To go for fat grafting or not: Why do some doctors warn against fat grafting under eyes and some agree to do it?

Question

There are some very contradictive views among the doctors on this matter. Is someone able to explain why?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your good question. While fat grafting can offer more durable results, it can also be more unpredictable than fillers. If it is not injected properly in this delicate area, it can lead to lumpiness that is very difficult to correct. Only very experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons should perform fat grafting in this area. Fillers tend to produce smoother, more consistent results overall, even though you will need to repeat the procedure periodically to maintain your results.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

fat can be used well for under eyes, and full facial volumization with fillers to fine tune.  I suggest seeing an expert.
 I would suggest a combination approach of for facial rejuvenation:
1) skin care with products and PRP/microneedling
2) PDT light therapy few times a month with growth factors
3) laser treatments like clear and brilliant regularly and a few times a year Fraxel, Viva, Co2/Erbium
4) Sculptra injections a few times a year for collagen production with fillers like juvederm/restylane/belotero/radiesse/bellafill
5) thermage/ultherapy for yearly skin tightening with or without PDO or cone based instalift threads for lifting
6) botox every 2-3 months to stop movement lines and prevent lines at rest
7) deep microneedling RF like Fractora/morpheus8 for tightening of the skin
Best, Dr. Emer.

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

Fat grafting is fairly permanent ( usually lasts many years) and so if it is not done smoothly or too much is added fixing a problem can be challenging. On the other hand fillers which are more commonly used can occasionally cause chronic swelling due to fluid in the tissues (edema) which is resistant to treatment.  Filler is also not as “soft” and often doesn’t look completely smooth.I have done fat grafting underneath the eyes in hundreds of patients over 15 years and feel confident that it gives excellent results but experience and optimization of technique has made a huge difference in the consistency of my results.  Choose an experienced surgeon.

Timothy A. Janiga, MD, FACS · Answer

Fat grafting underneath the eyes can be challenging but quite beneficial because it can provide long lasting volume enhancement.  It is important to have a surgeon that has vast experience with fat grafting.  Fat grafting that is done poorly can be difficult to repair.  It is important to be conservative in this area. I have performed hundreds of fat grafting procedures with excellent results.  Take care.Timothy A. Janiga MD, FACS

Mark T. Boschert, MD · Answer

The procedure itself done well works fantastic. The reason that you get different responses is different surgeons have different comfort levels and abilities. I would go see someone who is comfortable with the procedure and they will likely be the ones were getting great results with it. Best of luck! Dr. Boschert

To go for fat grafting or not: Why do some doctors warn against fat grafting under eyes and some agree to do it?

Answers (8)

Answer: Fat grafting

Answer: Fat grafting

Answer: Fat grafting

Answer: Fat grafting

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Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

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To go for fat grafting or not: Why do some doctors warn against fat grafting under eyes and some agree to do it?

Answers (8)

Answer: Fat grafting

Answer: Fat grafting

Answer: Fat grafting

Answer: Fat grafting

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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.