Remove or dissolve fat after fat transfer to face?

Question

I had fat transfer to my face 5 days ago. I know I have to wait to have all the swell go out but the problem that fat was injected in my bottom cheeks in very big quantity without having any fat injected @ the top cheeks! So I look horrible! I read that steroids can dissolve fat! What type of steroids exactly work this out effectively (gel, tablets or injections?) and how long should I wait after fat transfer procedure to start with steroids? Are there any other ways to reduce the fat? Thank u

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest waiting 3-6 weeks to assess what has been done.  Typically I tell people to wait at least 3 months before deciding on further treatment, but if you are unhappy after the swelling goes down there are some options including: steroid and/or 5FU injections, using other fillers to reshape the area, facial liposuction (sometimes) or laser treatments.  I suggest seeing your physician if you are worried or getting a second opinion.  Best, Dr. Emer.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

At 5 days you could be very swollen.  So you need to wait and see how you look after a few weeks.  steroids can cause some reduction in swelling, and sometimes cause some atrophy of the fat but it often does not work in a uniform manner so it may still not look great.  Better idea is to fill in again in areas that need it to reshape the face.

Salvatore Pacella, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

I certainly understand your concern.  There are no pictures but you should be reassured by your surgeon.  It is far too early to get an assessment of your final result.  Fat transfer can swell tremendously.  Swelling can persist for several weeks to months.  In addition, the "Take" of fat is often unpredictable.  Some studies claim only a 50% to 80% take of fat injected.  Most surgeons inject more fat to account for this effect.  Fat transfer first starts off feeling hard and lumpy.  As healing progresses it gets softer.  I would definitely suggest a discussion with your surgeon, who could give you a better timetable of your recovery.  Best of luck!  Dr. Pacella

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

You need to wait, part of the fullness in your lower face is probably due to internal swelling from the procedure, gravity works.Time is your friendLet the tissue heal, you will be surprised.Good LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Surgery

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Fat transfer to the face is successful if one understands the anatomy of the fat compartment of the face.Also understanding the aging process and where the volume loss is, where are the fat to be injected to enhance certain features of the face.Swelling is common in the face after fat transfer. There are many ways to support the face after fat transfer.After allowing all the swelling to disappear,  and the fat to take, one can evaluate the face.Removing the fat transfer is not easy. Fibrosis make the fat difficult to liposuction and injecting steroids is not a good idea to dissolve the fat.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

This is the third question I have answered regarding your facial fat transfer procedure. The answer is the same: you need to wait and follow up with your surgeon. Steroid injections are generally a bad idea.Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.

Remove or dissolve fat after fat transfer to face?

Answers (6)

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