Fat transfer to face vs Radiesse ?

Question

What are the rules to go by before you get either one done. Does one need to avoid certain food, vitamins and or alcohol before either procedure and for how long. Also can you have both procedures done within how much time.

Jamil Asaria, MD · Answer

Both of the procedures that you mention, fat grafting and injectable fillers, have pros and cons. Fat grafting is a permanent solution and a much larger quantity of volume replacement is possible. The procedure does take significant recovery (two to three weeks) before the bruising and swelling have settled. Radiesse can be injected during an office visit, and most of the time, there is no downtime. It helps to hold things which can cause more bruising such as Aspirin, NSAIDS, alcohol, etc. a few days before and after the procedure.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your post. I would agree w/ the other surgeons here that, as long as you are in good health and avoid any medications that may cause more bleeding/bruising, you could choose either treatment. The nice thing about the filler products like Radiesse is that you can pull it "off the shelf" and inject it for the patient in about 15-30 minutes. The fat transfer procedure, obviously, is more involved and also more expensive. I tend to like the results of the fat transfer better than w/ the filler products because it is more soft and natural, and improvements in the quality of the skin afterward are well-documented. Consider the pros & cons and make the choice that suits you the best. Good luck

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

As long as you are not on any medications that can cause bleeding, either procedure can be done without any special considerations. Radiesse is an office procedure while fat grafting is a surgical procedure done in an operating room.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I  want my patients to avoid blood thinners if at all possible.  This will cause more bruising and potential issues.

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear flightrisk,

Fat transfer to the face generally requires a minor operating
room experience where the fat is harvested, prepared, purified and injected.  Some physicians may require having nothing to
eat or drink on the day of that procedure, whereas others would perform it
under local anesthesia with no dietary restrictions.  Whether it’s a soft tissue filler that
doesn’t require an operation such as Radiesse, Voluma, Restylane or Sculptra or
fat transfer medications that excessively thin the blood such as Coumadin or
Warfarin and Plavix should be avoided.

Fat transfers autogenous procedure for volume shaping of the
face and is generally injected deep. 
Stem cells usually included with the fat grafting and long-term results
can be achieved although the fat derived stem cells must pick up the blood supply
in order to be successful. Sometimes the Radiesse does not stimulate a host
collagen response and occasionally patients can be disappointed with the volume
restoration or align management.  Other
volumizers that do not require a host response such as Juvederm and Voluma,
Restylane and Perlane, as well as Teoxane can be quite successful, as well.

There are many options for soft tissue filling and many
indications for fillers themselves. 
Seeking the consultation of an expert in both long-term gel soft tissue
fillers, particulate such as Radiesse and fat grafting will give you the most
well-rounded and balanced approach to selecting the right filler for the right
indication.

I hope this information has been of some assistance and best
of luck.

For more information, please review the link below.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

Fat transfer to face vs Radiesse ?

Answers (5)

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