Fat Transfer- What are the chances of survival in the under-eye hollow region?

Question

Ive had fat transfer dne to the undereye hollows apprx 10yrs ago. Lng stry shrt; the fat did not survive & was bak to square 1. Futher, I noticed tht some of the fat had went towards my cheeks, & made my cheek/cheekbnes look bgger (which wasnt part of the plan & I already had big cheeks as it is, so for a guy safe to say it didnt look good) Question: If I do this again, wat are the chances of fat survival & not going towards my cheeks again? PS. did Rystelline & lookng for permanent substitute

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry to hear that your previous experience was not good.  Fat does not move after it is placed, so my conclusion would be that previously your surgeon initially placed the fat along your cheeks at the time of fat transfer.   In the last several years the technique of fat transfer under the eyes has improved greatly with the use of very fine cannulas.  A very small amount of fat is needed, and in my experience can last several years, but will not be permanent: with the aging process some fat is lost.  Since fat does not go away, it is much better to slightly undercorrect than over correct.

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear simk420,

In general, fat transfer performed for a loss of volume and
sunken undereye is usually very successful. 
Survival rates vary, depending on the literature and the experience of
the physician performing on the procedure, but 30% to 60% of the fat
transferred can expect to survive.  Of
course, it is important to assure that structural fat grafting is performed in
such a way that that fat does not migrate or drift to more inferior aspects of
the face.  The way fat grafting in a
modern way is performed, this would be very unlikely.

Seeking the consultation expertise of a surgeon performing
fat grafting for many years would be my best advice and the option you did
mention, just using simple hyaluronic acid sugar gels such as Restylane® once
every seven to eight months, is also a reasonable option, as this is
reversible.

For more information, please review the link below.

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

Sincerely,

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

Fat Transfer- What are the chances of survival in the under-eye hollow region?

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Fat Transfer- What are the chances of survival in the under-eye hollow region?

Answers (2)

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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.