Swelling after fat grafting to the face and lips.When will I see me in the mirror?

Question

I am 8 days post surgery, under my eyes are still quite puffy and every color of the rainbow, purple, red, yellow etc, my lips look like duck lips. I look in the mirror and still do not see me, I wanted to still look like me just not a tired me, I love my Doctor and I hopeful that this is still just part of the healing process- my lips and weird and my smile has changed..He knows I just wanted a real natural appearance.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I appreciate your concern. Let me assure you that the swelling you are experiencing is quite common after a facial fat grafting procedure and can take a couple of weeks to subside. Keep in mind also that doctors tend to overfill a bit knowing a portion of the fat will resorb into the body. I encourage you to be patient with the process and you should start seeing improvement in your results very soon.

Kevin Sadati, DO · Answer

Swelling and bruising after fat grafting can last from 7-10 days. Your swelling and bruising should resolve soon. Best advise is to talk to your doctor.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Fat transfer takes weeks to settle down.  I suggest venus legacy treatments if you are concerned or oral diuretics.  at about 3-6 weeks you will see the swelling calmn down.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Elizabeth Whitaker, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for a great question and for sharing your experience. Fat transfer can certainly result it significant swelling and bruising initially, but this will resolve, and you will see yourself again!  Share your concerns with your surgeon as they can reassure you having seen other patients go through the a similar process.  I hope you find this helpful.Consult with a Board Certified Fellowship Trained Facial Plastic Surgery Specialist."This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Swelling and bruising goes along with fat transfer procedures and usually peak 2-3 days following the procedure then slowly goes down over days to weeks.

Gustavo A. Diaz, MD · Answer

It is normal at 8 days to be swollen from fat grafting to the lips. Please make sure that you are following the instructions of your surgeon. If you have any questions, plese contact him ASAP.Hope this helps,Dr. Gus Diaz

Traci Temmen, MD · Answer

Being only 8 days out from your procedure you still have a very large amount of swelling that will slowly subside. Do not worry about the puffiness right now, either. In order to be able to achieve the patient's desired fullness with a fat graft, a significant amount of fat must be transferred expecting that a large percentage of the transferred tissue will not engraft and will be absorbed by the body. Be gentle with the area as the grafting process is delicate.Traci Temmen, MD

Frederick G. Weniger, MD, FACS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is normal to still be swollen at this time, and will start going away little by little.  If you have any concerns talk with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon at your follow ups.

Stacey Folk, MD · Answer

Dear jbettarel,There can be quite a bit of early swelling and bruising immediately after fat injections, and then is will take at least 3-4 months for the fat to partially dissolve leaving around 30% of the volume that was placed. I warn patients that they will most likely hate their lips for the first couple of weeks,and if they like them right away I know we will probably be back for more or some filler in the future. Try to stay positive, use your arnica and bromelain for the bruising, and get a little creative with the make up. A little foundation on the lips with a lighter gloss which can downplay them until the swelling subsides.Hang in there!

Lily Lee, MD · Answer

There is no doubt that fat grafting causing more than normal amount of post op swelling. In fact, if patients are "happy" with their appearance during the first week, I know that long term, they will likely not be satisfied with the amount of volume fill that they get from fat grafting. It is a good idea to discuss this with your surgeon, but rest assured that swelling will come down dramatically -- it is just slower after fat grafting. What I would not do (before discussing it with your surgeon) is massage it like crazy hoping to get the swelling down. You don't want to kill the precious fat cells that have just started to engraft.

Swelling after fat grafting to the face and lips.When will I see me in the mirror?

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Answers (11)

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