After a facial fat transfer, where does the reabsorbed fat go?

Question

Given that a certain amount of fat is reabsorbed into the body, does it just dissolve or does it accumulate within the body somewhere?

A.J. Amadi, MD · Answer

Fat cells that do not survive, atrophy (shrink) and die and get resorbed by surrounding cells. They do not accumulate anywhere else in the body.

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

Very good question. Facial fat transfer is the process of taking unwanted fat cells from one area of the body like the abdomen or hips, and then injecting it into areas of the face to smooth away lines, restore youthful volume and provide subtle facial sculpting. Most doctors will inject a bit more fat than you need with the knowledge that some with be reabsorbed. 
When this occurs, the cells are reabsorbed into the bloodstream. They do not migrate to other areas of the face or body. The cells are metabolized and eliminated from the body. The fat that is not reabsorbed can become a permanent facial enhancement. This procedure requires expertise and precision to produce a natural, long-lasting result, so be sure you work with an experienced, board-certified dermatologist to ensure an optimal outcome.

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

Facial Fat Transfer is an excellent treatment option for adding volume to the face.  While Dermal Filler is more commonly sought out, Facial Fat Transfer can be a more long-term solution as well as more natural as it requires using donor fat from elsewhere in the patients' body. The fat cells that didn't survive the transfer are then absorbed by the body.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Fat transfer results are permanent, but not all fat will survive. Harvesting is important to fat transfer. Yes, I use water-assisted fat harvesting which gives pure fat to transfer and combine with platelet rich plasma (PRP) to get the most viable and sustainable fat cells. This can be combined with Sculptra, depending on treated area, to improve outcomes. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Your body will likely recycle this fat - i.e. use it as fuel or if you have adequate calories, will store it as new fat elsewhere.

After a facial fat transfer, where does the reabsorbed fat go?

Answers (7)

Answer: Fat transfer results--water-assisted harvesting, prp, sculptra

Answer: Fat transfer results--water-assisted harvesting, prp, sculptra

Answer: Reabsorbed fat

Answer: Reabsorbed fat

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.

After a facial fat transfer, where does the reabsorbed fat go?

Answers (7)

Answer: Fat transfer results--water-assisted harvesting, prp, sculptra

Answer: Fat transfer results--water-assisted harvesting, prp, sculptra

Answer: Reabsorbed fat

Answer: Reabsorbed 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.