat grafts can last for up to 3 years in the face or longer. This is longer than any other dermal filler currently on the market. I typically perform a fat transfer procedure and freeze extra fat in a special freezer, which is a certified tissue bank.  We then perform enhancement injections with the frozen fat once per year or so for up to 3 years. With these enhancement injections in the office, your result will often last for years, often 5 years or longer.  However, only 40% of fat grafts tend to survive, which is why I usually add enhancements at regular intervals. Another advantage to facial fat grafts is that they are non-allergenic because your own fat is used. We do have to perform a mini-liposuction procedure in order to extract the fat, but this can be done under local anesthesia. Please find a board-certified dermatologist to find out if you are a candidate for facial fat grafting to restore volume and youth to your face and hands.

Facial fat grafting procedures have become very popular in the past few years, because, if done correctly, they can produce a subtle or dramatic result that is permanent.  Facial fat grafting tends to have a higher percentage of the fat survive than does grafting in other areas of the body.  Fat grafting permanence usually reveals itself in about 3 months in uncomplicated healing.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Good Morning, thank you for your question.  Fat grafting can be a great way to enhance or add volume to an area with a long lasting and, after full healing, a permanent result.  That being said, it often can involve more than one procedure to reach your goal (due to natural re-absorption of some of the fat after the procedure) and, as always, aging keeps happening.  Always consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goal safely and with a great, long lasting result.
Best of Luck,
Dr. K.