Bellafiill vs. fat transfer to face which will last longer?

Great question. I would recommend Bellafill as it lasts 5 years or longer depending on the patient. Bellafill is a collagen based filler that stimulates your own collagen so once the Bellafill has been processed by the body, the treated area still looks better than before these injections. Fat transfers are great however not all of the fat injected stays in the desired area, over time your body will naturally process and remove it. Fat transfer to the face is unpredictable as we are not sure how much fat will remain within the next few months.

This is a great question. Bellafill is composed of PMMA particles which stimulate collagen. The PMMA is not degradable by the body so the results are long lasting, probably permanent. Fat transfer requires a liposuction to remove fat and then the injections. The take of the fat is variable so it is common to have more than one procedure to get optimal results. The injections of the fat require larger cannulas/needles than does Bellafill because the fat will be harmed by the smaller instruments. Viability of the grafts has improved when using microfat and nanofat with PRP (high concentration) techniques. This is because the fat globules/aggregates are smaller and the ingrowth of new vasculature is better when the surface area to volume ratio is higher. The inner aspects of larger fat aggregates die because the vascularity isn't established soon enough. This is one of the many factors that account for poor take of a fat grafts. Other variables of excessive manipulation, possibly air exposure, and poor technique. In general, Bellafill is more reliable, and more precise than fat grafting. Cost will probably be less in the long run with fat grafting, but there will be more downtime with the fat grafting as well.