Facelift, fat transfer, or filler? (Photo)

Question

Should I wait a few years for a facelift or go with a fat transfer for the lines in my face? I have been advised to stay away from fillers as they tend to migrate and may cause problems in the future for facelifts and vision. How would you treat my face to look more plump? I’m 25

Timothy M. Rankin, MD, FACS · Answer

You are young and healty and have a long time to go before needing a facelift. There are certain contours that can be genetic and not necessarily age associated as you are experiencing. While I usually reserve facial fat transfers for the aging face, there are some arguments to be made for malar grooves and nano fat for dark circles. I think you're on the right track that. Fillers can be a good tool for the right indication. I don't think there is anything wrong with having filler placed for a malar groove to see if you like the extra volume. If the answer is yes, then doing a fat transfer to the cheek/ undereye area may be a great option for you.

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Thank you for your question and sharing your photograph.

Moderation is often the key to success and volume augmentation is one of the areas of application of this principle.

Small amount of fat transfer can be useful but you can also consider sculpting the shape of the face by adding volume in the front of the cheek in small amounts and possibly in the labio-mandibular lines in combination with buccal fat reduction.

3D imaging and computer simulation can help you to evaluate delivered better the impact of such changes and understand whether it is a direction you wish to pursue.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You are too young for a facelift. Fat injections will make your face heavier and probably won’t last anyway.  I think you need fat removed from your face. Buccal fat removal is an option

William Portuese, MD · Answer

At age 25, you certainly do not need a facelift. Fat injections are very inconsistent, we usually don't recommend them. For a temporary augmentation of the mid-face, you can consider placement of fillers in the cheeks. For a permanent solution, you can consider cheek implants performed under a brief general anesthesia.

Facelift, fat transfer, or filler? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Facelift, fat, transfer, cheek implants or filler

Answer: Facelift, fat, transfer, cheek implants or filler

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Everything you need to know about Facelift

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Facelift, fat transfer, or filler? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Facelift, fat, transfer, cheek implants or filler

Answer: Facelift, fat, transfer, cheek implants or filler

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.