Micro-liposuction to reverse fat gratfing to cheeks? Recovery time for results? (photo)

Question

I'm near 3 months post op and I still look like the same before the micro-liposuction. I don't see changes ( volume is the same like I did nothing ) Is it normal??? My doctor says that the inflamation occupied the place where some of the fat was before. But I read in some answers that the swelling resolves rather quickly in this procedure. So I'm confused. Thank you

Howard Webster, MBBS (Hons), FRACS · Answer

Hi there, I am pleased to be able to offer you some thoughts.I have years of experience in facial fat cell grafting and have seen I believe all the various outcome possibilities from the treatment. Overall it is an excellent procedure.Micro liposuction actually removes very little fat, as when the graft is done, a fibrous network is created in the tissues, and the grafted fat is quite "sticky". So, the procedure often is not very good at removing fat cells and can create more volume for a time than it removes, due to the post treatment inflammation and further fibrous tissue deposition caused by the microliposuction. It will continue to settle, so be patient, and may take a year.I have some positive experience with a method of accelerating the final result: The use of very low dose and diluted depot steroid injection.Technically, this is done as follows:  Sitting, and with forward gaze, the doctor marks the exact mid point of the cheek bulge, and checks for absolute symmetry of marking. A little local anaesthetic bleb is placed on those marks to make the injection painless. The doctor takes 1ml of depot steroid, and takes 0.05 ml of that steroid into a 1ml syringe. Add 0.25ml of saline for injection, so the total volume is 0.3ml for injection.The doctor then injects straight into the highest point of the cheek bulge, placing the whole 0.3 ml in a single exactly symmetric spot deep down right on the bone. NOT near the skin, or irregularity may result.This will, over 4 weeks, noticeably reduce the volume through it's anti inflammatory effect. High doses can cause fat atrophy. We don't want this.It could be repeated no more often than every 2 months. No more frequently or you can overshoot.It's unlikely you'd need a second treatment. Understand that there will be natural reduction in volume anyway for up to a year as the fibrous tissue and inflammation reduces. Don't be impatient is my advice.Maybe chat with your doctor about this if you'd like. He or she will have their own views about it's wisdom.Regards,Howard WebsterPlastic Surgeon

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

stark9.    So sorry you’re having this problem but there are options. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your region to explore other treatment regimens. Best of luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Swelling will resolve in 3-6 months. If you're unhappy with fat grafting, a combination approach is needed. This requires liposuction and/or face lift with fat removal or repositioning. I find that small changes can be made with ultrasound, radiofrequency or kybella/mesotherapy/lipodissolve, or 5fu steroids. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Micro-liposuction to reverse fat gratfing to cheeks? Recovery time for results? (photo)

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Micro-liposuction to reverse fat gratfing to cheeks? Recovery time for results? (photo)

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