Can fat transfer be reversed?

Question

I have had fat transfer in my face over a year ago now and I am still not happy with it. There is too much fat in my cheeks and in the bucal area which look like pocket of fat when I speak

Michael Law, MD · Answer

Fat Transfer results that are unsatisfactory can be addressed. But it is a challenging procedure. It is never wise to over-correct with fat grafting. The results can be too full, lumpy and unnatural looking. There are some plastic surgeons who seem to overfill the lower face and lips, leaving female patients with a somewhat masculine look.It would be very helpful for a plastic surgeon to have access to your medical records to determine exactly what has been injected and where. In some cases when people have a distorted result, it is sometimes because a material other than fat has been used to fill the face. Fat grafting can in some cases be performed with mild sedation and it has a shorter recovery than many other facial rejuvenation surgeries. But it is a surgical procedures. Patients must find a plastic surgeon who has hospital privileges to perform fat grafting with extensive experiences and many, many before and after photos as examples of their successful outcomes.

Michael Constantin Gartner, DO · Answer

Unfortunately, it's hard to reverse the effects of  fat transfer especially be so long after your treatment. Please return to your surgeon to discuss a revision. Liposuction, additional fat added, or injectable fillers may help.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is very difficult to reverse fat transfer if you are unhappy.  Liposuction to the area or steroid injections with or without 5-FU can help decrease localized areas.  Sometimes additional fillers around the area to camouflage your area of concern is better than doing anything for the fat transferred area.  I have had some success with fractionated laser or radiofrequency lasers with microneedling and PRP to problem areas.  I suggest speaking to an expert in filler injections, specifically someone who does a significant amount of fat transfer.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

no fat transfers cannot be reversed. you may want to have a consultation to speak with a doctor to see what other options you can have

Walton Montegut, MD · Answer

This is a good question.  Fat Transfer can be reversed in most cases.  There are several methods that may be utilized and each case is different.  There is no Standardization of the procedure therefore the results vary from surgeon to surgeon.  many surgeons Over Inject because they feel resorption occurs.  Henceforth, this type of result can occur.  The patient usually feels as if the face is too full, or puffy.  They just want their face back.it can be removed and I perform it several ways.  Sometime a conservative approach is utilized with Micro Liposuction.  Sometimes the face needs to be opened as in a Face & Neck Lift and the Fat can be visualized and removed.  Each case is taken individually depending on which part of the Face is over injected.  Usually, most of it cane be removed for a improved result.With the new addition of Kybella, this is being utilized as well.  However, it takes multiple treatments and is not Exact.  It is a topical injection and results may varyI hope this helps.

Andrew Kornstein, MD, FACS · Answer

If fat grafting was done properly, eg without significant scarring, yes it can be reduced.SImple lipoplasty(under anesthesia) or Ultherapy,  both can reduce fat grafting regionally.Best of luck

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I'm learning quite a bit from reading the other doctors' responses.Depending on where the grafted fat was placed, how much and what your face looks like determines if it can be removed.It's possible to liposuction the cheeks. Care must be taken because injuries to glands, nerves, muscles and blood vessels can occur with facial liposuction.I do not recommend steroid injections. They can be unpredictable and, while rare, cause massive fat atrophy, leading to grotesque disfigurements.Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.

Maan Kattash, MD, FRCS, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

You are over a year out. Most of the injected fat now is scarred in and will be hard to remove. Steroid injections may help in dissolving some. I may recommend that you seek the opinion of an experienced facial plastic surgeon for evaluation and advice.

Can fat transfer be reversed?

Answers (8)

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