Is face fat transfer reversible?

Question

Hello, I had a face fat grafting for acne scars done a year ago. Now my face is very wide from the fat transferx I was told from a dermatologist that the fat will eventually dissolve. Is this true? Thanks you

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is a question that many people have.  The short answer is yes.  Weight gain is certainly a contributing factor to the enlargement of fat after transfer.  In absence of weight gain, hormonal changes can also play a role.  What ever the cause, fat can be liposuction out of the face with a very small cannulas.  These are called micro cannulas.  This is the best option.  The fat really will not dissolve, but it can be removed physically.  I recommend going to an experienced plastic surgeon.

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. Initially, some of the fat transferred to the face is resorbed. However, the fat that ultimately survives (50-70%) stays for life. Micro-liposuction to the areas of the face where fat was transferred can treat your issue. I wish you the best of luck. Vasileios Vasilakis, MD. Double board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Houston. TX.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This needs an in-person evaluation. A combination of 5/FU steroids, lasers, microneedling/prp and radiofrequency can give improvement. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Acne scars are not treated with volume restoration.

Acne scars come from contractile scar tissue and do not represent a loss of volume.

After a few months whatever fat is there is permanently grafted in place and will not go away.

The only way to remove fat is to do some type of fat removal procedure typically Liposuction.  liposuction or any other fat removal procedure cannot differentiate native fat versus grafted fat.

I tend to steer people away from facial fat transfer because it is unpredictable and difficult to correct after the fact. For this reason I recommend patients stay with fillers which are predictable, precise and much more forgiving because they do eventually go away.

You didn’t post pictures so we can’t make an assessment. You’ll simply have to schedule consultations and find out firsthand what providers have to say.

When dermatologists reach for a sharp instrument sometimes wise to ask for a second opinion.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Is face fat transfer reversible?

Answers (4)

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