Can you I reverse fat grafting in my cheeks?

Question

I had facial fat grafting 4 months ago & I'm very unhappy with the results. My face is too full & one side is bigger than the other. It looks like a have a "speed bump" running down the center of my bigger cheek. Also, the corners of my mouth turn downward like a constant frown. Is that normal? Can I have the fat removed? I've had steroid shots 3 times in an attempt to get my cheeks to go down but very little change.

Ivan Wayne, MD · Answer

I am sorry to
hear about your problems following fat grafting. I have been doing fat grafting
for facial rejuvenation for 12 years now and find it one of the most rewarding
procedures for both the patient and myself. It does require the surgeon to have
some awareness of facial aesthetics and the changes that occur with age as well
being very careful with technique.I have treated
several patients that were unhappy with their results performed by other
surgeons. I have not seen great success with steroid shots because the fat is
pretty tough and I worry that the shots may cause problems in the skin
overlying the grafts. What I have found useful is micro-liposuction with very
small precise cannulas. This is done in the office with local anesthetic,
carefully removing excess fat. It often will have to be repeated several times
and we often will do corrective fat grafting after the fact to give the patient
the best cosmetic result. At four months
you may not have given the fat enough time to smooth out as there is a lot of
resorption of fat following grafting (usually around 60%), so there may be some
improvement moving forward.Good luck and I hope
this helps.Dr. Wayne

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

5fu/steroids, and aggressive RF treatments can sometimes help.  Liposuction of the face is dangerous, kybella can be tried.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I am sorry that your results have not been what you anticipated.  Fat grafting can be reversed either by careful liposuction or direct excision of the fat, as steroid injections are more useful for treating swelling but not fat accumulation.  Hope this helps.

Walton Montegut, MD · Answer

This is a good question.  Fat can be removed from areas that is was injected into, and each patient is taken individually.  
I utilize 2 different approaches for this problem.  The 1st is a conservative approach using micro-liposuction.  This is a conservative approach and utilized in areas of the face where a small amount of fat needs to be removed.  The fat can be visualized through the skin and discreet lumps can be palpated.  This can be performed in the office utilizing local anesthesia.  Again, each patient is unique and considered individually.  the good news it can be removed.The second technique is to access the fat via a facelift approach.  In this method, a facelift type incision is utilized and the injected fat can be visualized within the face.  The injected fat can be discerned within the face from the normal anatomical layers within the face. This method is necessary when the cheeks are involved and there is asymmetry to the face.  Lastly, I would not recommend Kenalog injections or steroids of any kind.  Fat that is transferred achieves vascularity and lives as fat and becomes new lining tissue in your face.  It is an integral part of your face now and must be treated as such.
I hope this helps.  Good Luck

Robert Brueck, MD · Answer

You could proably have your doctor suction some of the fat out on the side that is bigger and since you are only 4 months out it will get smoother with time.

Can you I reverse fat grafting in my cheeks?

Answers (7)

Answer: Fat Transfer Reversal

Answer: Fat Transfer Reversal

Answer: Too much fat

Answer: Too much fat

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Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

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Can you I reverse fat grafting in my cheeks?

Answers (7)

Answer: Fat Transfer Reversal

Answer: Fat Transfer Reversal

Answer: Too much fat

Answer: Too much fat

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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.