Trying to find information about a facial fat transfer. When used in cheeks to fix volume loss, does it decrease laugh lines?

Question

I want to know how long does it last? Are the results permanent? I get different answers, some people say it lasts for many years and others say it only lasts one year. When a facial fat transfer is done in the cheeks to fix volume loss, does it also help decrease the appearance of laugh lines?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Though an autologous fat transfer is ideal for restoring volume to the face, dermal filler is the ideal solution for treating lines on the face. A facial fat transfer or filler injection treatment can also be combined with RF microneedling to enhance the results. 
RF microneedling can diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face by increasing the body’s natural elastin and collagen production. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon or injector who can answer any questions you may have and suggest the best treatment option for you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend fillers to soften the nasolabial folds themselves and also lift around the mouth and cheeks to build underlying anatomical support. In our practice we combine Sculptra with other fillers "layered" on top and lasers, skin tightening treatments such as Thermage, Fractora, and Renuvion (J Plasma), thread lifting,  and peels to get the most conservative, natural look. I suggest seeing a facial sculpting expert for a formal consultation. Best, Dr. Emer

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

A substantial amount of grafted or transferred fat will die within the first three months. At that point the results our permanent and will not change at all. I don’t think that there is much change a year after the procedure. The fat will either survive or it will not survive based on if it obtains an in growth of blood vessels within the first week. This is the critical time that determines if the fat stays alive or does not. The fact that does not reestablish a new blood supply called neovascularization will need to be absorbed by your body and this takes a couple of months. The survival of fat is based on primarily techniques used and the abundance of host tissue to support the graft.

I would not count and cheek fat transfer to illuminate nasal labial folds or laugh lines.  Facial fat transfer is slightly unpredictable and a bit complicated. It’s in precise in comparison to the use of fillers and fillers are very forgiving and very predictable.

Fillers is the way to go four low risk high impact results that can be modified and changed with second treatment overtime until patients are extremely happy with the outcome. Removing previously grafted fat is very complicated and sometimes requires open surgery.  when patients are unhappy with fat transfer it can be very challenging to correct the outcome.

The advantage is permanence.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Trying to find information about a facial fat transfer. When used in cheeks to fix volume loss, does it decrease laugh lines?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

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Trying to find information about a facial fat transfer. When used in cheeks to fix volume loss, does it decrease laugh lines?

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.