Is it common to require a second treatment, 3 months later, of fat transfer for lip enhancement?

Question

On Dec 8th I had fat transferred from my stomach to my upper lip. I paid $500 USD for the treatment. After the swelling was gone, I saw no change in the fullness of my lip. I asked the doctor that did the treatment if he could do a touch up. He told me its common that fat transfer doesn't work, and if I want it redone, I have to pay again. Is this normal?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Fat can disappear but often not fully if the physician is well trained and uses the most advanced techniques for harvesting (I use water assisted which is very gentle) and I add PRP to the fat to prolong its effectiveness.  you should get about 50-70% improvement at 3-6 months or longer (permanent).  Best, Dr. Emer.

Mahsa Moghaddam Smoot, MD · Answer

Fat transfer to the lips is a newer procedure which is dependent on the technique of the plastic surgeon who is performing it. In experienced hands, 50-70% of the fat injected should be permanently retained. Based on an individual's desired results, a second procedure may be necessary after three months to add a little bit more volume. However, it is not "normal" for fat transfer results to "disappear" after a few months. Please consider visiting with a plastic surgeon who has extensive experience with fat transfer to the face. I wish you the best!

Andrew Kornstein, MD, FACS · Answer

The lip is essentially a muscle wrapped by mucosa(red vermillion lip).Muscle has excellent blood supply and therefore fat graft take should be reliable.Hope this helps

Is it common to require a second treatment, 3 months later, of fat transfer for lip enhancement?

Answers (3)