Is it true that fat can migration down and cause sagging after facial fat transfer?

Question

Hello, I’m 22 and have general volume loss in the face. Considering facial fat graft as it is permanent but I know it is high risk. But I’m wondering about the risks down the road. Say I get a fft and it goes great : 1 - Is it true fat can migrate down and cause sagging? 2- would I have to monitor weight really closely all the time? WHat about weight gain during menopause ? Would I still have the fat that far down the line? 3 - is it possible to get fat from calves? Or arms?

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

1) fat will migrate down just like how all of your tissues migrate down as you age. Thanks gravity! But fat will be no different than any other tissue on your face, like your natural facial fat, your skin, your muscles, etc.
2) It would be highly unusual to see significant fat growth if, for example, you were to suddenly gain a lot of weight after the surgery. It is possible to get fat loss if you undergo major weight loss because that fat will be broken down the same way fat anywhere in the body would be. Usually this is more of an issue if you are doing it very close to the time of surgery.
3) You can get fat from anywhere in the body.

Sharon Y. Giese, MD · Answer

No drift with fat grafting. It is permanent movement of fat cells, so if you gain or lose weight in the future the area will get bigger or smaller. I do not like fat graft to calves, implants are a more reliable and powerful solution.

Is it true that fat can migration down and cause sagging after facial fat transfer?

Answers (2)

More Facial Fat Transfer Questions

Is it true that fat can migration down and cause sagging after facial fat transfer?

Answers (2)

More Facial Fat Transfer Questions

I had facial fat transfer 5 months ago. My cheeks and jawline was overfilled and my face is now round and not oval (Photo)

Fat grafting with ultrasound for safety?

What to do about deep nasolabial folds and low cheeks? (Photos)