Fat injections to the face: does the fat stay for over 3-10 years?

Question

Fat transfer might look great for up to 2 years. But it is expensive procedure, thus I'd like to get evidence based knowledge that does it really stay and start living in the spot where it was injected? Is it really a safe procedure. Why there is no true evidence base for this? I can see patient of TJM in San Francisco has few reviews up. First she has over stuffed look and 5 years after it looks like none of it stayed and its only the tight skin left from the aggressive facelift (sidepull).

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Fat transfer results are permanent.  Keep in mind, fat transfer technique is important for successful fat transfer. I recommend water-assisted fat harvesting which gives pure fat to transfer and combine with platelet rich plasma (PRP) to get the most viable and sustainable fat cells. I combine with Sculptra to improve final results. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Lissa Bootstaylor, MD · Answer

A fat transfer typically results in long-lasting fullness. However, because a portion of the transferred fat will be reabsorbed into the body over time, some of the results may diminish. In most cases about 30% of the initial volume is lost. When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, a fat transfer can result in an enhanced appearance that can last for years. While some of the fat will be reabsorbed back into the body, a skilled fat transfer expert will understand the proper mechanism behind creating a result that will last. 
Also please keep in mind your diet, exercise and aging will have an effect on the longevity of your results.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

fat transfer gives permanent volume and Hance meant. There’s ample scientific evidence that this is the case. The percentage of fat that survives is highly variable on a multitude of factors. If you do a search for scientific literature you should not having difficulty finding good scientific articles proving these things. Grafted fat requires and then growth of blood vessels to survive. This is called neovascularization and happens during the first two weeks after tissue transfer. Grafted fat requires and then growth of blood vessels to survive. This is called neovascularization and happens during the first two weeks after tissue transfer. This is no different than grafting of other tissues like skin graft, bone graft or cartilage graft.  All of these drafts survive in their new place because capillaries revascularized the tissue. The fat that’s not  become revascularized well eventually atrophy and I need to go to rehab sorption. This process takes a few months not several years.  The result of facial fat transfer at six months is final or very close to final. 3 to 5 years after a procedure patients will naturally have gained changes from the aging process.  I suggest a few in person consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons who have ample experience with this procedure. They can explain in more detail on this process works. I’ll surgical procedures have risks involved. Fat transfer to the face is relatively safe. By far the most common complication is an undesirable outcome from over treatment. Fat transfer is not nearly as predictable as using fillers. Because of this many plastic surgeons will steer their patience towards fillers rather than fat transfer. Best,Mats Hagstrom M.D.

Fat injections to the face: does the fat stay for over 3-10 years?

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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.

Fat injections to the face: does the fat stay for over 3-10 years?

Answers (3)

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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.