Hello, Should I do a fat transfer to the face first or deep plane facelift first?

Every facelift I perform I inject fat, but not every fat transfer I perform involves lifting skin. Without a photo, I cannot tell you what I would do. But if you can avoid a face lift, you should.

Ideally, if you are indeed a candidate for both procedures then they should be done simultaneously. Restoring volume and improving skin and muscle laxity is an excellent combination with facelift and fat grafting. 

We often do deep plane face lifts at the same setting as facial fat grafting. Posting a photo would be helpful to show whether you are good candidate for both.

Thank you for your question. A facelift and facial fat grafting can be performed at the same time. Fat grafting is actually a nice complement to the facelift, restoring natural volume to the face at the same time the facelift addresses loose skin. Make sure your doctor is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience in these procedures to ensure an optimal outcome. 

A deep plane facelift lifts the midface including cheeks restoring volume to the upper midface which usually makes fat transfer to the upper cheeks unnecessary.   In probably 90% of facelifts I do some fat transfer around the mouth where ther is consistent volume loss with age.   In thin patients the lower cheeks can benefit of the patient looks gaunt.   In general I would do both at same time and occasionally supplement with additional fat 6 months later.   it is important to not add too much fat.   There is 30-50% volume retention on a fairly permanent basis.   If overdone it is extremely difficult to correct.

Facelifts and fat grafting treat two different problems. If you have both laxity and a need for additional volume then you may be a candidate for both a deep plane facelift and fat grafting. These two procedures can easily be performed during the same surgery. See someone with extensive experience.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation SpecialistQuintessa

Great question! You can absolutely have both of these procedures performed at the same time. Understand the skin and volume are two different issues at one will not treat the other that is why the doctors have recommended two different procedures. Having these procedures performed at the same time will prevent you from having to go through anesthesia twice, go through recovery twice, and take off time from your life twice. It is very commonly performed together and we’ll provide you with the most significant restoration. Seek a consultation with a few board-certified plastic surgeons and go with the one you feel most comfortable with.
Best of luck and hope this information helps!

- Dr. Roger Tsai @DrRogerTsai

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

I would recommend facelift and fat injection at the same time. Not all fat injection techniques are the same. Make sure the surgeon gets excellent take rates with his technique which should be around 80-95%. Those who felt it was a waste probably had take rates less than 50%.

Not only can fat grafting be done at the same time as a facelift but I feel that ideally it should be done at the same time because it is safe to do so, will save you an extra operative experience (which can reduce your operative risks, costs and well as time needed to recover) and give you a more dramatic yet naturally more youthful appearance.  Fat grafting has become a more popular adjunctive procedure for facelifts to optimize the results, to make it look more natural and to give it more longevity.   I would recommend that you see a Board Certified plastic surgeon with a lot of experience and great results to show you for consultation. 

It would be helpful to see some photos first. However, fat transfer and a facelift, regardless of type can typically be combined during the same surgery. More surgeons are combining the two at the same time for a full rejuvenation effect, especially around the perioral and periorbital areas, as well as to correct any asymmetry issues.