Fat transfer to cheeks and lower eyes. Is this swelling and will go away or it is the fat and will remain like this? (photo)

Question

Hi... I did fat transfer to my ckeeks bone and to my lower eyes... its my 10 days , my ckeeks are alittle bit dawn the swelling is better , but there is swelling under my eyes which make me look like a diffrent person.  And my eyes get so puffy spically when I wake up in the morning.

Paul Lanfranchi, DO, FAOCOO · Answer

It's in my experience that of all the facial procedures that are commonly performed (fat grafting, facelift, blepharoplasty etc.), fat grafting swelling takes the longest to resolve. All of my patients who have lower eye fat grafting are advised to expect some significant swelling (and distortion) for two weeks before it starts to look even "normal" again.  Understand that the lower eye tissue is very sensitive to swelling (even from just sleeping and allergies for example) and placing the fat does create a good amount of trauma to the area.Thus the fact that you are still not looking even close to normal is to be expected. I think it is good advice to take photos of yourself twice a week to see how the swelling is resolving.  If you take them every day (and compare day to day) you may not notice significant improvements.Obviously you should bring all of your concerns to your plastic surgeon and be sure they clarify what the expectations for healing are currently, but also for the next few weeks and months.Best,Doc L

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

It is possible to still be swollen 4 weeks after fat transfer.  However, the tear troughs are not an area into which much fat is injected.   Fat transfer to the tear troughs works very well if done correctly as this is an extremely vascular area.  It should not be overfilled, and only a small amount injected.  You may always need additional fat grafting, but the amount that establishes a vascular supply will continue to live permanently. You will know how much of the fat will survive at about 6 weeks but it could take as long as 3 months. Hopefully, you have visited your plastic surgeon to assess for bruising or fluid collection.  He or she should be able to give you a better idea. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, swelling is typical after fat transfer and can last 3-6 months. I recommend prp to help improve final results. Icing the area, predisone, ibuoprofen and venus legacy treatments can help reduce swelling. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question! Looking at your photos, it is extremely evident that you are very early in your recovery. Give your bruising and swelling time to come down. You won't see a final result for 3-6 months post-op with this kind of procedure. Continue to follow your doctor's instructions and be patient. Good luck!

Daniel Lensink, MD · Answer

You can relax! It will be months before you know your final result. There is ALMOST ALWAYS lumpiness and fullness this soon after any surgical procedure. Wait till well into the fall to worry about such things.

Omeed Memar, MD, PhD (license suspended) · Answer

The swelling you show is totally  normal. It will take a few weeks, 2-3 weeks to settle. Bruising can last 10 days. Avoid salty foods and anything that thins your blood like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, high dose vitamin E, some Chinese herbs, etc.

Fat transfer to cheeks and lower eyes. Is this swelling and will go away or it is the fat and will remain like this? (photo)

Answers (6)

More Facial Fat Transfer Questions

Massage after fat transfer?

How do I get back to my old look and fix the fat/muscle loss on parts of my face? (Photos)

Can a fat transfer be done to the head/skull for flat head?

Filler in my tear trough area or a fat transfer ? Woman, 21 with undereye fat loss. (Photo)

In Free Fat Transfer /Stem Cell phalloplasty procedures, what is the best method to increase fat survival?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS